Hemp

Issue

Application to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) seeking approval of low THC hemp as food.

Response

FSANZ approved a draft variation arising from an Application (A1039) to amend Standard 1.4.4 in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to permit the use of hemp food products with low levels of the psychoactive substance, delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The Council of Australian Governments Legislative and Governance Forum on Food Regulation formally requested a review of FSANZ’s decision on 14 December 2012 and FSANZ has until 31 October 2013 to complete the review. Ministers have provided detailed reasons for the review request for FSANZ to consider. Information on the Forum process is available on the FSANZ website.

Documents relating to the Application, including submissions and related reports including the approved draft variation to the Code are available on the FSANZ website.

Varieties of Cannabis sativa that contain no or very low levels of THC are commonly referred to as hemp, low THC hemp, industrial hemp or industrial Cannabis and are not considered to have psychoactive properties. FSANZ’s assessment process includes a risk assessment of the safety of low THC hemp foods and an investigation of the potential impacts on consumers, industry and government associated with approving or not approving low THC hemp foods.

If you wish to be kept informed of progress with this Application, email your full contact details to standards.management@foodstandards.gov.au.

Information on timelines is available in the Work Plan on the FSANZ website.

A fact sheet on hemp foods is also available on the FSANZ website.

Reviewed: 12 March 2013