A GREENS motion supporting a legal hemp food industry has passed through the NSW upper house, despite opposition from the Liberals and Nationals.
The private members motion tabled by Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham urged MPs to support the legalisation of hemp food in recognition of the potential benefits to farmers and the economy.
The motion passed with support from Labor, Fred Nile’s Christian Democrats, and the Animal Justice Party.
Demand for hemp seed is growing, and it can be another option for farmers to have in their toolbox.
- NSW Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham
The Shooters and Fishers Party – who have applied to add ‘Farmers’ to their title – were not present for the vote.
The Coalition is against making hemp food legal before reports on the impact on roadside drug testing, as well as marketing, labelling, and packaging, and health, are completed.
NSW Ag minister Niall Blair has previously stated his support for hemp as food but has stressed the need to meet the appropriate safety checks and frameworks.
Mr Buckingham, meanwhile, says the time is right for low-THC hemp seeds to be legally grown, sold, and consumed in Australia.
While it is currently illegal, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand has said it will will consider a report in March on the cannabinoid levels, legal and treaty issues, and concerns that the marketing of hemp in food may send a confused message to consumers about the acceptability and safety of cannabis.
Law enforcement agencies are also expected to deliver the results of a study on the impacts for roadside testing later in 2016.
Mr Buckingham said he did not understand the “bueuracratic opposition” to kickstarting a viable agricultural commodity that was potentiall worth “billions” to NSW.
“I’m very pleased, I don’t want to see the Canadians outflank us on this,” he said.
“Demand for hemp seed is growing, and it can be another option for farmers to have in their toolbox.”
“This motion gives the push for hemp food a bit of strength.”
