HEMP NOW HIGH ON THE HEALTH AGENDA

Hemp icecream and muffins could be sold in Australian supermarkets next
year after assessments found that food products using industrial hemp are
of nutritional benefit and pose no health risks.

The Australia New Zealand Food Authority yesterday called for public
comment on the legalisation of hemp foods after it released a draft
assessment that found the benefits of hemp food products outweighed any costs.

Scientific assessments undertaken by the authority over three years found
they could provide an additional dietary source of unsaturated and
essential fatty acids and did not produce any psychotropic effects. "You
would have to actually consume a huge load for it to have any effect," a
spokeswoman for the authority said.

Industrial hemp contains about 0.5 per cent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC - the
active ingredient in marijuana), compared to up to 15 per cent in those
varieties used as a drug.

"The rationale for seeking to market hemp foods in Australia is largely
based on the favourable nutrient profile of hempseed-hempseed oil," the
assessment said.

Hempseed contains all amino acids, as well as a balance of essential fatty
acids valuable in reducing blood cholesterol and regulating blood sugar
levels, making it useful for diabetics. Overseas research has also
suggested hemp can be beneficial in treating eczema.

Phil Warner, managing director of Ecofibre Industries, a Brisbane-based
company developing food products using hemp grown in Victoria and Tasmania,
said Australia was the last Western nation to legalise hemp food products.

Products such as hemp health bars, tofu, non-dairy cheeses, milks, biscuits
and cakes are being manufactured internationally.

Mr Warner said research conducted by the CSIRO estimated that in 25 years
hemp could be a $15 billion industry for Australia.