Why Hemp Is Hot

They’re a species of cannabis plant, but hemp seeds – not to be confused with marijuana – pack a nutrient punch

- Sarah Marinos

Europe, Canada and the US have long recognised the nutritional value of hemp seeds. In supermarkets and health food stores across those continents, the seeds have been used in everything from protein powders, home-baked muffins, breakfast cereals to salads, soups and bread. In the US and Canada alone, the hemp food market is worth an eye-popping $775 million.

Late last year Australia and New Zealand fell into step with the rest of the world when Food Standards Australia New Zealand − the government food regulatory body − finally approved the sale of hemp seeds and foods containing hemp. Hemp products sold in our health food stores have always had to be labelled ‘not for human consumption’ and were confined to products like skin creams, toiletries and cosmetics.

SO, WHAT IS HEMP EXACTLY?

Hemp is a member of the cannabis plant species, Cannabis sativa. But the kinds of hemp seeds used in foods aren’t to be confused with other forms of cannabis or marijuana known for their medicinal and hallucinogenic effects.