New Zealand hemp producers are very disappointed with what they say will be a lengthy delay before authorities make up their minds on whether hemp can be consumed as food here and in Australia.
While hemp oil can be used in food in New Zealand, all hemp food products are banned in Australia.
Ashburton-based Midlands Seed director Andrew Davidson says the move by the Australian and New Zealand Food Ministers to seek further advice from the police was the right thing to do.
But he questions why the process needs to take a year saying the timeframe seems excessively long.
Mr Davidson says there's still no guarantee that the food ministers will make a decision in a year.
