Frequently Asked Questions
Hemp? What is it? And, how is it different from Marijuana?
Hemp or industrial hemp, fall under the same family of plant known as Cannabis. The same as marijuana. However, hemp is very low in THC, the psychoactive component of Marijuana. Think about mushrooms. We can easily recognise the difference between button mushrooms and shitake, as opposed to psychedelic "magic" mushrooms. The same applies with dogs. We can separate the characteristics of a great dane to a chihuahua or a corgi to a pit bull terrier. Yet somehow, the differences between industrial hemp and marijuana have been deliberately misrepresented.
So, can I smoke your shirts?
Believe it or not, this a commonly asked question and the answer of course is no! This question is a big reason why we see one of our roles in this industry as educators, to help people understand more about the many aspects, benefits and uses of Hemp.
Can we call hemp a food?
Yes! Finally, Australia has joined the vast majority of the world in allowing hemp to be promoted as a food. This nutritional powerhouse should now be used as part of your regular diet. There was never any doubt of the importance and legitimacy of hemp seed products as validated by FSANZ (Food Standards of Australia and New Zealand). The delays were primarily caused by the need to reclassify the differences between hemp and marijuana. This was achieved by regulating how much THC is present in the plant and resulting foods.
Why does it say "not for internal use in Australia or New Zealand" on your packaging then?
Hemp food approval came in to play in November 2017 - prior to that we were not able to promote hemp as a food and therefore we had to write "not for internal use in Australia or New Zealand" on all our hemp seed products. This phrase will be taken off with our next round of printing but until then it's a good story and can be left as a sign of the progress we have made in Australia. Check out our legislation page for details or our food labeling page for batch specific queries.
How do I use hemp seeds, oil and protein powder?
Hulled hemp seeds, protein powder and oil are easily digested, allowing for the body to utilise the nutritional profile that this superfood has to offer. Their pleasant nutty taste allows them to be easily incorporated into your diet. They make the perfect addition to smoothies, salads, pestos, dips, baked goods, bliss balls and other healthy snacks. Please see our recipe pag/blog for creative and tasty recipes and please send us your recipes and make your valuable contribution available to all. We often run promotions and rewards for the best contributors.
Is hemp gluten free?
Hemp is a gluten free crop but that is not to say that weeds which are likely to grow on any plantation (particularly an organic plantation) are also gluten free, which often is not the case. Therefore, it is important to understand the value in responsible harvesting, cleaning and processing of the crop. Made In Hemp source premium hemp where these practices are maintained, rather than inferior crops where there is every likelihood of gluten and other contaminants being prevalent.
I saw on the news hemp oil is being used to treat a range of disorders. Is that hemp seed oil?
Whilst hemp seed oil is great for general health (please see our nutrition page for more information), it is very different to the hemp oil frequently referred to in the news. There is extensive research on the therapeutic applications of Hemp seed oil as well as CBD oil or Medical Cannabis Oil. There is also a lot of confusing and misleading information about CBD oil, so please don't hesitate to contact us by phone or email if you would like any more information.
Will I fail a drug test?
Whilst it is technically possible for hemp products to contain THC and to trigger a positive response in roadside tests in Australia, you can rest assured that all Made In Hemp products are tested and Certificates Of Analysis justify our "THC free" claims.
Where is your clothing sourced from?
Most hemp fibre is sourced from China where their hemp textile industry has been practiced for thousands of years. There are also regions in Europe that are producing fine hemp threads, such as Romania. We are always looking to support ethically produced hemp products and are constantly on the lookout. Please feel free to contact us with any ideas or suggestions. We also stock and promote bamboo fibre products. They’re made using moso bamboo and is grown without pesticides or chemicals. The methods by which bamboo is processed into a fibre however, have been questionable in the past. Bamboo fibre technologies have improved considerably in recent times and modern processing makes bamboo fibre much more ecologically sustainable. We are thankful to our suppliers for constantly searching for more environmentally friendly processing solutions. All our suppliers use state-of-the-art quality monitoring laboratories, machinery and procedures. All our factories have appropriate certifications to ensure the right practices are adopted and that they are produced complying with and endorsed by the appropriate fair trade regulatory bodies.
Can you cook with hemp seed oil?
As it is a highly unsaturated vegetable oil, it is denatured by heating above 150°C. This can result in the production of unhealthy trans-fatty acids and increased peroxide values. Use hemp seed oil as a nutritional boost in many recipes, such as a salad dressing or in smoothies. Keep bottles tightly sealed after opening and store in the refrigerator or freezer. So in essence add it to any culinary application but DO NOT boil it.
Why do you import you hemp foods when there is Australian available?
With networks from around the world, we have been importing the world's best hemp seed products for 10 years. Whilst we are excited that the Australian hemp industry has started to kick off, it will be some time before it matches the quality and organic status of what has been produced overseas. It should be noted however that Made In Hemp has received government funding to help establish a "state of the art" hemp processing facility. This is where premium varieties of hemp seed will be distributed through a network of Australian farmers in order to produce a range of quality Australian hemp foods and products that will be processed at the Made In Hemp Allied Processing plant.
How can I get more involved in the hemp industry?
By supporting Australian businesses like Made In Hemp, you are helping this industry grow. In addition to that, please like us on Facebook, where we share industry news and events, as well as connections to like-minded businesses. If you are interested in farming please visit our Hemp farming page. Or for more information on other hemp business ideas, visit our Consultancy page.
Why do you put hemp seed oil in your skin care?
The addition of hemp seed oil to our body care range allows the essential fatty acids to penetrate the cells of the skin and lubricate the surface between them. This means, it not only prevents moisture loss on a physiological level, it is proven to have anti-aging qualities and helps regenerate the skin's protective layer. This also increases the skin elasticity and water retention capacity in tissues which all leads to improved softness and elasticity. This makes Made In Hemp’s body care range highly beneficial for dry, tired, dehydrated skin. It’s also a great product to use during extreme weather, such as heat, cold and wind, which can strip away at the skin's natural lipid barrier. These essential fatty acids also have great anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
Where can I find Made In Hemp's products?
Right here! You can also visit us in store at Long Jetty on the NSW Central Coast or in Islington, Newcastle. We also have fantastic stockists around Australia! Give us a call and we can help you find Made In Hemp products near you.