HEMP: A MOST PROMISING, VERSATILE, ECO-FRIENDLY PLANT

About Hemp

HEMP USES n FOOD Hemp seeds and oil naturally provide a perfect balance of the essential fatty acids, Omega 3 and Omega 6, in the ideal ratio of 1:3, along with uniquely high levels of vitamin E.

n MEDICINE The active components in medicinal cannabis can redress many medical conditions. The plant produces over 100 different types of cannabinoids which act on the cells’ cannabinoid receptors found in the Endocannabinoid System, a neuro-modulatory system involved in homeostasis.

n BUILDING Lightweight hemp cellulose masonry made with natural lime-based binders is strong, durable and breathable and has superior acoustic and insulation properties. It is fire and termite resistant and is a healthy, eco-friendly alternative to cement-based products. It is also lighter yet stronger than concrete and wood. Industrial hemp fibre particle board can be made in existing factories and is lighter and stronger than similar wood-based products. Its many superior qualities make its widespread use an ideal response to climate change.

n TEXTILES Industrial Hemp fabric is highly valued because of its strength and durability, and for the environmentally sustainable benefits of its cultivation.

n PAPER For thousands of years until the 20th century, Industrial Hemp was used extensively to make durable paper products. The majority of the world’s Bibles and encyclopaedias were printed on hemp paper.

n PLASTICS All grades of bio-degradable plastics from non-toxic food wrapping to shipping pallets can be manufactured from hemp with none of the chemical endocrine disruptors found in hydrocarbon derived plastics.

n BIOFUELS AND ENERGY STORAGE Hemp has great potential as an alternative energy source for vehicles and power tools, and the waste fibres from hemp crops can be transformed into high-performance energy storage devices. Scientists have also created carbon nanosheets and supercapacitors that compete favourably with graphene. Electric cars and power tools could harness hemp technology.

To join IHANSW go to: www.ihansw.org.au/membershipEmail: info@ihansw.org.auWebsite: www.ihansw.org.au

Industrial Hemp Australasia

NSW-Industrial-Hemp-Association

@IHANSW

@ihansw

INFORMATION

Australian Government

www.tga.gov.au/access-medicinal-cannabis-products

Medicinal Cannabis Compassionate Use Scheme (NSW)

www.medicinalcannabis.nsw.gov.au/regulation/access

NSW CLINICAL TRIALS

www.medicinalcannabis.nsw.gov.au

HEMP GROWING and LICENCING IN NSW

In November 2008, NSW passed legislation to allow for the cultivation and use of hemp under licence. Notably, farmers are required to use seed that has a THC level of 0.5% or less, which is closely monitored.

NSW Department of Agriculture informationwww.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/broadacre-crops/summer-crops/hemp/nsw-hemp-industry

Hemp has a 12,000-year history of known use as fibre, food and medicine.

In 2017 FSANZ (Food Standards Australia and New Zealand) approved hulled hemp seed for human consumption.

Recently, aided by the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the human body, the USA and other countries have commenced targeted use of medicinal cannabis for treatment of a wider range of previously untreatable conditions.

Australia amended national legislation in February 2016 to legalise medicinal use. To date, this has allowed more than 4,000 patients to be treated by medical specialists with legally produced pharmaceutical cannabis.

Australia’s two national schemes are the Authorised Prescriber Scheme and the Special Access Scheme.

Special Access Scheme approvals cover the following indications, among others:n chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomitingn refractory paediatric epilepsyn palliative caren cancer painn neuropathic painn spasticity from neurological conditionsn anorexia and wasting associated with

chronic illness such as cancer.

There is currently a bottleneck in legal treatments due to the very strict controls on provision and lack of legal access to whole-plant extracts.

NATIONAL AND NSW LEGISLATION ON FOOD AND MEDICINE IHA VISION AND AIMS

n Increase public awareness of the potential benefits of Industrial Hemp in all sectors.

n Facilitate information dissemination and collaboration.

n Support job creation, especially in rural areas. n Establish, administer and develop state and

national lobby groups to interface with government agencies.

n Provide an alternative, profitable crop for farmers by supporting the development of Industrial Hemp enterprises.

n Adopt a firm stance against genetic modification of Industrial Hemp crops.

INDUSTRIAL HEMP AND THE ENVIRONMENT Hemp yields three times more fibre than cotton per hectare and is stronger. It provides an efficient mulch and rotation crop.Hemp can produce 2-4 times the amount of pulp per hectare as wood chip without producing dioxins. It can be recycled more times than wood pulp.

OTHER BENEFITS

n Highly nutritious food products n Effective medicines for humans and animals n Strong fibre for textiles, clothing and papern Fibre used for many building productsn Hemp oil for soaps, lotions, cosmetics and other

oil-based products n Sustainable industry jobs and economic

opportunities

To join IHANSW go to: www.ihansw.org.au/membership

Email: info@ihansw.org.auWebsite: www.ihansw.org.au