THE theft of industrial hemp plants from farmers’ crops has prompted Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) to remind people the new agricultural product does not have the same chemical properties as either marijuana or medicinal cannabis.
Biosecurity SA rural chemicals operations manager Michael McManus said with the first commercial harvest of industrial hemp crops now under way in South Australia, PIRSA had become aware some producers were facing unwanted attention on their crops.
The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) is currently trialing crops at two sites in the South East.
“It is just not worth the risk to try and steal them,” Mr McManus said.
“Industrial hemp should not be confused with medicinal cannabis or marijuana.
“This crop is essentially just like any other agricultural crop such as wheat or barley.
“Depending on the final purpose of the industrial hemp crop, spraying for insects and weeds can occur.
“So anyone thinking of stealing industrial hemp plants to either consume or smoke will experience absolutely no ‘high’.
“They should also be aware that if crops have been sprayed any consumption could in fact lead to a risk of becoming seriously unwell due to potential pesticide exposure.”
Under the Industrial Hemp Act 2017 there is strict criteria on the definition of industrial hemp, with the plant only able to contain very low or negligible tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content – less than 1pc – in the leaves, flowers and stems.
Anyone who notices any suspicious behaviour around industrial hemp sites should contact SA Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
