Australian hemp growers fight government cosmetics ban

Australia’s hemp growers and suppliers are fighting a federal government ban that stops them from supplying the plant for cosmetics and pet food.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration reversed a long-standing exemption that allowed the supply of industrial hemp to make certain products in May last year.

Before then, hemp was permitted to be used in products that were for external use, provided the amount of tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) in the product was 50mg per kg or less.

Since then, some growers and industrial hemp associations – including Industrial Hemp Alliance and OzHemp – have launched a federal court case against the federal health department, the Guardian reports.

During a hearing in Sydney on Monday, barrister Jeremy Kirk said the exemption essentially extended political concerns about illegal drugs into the TGA’s legislation.

‘The TGA act is not a federal drugs act, it’s about public health and safety,’ he said.

Earlier this year, the industrial hemp industry had celebrated a decision to allow hemp to be used in food products – and products with low concentrations of THC to be legally consumed.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration reversed a long-standing exemption that allowed the supply of industrial hemp to make certain products in May last year. File photo

But now, the new regulations are deterring investors from putting money into the sector, according to James Vosper, the vice president of the Australian Industrial Hemp Allowance.

He added that Australia is uniquely placed to be able to supply industrial hemp to countries in Asia and that the industrial would be a boon for ‘economically depressed areas.’

The federal court is expected to make a decision on Friday.