In New Zealand, officials are still in an on-going decision-making to whether allow businesses to sell Hemp Seed Food Products.
TVNZ reported that the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Minesterial Forum is still coming up with food standards to ensure safety in allowing the sale of hemp-based food items.
Over a year ago, the authorities discontinued the selling of these organic food products so they can revise the standards. As stated from their website, "ministers were concerned that the availability of hemp foods may send a confused message to consumers about the acceptability and safety of illicit Cannabis and pose problems for drug enforcement agencies."
Food Safety Minister Jo Goodhew hopes that the ministerial forum will be able to identify the positive health effects of Hemp foods.
"New Zealand supports a standard allowing the sale of hemp seed food products," said Goodhew. "However, the Ministerial Forum had some unanswered questions when it met in January."
Concerns about the mind-altering component in cannabis, establishing the right amount of cannabidiol in the food products, and road-side drug testing delays their decision.
"The best available science shows us that hemp seed is safe to eat and has positive nutritional properties," she added.
Hemp is a type of Cannabis Sativa plant that has a wide-range of uses such as food, clothing, paper, and other commercial products.
Hemp seed food products contain healthy proteins, Vitamin A and other nutrients like those found in soybeans. Hemp, however, tastes better and is easier to digest than beans. Among the food products that are made out of hemp are organic peanut butter, crackers, cheese, flour, and other cake mixes.
Animals can also benefit from the plant by providing nutrients in food for pets like dogs and cats, and other species like cows, horses, chickens and birds.
For now, only the sale of hemp seed oil is allowed in New Zealand under certain conditions.
