Nimbin local and cannabis law reformer Andrew Kavasilas has been growing hemp under permits since 1999. 

As a hemp industry pioneer, he has his finger in lots of hemp pies - from growing industrial hemp for seed, to working with Southern Cross University cannabis research scientists.

But now, Andrew wants to see the Australian hemp industry expand into producing new hemp products.

He has just lodged an application to get the Australian Food Code changed to allow the use and sale of low-delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) hemp leaf, seed sprouts and roots for human consumption.

“Hemp leaf food is a new step,” he said. "It took 17 years to get hemp seed approved for consumption, so let’s not waste another decade on getting the leaf and sprouts approved too.”

Hemp foods

Andrew said the low-THC hemp leaf can be used in the same manner as dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale or even used as an adjunct to hops in beer. 

The fresh leaves can be used as a micro-green ingredient in salads and smoothies and can be juiced and cooked. Just like other similar produce, cannabis leaf contains folate, iron, calcium, vitamin K and vitamin C, magnesium and phosphorus.

It's a good source of dietary fibre, enhanced flavonoids and unique terpenes which produce favourable tastes.

Low-THC hemp seed sprouts can be used in the same way as other bean and seed sprouts that are commonly sold in Australia and New Zealand. 

Low-THC hemp roots can be prepared and used in a similar manner to ginger. The dried root can be used as an ingredient in tea blends, herbal infusion products and coffee substitute products in a similar way to roasted dandelion root.

Production

Andrew said most of his hemp seed crops are grown under contract in Tasmania, not in NSW.

“It’s because the Tasmanian government was more progressive than NSW in law changes to support the industry,” he said.

“They also have the right varieties, conditions and machinery to handle the extraction of the fragile omega oils in hemp seeds.

“It’s ludicrous that Australia is so far behind overseas countries, where we can buy and sell all parts CBD over the counter - but in Australia, you have to go to the doctor for a prescription.” 

Changing codes

Andrew said he is encouraging State Governments to support his application to the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FZANZ) to have the code changed.

He also wants to see Australian farmers given the opportunity to catch up with the rest of the world when it comes to the various uses of hemp. 

Olivia Newton John

After a long career in growing hemp products, Andrew has made some big connections with famous people. 

“Olivia Newton John has been my business partner for years,” he said. “She has been using high THC and CBD cannabis for pain.

“She’s in California and her husband grows it for her. 

“She’s had three bouts of cancer, and it’s a combination of chemo, surgery, nutrition and diet, combined with doses of cannabis that have kept her alive.”

Job creation

On the path to commercialization, Andrew joined forces with Hemp Fields, a leading industrial hemp producer, who operates one of the largest low-THC cannabis (hemp) research and

development facilities in Australia.

He hopes that the economic impact of utilizing the whole plant will lead to job creation in rural areas, exponentially increasing the value of the hemp food industry in Australia.

“This won’t be like hemp seed production,” he said. “Australian producers can be market ready for domestic and international trade within months, we just need Australian Food Regulators to make the necessary approvals.”