Seeds of rebellion in hemp sales

Hemp seed sales are growing and claims of their health benefits are spreading. But there is an under-the-counter element to their trade, with the prospect of fines for selling a product that is climbing the superfood charts.

Despite no evidence that consumers can get high from hemp seeds, bans are in place. A Food Standards Australia New Zealand investigation concluded ''hemp does not have any psychoactive properties''. It said it did not identify any safety concerns about consumption and ''hemp seed is a nutritious food containing sizeable amounts of protein, polyunsaturated fats and dietary fibre''.

A Melbourne restaurant that serves dishes containing hemp seeds could be pursued by the Health Department if its identity were disclosed. Cannabis is a prohibited substance under the Food Act, so it is illegal to sell hemp seeds, or hemp seed oil, as food. The fine is $40,000 for an individual and $200,000 for a corporation.

A restaurateur who serves hemp-seed chocolate fudge claims she was unaware she was committing an offence. She relied on information from supplier Lariese, whose owner Ron Williams claims he has a permit for hemp to be sold for human consumption. ''I don't exactly see the hemp squads knocking on people's doors,'' he said.

The Health Department says there are no exemptions.

Some retailers promote and sell hemp seeds as an ingredient for facial scrubs.

''We are very diplomatic,'' said Francesca Boch from Great Earth Super Discount Health Shop.