The long, hot summer has produced a successful hemp seed harvest in Canterbury.
It is the twelfth year Canterbury farmers have grown the crop, under licence from the Ministry of Health.
The commercial production of hemp is regulated.
Although hemp does not have the psycho-active effects of the cannabis plant - it is related to it, and that remains an issue for police and Customs.
About 50 hectares were grown this season for a commercial partnership - Oil Seed Extractions (OSE) and Midlands Seed Limited - which produces edible oil from the seeds under the New Hemisphere brand.
Brand manager, Sommer Wagstaff, says the growing conditions have produced a high quality seed crop, but because of the legal restrictions only the oil can be produced and sold here for human consumption.
Ms Wagstaff, says the company is still waiting for a decision from the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Authority which has been reviewing restrictions on hemp food products.
"We hope they can pass it because it can be used in all sorts cooking products, as well as body building protein shakes and also it's gluten-free so it's great for the people that have allergies as well."
In Australia there's still a total ban on hemp food products, including oil.
