New Research Supercharging The Many Faces Of Hemp

WORDS: Cloe Jager & Lee Adendorff PHOTOGRAPHY Southern Cross University

How Australian researchers are unlocking the nutritional, industrial and medicinal power of one of the world’s most versatile plants

Thinking of tossing hempseeds into your summer salad or blending them into a protein shake? This trending superfood is getting a scientific boost that could transform the industry.

It is the pinnacle of clean eating, with hempseeds becoming a staple in nourish bowls and smoothies. Rich in protein, fibre and healthy fatty acids, it is no surprise hemp has been labelled a superfood.

From hemp oil and protein powder to skincare products, the plant’s versatility is making waves in the wellness world.

Clinical nutritionist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Southern Cross University’s National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Dr Jessica Bayes, says hempseed is a standout plant protein.

“It’s one of the few that’s complete, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids our bodies need to thrive,” Dr Bayes says.

“Hempseed doesn’t just deliver protein and good fats — it’s also packed with Vitamin E antioxidants that help fight inflammation and keep your blood vessels healthy.”

Hemp’s potential goes far beyond the kitchen. The plant is also being used to produce a range of other products such as building materials, pet food, stockfeed, paper, rope and textiles.

Hempseed. Associate Professor Tobias Kretzschmar with a handful of hempseed.
ARC Linkage to drive hemp food crop quality controls for Aussie growers
Southern Cross University is supporting Australia’s emerging hempseed food industry to develop hemp varieties of high nutritional value best-suited to local conditions. Associate Professor Tobias Kretzschmar, a world expert in plant breeding and genetics, will lead the project. His team will work in collaboration with industry partner Kavasil Pty Ltd, a regional hemp research and development (R&D) and consulting company based at Nimbin in the NSW Northern Rivers.

Its versatility, fast growth rate, ability to thrive in diverse climates, low water use and low carbon footprint make it a standout for sustainable farming.

Industry bodies are championing hemp as a future-focused crop, and the numbers back it up. AgriFutures Australia projects global demand for industrial hemp will reach $18.6 billion by 2027, driven by innovation and increasing consumer interest.

Southern Cross University is the research lead for AgriFutures’ $2.5-million investment into the Australian Industrial Hemp Program of Research (AIHPR), a nation-wide collaboration which supports the national hemp industry through research into hemp varieties, hemp primary production, hemp products and hemp sustainability.

Swinging both ways

One of the biggest challenges in hemp farming for seed is its reproductive biology. Hemp typically has separate male and female plants. Only the females produce seeds, while males are needed for pollination but don’t contribute to yield.

But now, researchers at Southern Cross University are exploring a novel solution.

As part of the University’s Harvest to Health research cluster, the team is investigating the genetic characteristics of male and female hemp varieties, with the aim of coaxing male plants to produce seed as well as pollen – a plant that researchers have cheekily dubbed as ‘swinging both ways’.

The result could increase seed yields by up to 50 per cent, boosting productivity and profitability for farmers.

Associate Professor Tobias Kretzschmar (right) and Andrew Kavasilas, CEO of Kavasil Pty Ltd, with cannabis plants.
ARC Linkage to drive hemp food crop quality controls for Aussie growers
Southern Cross University is supporting Australia’s emerging hempseed food industry to develop hemp varieties of high nutritional value best-suited to local conditions. Associate Professor Tobias Kretzschmar, a world expert in plant breeding and genetics, will lead the project. His team will work in collaboration with industry partner Kavasil Pty Ltd, a regional hemp research and development (R&D) and consulting company based at Nimbin in the NSW Northern Rivers.

This breakthrough project is supported by a $561,251 Australian Research Council Linkage grant, with Northern Rivers-based Kavasil Pty Ltd as the industry partner. Lead investigator Professor Tobias Kretzschmar says the project could be a major win for both producers and consumers.

“If we can boost seed production, that in turn will boost profitability for farmers and ultimately lower the cost of hempseed products for consumers,” says Professor Kretzschmar.

Kavasil Pty Ltd (www.vitahemp.com.au) focuses on high-value hempseed as a functional food. Founder and Chief Executive Andrew Kavasilas says he was pleased to see the endorsement of hempseed research.

“Increasing yields and predictability will help further develop our capacity to supply the domestic markets and supply chain with high-quality Australian-grown hempseed and related products,” says Mr Kavasilas.

“It’s good to see recognition of this work as a crucial research endeavour that will help the broader Cannabis industries focused on superior nutritional value, industrial and medical uses. The benefits to farmers and consumers are clear.”

It is the second project by Southern Cross and Kavasil Pty Ltd investigating hemp. A previous collaboration identified hemp seed varieties of high nutritional value for growing conditions in Northern NSW.

More than a protein hit: the medicinal benefits of cannabis

Southern Cross University is at the forefront of medicinal cannabis research. The University’s National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) is leading research into the therapeutic potential of medicinal cannabis, including both CBD and THC compounds.

Professor Jon Wardle

NCNM Foundation Director, Professor Jon Wardle, explains: “Cannabis is a treasure trove of chemicals and we are seeing a lot of interesting uses come up, from helping bladder issues to potential improvements in insomnia all the way to topical use for certain cancers and tumour growth.

“We have incredible researchers. People like Associate Professor Janet Schloss, who is doing a lot of research into pain and fibromyalgia. Associate Professor Andrea Bugarcic is doing a lot of interesting work pre-clinically to find out what kind of impacts cannabis has on different cells,” Professor Wardle says.

The University has a number of clinical trials in the pipeline. One such example is a trial assessing whether a medicinal cannabis product can assist with anxiety management in adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.

National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine – Clinical Research Fellow Janet Schloss and Senior Lecturer Andrea Bugarcic in the research lab in B Block on the Gold Coast campus.

“I like to think of Southern Cross as a hive of cannabis activity. In combination with the Faculty of Law’s advocacy for policy reform, we are leading the nation in cannabis research,” Professor Wardle says. “We really look at everything from plant to patient.”

With cutting-edge research and strong industry partnerships, Australia is positioning itself as a global leader in hemp innovation, unlocking new possibilities for farmers, consumers, patients and the future of agriculture.

Learn more about Southern Cross University’s hemp research: Click here :  www.scu.edu.au/research/harvest-to-health