Hemp growers and sellers want to dispel the public perception that hemp is marijuana, as hemp contains similar nutrients to fish oil and has numerous health benefits.
it was illegal to grow hemp in New Zealand until
Hemp also is a good source of omega 3, 6 and 9 for whch people often take fish oil.
“Hemp seed oil is better than fish oil because it has five anti-inflammatory properties,” she says, and can help with skin conditions, arthritis, blood pressure and high-cholesterol.
According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) hemp seeds are a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fatty acids and are legally allowed to be sold as food in Europe, Canada and the United States.
For hemp to be allowed to be grown in New Zealand, hemp crops must contain less than 0.3 percent
The drug contains 3 percent to 22 percent. Currently hemp growers have to apply for a licence and have their background checked before they are issued a licence to grow it. Once in production it then has to be tested regularly to make sure the THC levels are low enough.
To benefit from the nutrients, Ms Renshaw recommends eating at least a tablespoon of oil per day, and says it is great for vegetarians or others who need a source of omega 3 but don’t want to eat fish oil.