Australians and New Zealanders are getting high on hemp.
But don’t bother looking for them in dark alleyways, you’ll find them at your local bulk store.
That’s right, after 15 years of petitioning from the hemp industry, hemp food products are now legal in both Australia and New Zealand. The Source Bulk Foods and Biome have begun to stock hemp seeds and healthy lifestyle enthusiasts are getting high on hemp’s omega-3 fatty acids, protein, minerals, and vitamins. But what about the hallucinogenic affects?!
Fortunately, (or unfortunately?) they won’t be getting high on THC. Hemp seeds are low in THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the hallucinogenic chemical that continues to be illegal in both countries. This commonly known drug is what has kept this super-food from the shelves for so long, but there’s no stopping it now!
Hemp is not only great for your body, but has incredible environmental qualities too. It is quick to grow, requires minimal water to survive, and its natural resistance to pests means pesticides and harsh repellent chemicals can be avoided.
It will take a while for the public to separate marijuana connotations to the hemp seeds we use in our food, but already this super food is proving its worth and popping up in café menus. Next time you pop into your favourite organic café, why not try a hemp brownie? I won’t tell anyone.
