Legalise Cannabis Victoria MPs Rachel Payne and David Ettershank have today called on parliamentary colleagues to back their motion for an inquiry into the state’s industrial hemp industry.
The move comes after the government announced it will end native forest logging in the state next year.
Payne said: “The foreclosure of native logging makes a hemp inquiry critical so that Victoria can meet its growing need for building materials and fibre pulp. Broad support for this inquiry will help us kickstart a new era in Victoria’s fibre future with a boost to industrial hemp.”
She added: “With an estimated global value of A$4.9 billion, it is time to shine a light on this incredibly versatile, resilient, and sustainable crop.
“While other Australian states have tapped into the hemp export market, Victoria is lagging and needs investment in its hemp infrastructure and processing capabilities.”
Ettershank said: “For far too long, industrial hemp has been like a victim of a drive-by shooting, caught in the crossfire of the prohibition on cannabis.
“Meanwhile, Victorian farmers are crying out to get a foot in this fertile international market, so it’s now time Victorian hemp is given a chance to thrive.”
Payne said hemp’s ability to absorb more carbon dioxide per hectare than a forest “or almost any other commercial crop” will be crucial in helping Victoria reach its carbon emissions reduction targets.
“We know hemp is grown for beauty products, paper, food and clothing, but the construction material capability of hemp alone will be key as Victoria continues to grow,” she added.
