Hemp and Health: The Overlooked Side of Cannabis in Sunraysia

Sunraysia’s rich soils and sunny days have long been the backbone of Australia’s fruit and nut industries. Now, an unexpected crop is quietly gaining traction in the region – industrial hemp, valued for both its health and environmental contributions. While cannabis often grabs headlines for medical use, hemp offers a subtler promise that aligns with Sunraysia’s agricultural strengths and growing sustainability efforts.

What Makes Hemp Different?

Hemp refers to varieties of Cannabis sativa with very low levels of THC, usually under 1 per cent. In Victoria, the law specifies that hemp crops must contain less than 0.5 per cent THC, and anything above 1 per cent must be destroyed, according to Agriculture Victoria. Unlike medicinal cannabis, hemp is not psychoactive and is legal to cultivate under licence from the state government. Reports such as the Industrial Hemp Industry in Victoria Inquiry have underlined its potential to expand beyond a niche crop and contribute to both rural economies and public health.

A Crop Suited to Sunraysia

Sunraysia, known for its citrus, grapes and almonds, benefits from a warm climate and reliable irrigation – conditions also favourable to hemp. Trials in the Mallee have shown hemp to be drought-tolerant, pest-resilient, and effective at soil regeneration, according to SuniTAFE research. Unlike more water-intensive crops, hemp requires less irrigation and can fit seamlessly into existing rotations. Farmers see potential not only in raw seed sales but also in value-added products like oils, protein powders, and hemp-based livestock feed. Given the region’s agricultural expertise, hemp could diversify income streams and reduce risks linked to climate variability.

Hemp and Health

Hemp is often celebrated as a “superfood” because it contains all essential amino acids and is high in omega-3s and protein. The Victorian parliamentary inquiry highlighted its nutritional profile, while education providers such as SuniTAFE note its applications in wellness and food products. Hemp oil is increasingly used in health supplements, while hemp seeds are making their way into breads, cereals, and even plant-based milks. Globally, hemp-based products were valued at USD 5.4 billion in 2023 and are forecast to reach USD 27.7 billion by 2034, according to Transparency Market Research. With consumer interest in natural, plant-based nutrition on the rise, demand is expected to keep growing.

Environmental and Industrial Promise

Beyond nutrition, hemp has environmental credentials that resonate with regional priorities. It grows quickly, uses less water than cotton, and contributes to soil health and carbon capture. Farmers and researchers have pointed out its potential for textiles, building materials and bioplastics, as outlined in Bunyip Hemp’s industry analysis. Hempcrete, a sustainable construction material made from the plant’s stalks, has been trialled in eco-friendly housing projects. The fibres are also strong and lightweight, lending themselves to uses ranging from clothing to biodegradable packaging. These applications align neatly with Victoria’s push towards a more circular economy and could position Sunraysia as a regional hub for hemp innovation.

The Roadblocks Ahead

Despite its potential, the hemp sector in Victoria remains modest. As of 2023, just six licensed growers had planted around 100 hectares across the state – a fraction compared to Tasmania’s 1,600 hectares, as reported by the Herald Sun. Licensing is complex and costly: applicants must pass background checks, provide business plans, and pay inspection fees ranging from AUD 500 to 1,500 annually, according to Agriculture Victoria. Farmers say that while the crop has promise, such regulatory hurdles – combined with the lack of large-scale processing facilities – have kept Victoria’s hemp industry from realising its potential.

Tipping Toward Growth

There are signs momentum may be building. The Victorian parliamentary inquiry recommended prioritising hemp as a growth crop, investing in research on fire-resistant construction materials, and encouraging the use of regional infrastructure for processing. In New South Wales, a government taskforce is also exploring hemp’s role in carbon markets and rural development, as reported by The Guardian. If Victoria follows suit, Sunraysia could be well-placed to lead the charge.

From Seeds to Science

Sunraysia’s future agricultural path may also be shaped by genetics and innovation. International companies such as Herbies Seeds highlight the diversity of available cannabis seeds, underscoring how traditional plant breeding knowledge contributes to modern medical and industrial applications. While these seeds are not part of Victoria’s prescription system, they reflect the global science that informs how hemp and cannabis are understood today – from nutrition to medicine and beyond.

Looking Ahead

For the Sunraysia region, hemp represents more than just another sideline – it could be a strategic ally in diversifying cropping systems while promoting soil health, sustainability, and new local industries. As regulations adapt and public awareness grows, the region has the land, experience and climate to make hemp flourish, not only as a commodity but as a meaningful contributor to health, economy and the environment. The overlooked side of cannabis may well become one of Sunraysia’s quiet strengths in the decade ahead.