Hemp seed oil is legal in Australia, but confusion around cannabis-related products persists. If you've ever hesitated at the checkout or wondered what you can travel with, this guide provides all the up-to-date information you need.
Hemp Seed Oil vs. Hemp Oil: A Critical Distinction
These two terms are not interchangeable, and confusing them can lead to real legal risk.
Hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. The seeds contain no significant cannabinoids (CBD or THC), making hemp seed oil a nutritional food product rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and amino acids.
Hemp oil (sometimes called CBD oil) is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the plant and contains cannabidiol (CBD). Under Australian law, CBD oil is classified as a controlled substance requiring a valid prescription.
At Vasse Valley, we're a licensed hemp seed grower based in Western Australia's Margaret River wine region. Everything in our range, from our hemp seeds and cold-pressed hemp seed oil to our hemp seed oil capsules, is derived exclusively from the seed and complies fully with Australian food law.
The Regulatory Framework
Hemp seed oil for human consumption has been legal in Australia since 12 November 2017, when Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) amended the Food Standards Code under Standard 1.4.4 to permit low-THC hemp seed foods. Under this standard, compliant hemp seed oil must contain:
- Total THC ≤ 50 mg/kg (0.005%)
- Total CBD ≤ 75 mg/kg (0.0075%)
For hemp seed oil used in listed medicines, the TGA's compositional guidelines set an even stricter limit of ≤ 10 ppm THC.
The TGA also governs what therapeutic claims can be made about hemp products. Companies cannot advertise specific health benefits without supporting clinical evidence. Always look for products from suppliers who provide third-party test results confirming compliance.
Is hemp seed safe to eat? Yes, and it's also remarkably nutritious. The 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in hemp seed oil is considered optimal for human health, supporting cardiovascular function, skin integrity, and the management of inflammation.
Drug Testing: What You Need to Know
Hemp seed oil should not cause a positive drug test. Because the seeds contain negligible cannabinoids, the oil carries negligible THC, and drug tests screen for THC metabolites (specifically THC-COOH), not fatty acids.
Australian studies have confirmed that THC from compliant low-THC hemp seed foods is unlikely to be detected in urine or oral fluid samples analysed under the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4308-2008. Vasse Valley co-founder Chris Blake was actively drug tested throughout his mining career while establishing our hemp farm, and passed every test.
However, not all products labelled "hemp oil" are hemp seed oil. Full-spectrum CBD oils or mislabelled products may contain detectable THC. Always verify you're purchasing from a reputable, third-party-tested source, and check that the label says "hemp seed oil," not simply "hemp oil."
Travelling with Hemp Seed Oil
Interstate
Hemp seed oil is legal for human consumption across all Australian states and territories under the FSANZ framework. You can carry it between states without issue. It's considered a food product, not a controlled substance.
Overseas
This is where you need to exercise caution. Cannabis laws vary dramatically between countries, and not all customs authorities distinguish between hemp seed oil and CBD oil. Several countries in Asia and the Middle East treat all cannabis-derived products as illegal, regardless of THC content. Before travelling internationally:
- Keep your hemp seed oil in its original, sealed packaging with the label clearly visible
- Carry a certificate of analysis (COA) confirming THC levels
- Check the customs rules for your destination country (and any transit countries) before you depart
- When in doubt, leave it at home and purchase upon return
Hemp Seed Oil for Pets
Good news for pet owners: hemp oil for dogs is legally available in Australia as a general wellness and nutritional supplement. Hemp seed oil's rich omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid profile supports skin health, coat condition, and joint comfort.
The APVMA previously lumped hemp seed oil in with medicinal cannabis for animals. But as of May 2025, hemp seed oil products sold as pet nutritional supplements have been deemed legal and safe.
If your dog has a specific health condition, always consult your vet. For general daily wellness, hemp seed oil for dogs is a safe, nutritious option you can feel good about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hemp seed oil the same as CBD oil?
No. Hemp seed oil comes from the seed and contains no CBD or THC. CBD oil comes from the plant's flowers and leaves, is rich in cannabidiol, and requires a prescription in Australia.
Will hemp seed oil make me fail a drug test?
Compliant hemp seed oil contains no meaningful THC and should not trigger a positive drug test under Australian standards. The risk increases with poorly labelled or mislabelled products, so always buy from a licensed, third-party-tested supplier.
Can I buy hemp seed oil without a prescription?
Yes. Hemp seed oil is a food product available over the counter in health food stores and online with no prescription required.
Is hemp seed oil legal to import into Australia?
Hemp seed oil can be imported without an ODC licence provided it meets the cannabinoid thresholds under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Approval 2018 (CBD ≤ 75 mg/kg, THC ≤ 50 mg/kg). That said, buying Australian-grown is the simplest and safest option.
Can I take hemp seed oil overseas?
It depends entirely on your destination. Hemp seed oil is legal in Australia, but other countries may treat it differently. Always check local regulations before travelling, carry original packaging and a COA, and err on the side of caution in countries with strict cannabis laws.
Vasse Valley is a licensed industrial hemp grower and processor based in the Margaret River wine region, WA. All our hemp food products are grown, pressed, and tested in Australia to meet FSANZ and TGA standards.