One of the world’s hottest health foods is about to be legalised in Australia, and set to tip the industry on its head.

From November 12, hemp ice-cream, crepes and beer will become a reality as the Australian Government lifts the ban on the human consumption of Hemp foods. It’s already a $US570 million-plus industry in the US and Canada with experts tipping the local consumable hemp industry to reach $1 billion in Australia within the next decade.

According to sources, the hemp plant is the second highest source of vegetable protein in the world, while hemp seeds contain all 21 essential amino acids plus the optimum Omega3 profile. Hemp is also great for the environment; it can be grown using much less water than cotton with fewer pesticides and no herbicides.

With the astronomical boom in healthier and greener food choices (thank you 2016 Nielsen research), a curb in meat consumption and the world in the throes of a global vegan movement, it’s a no-brainer; hemp is about to take off like a rocket.

Let’s get one thing straight – the new legislation isn’t giving the green light to hash brownie bake-offs; industrial hemp seeds – while from the same cannabis plant that Snoop Dogg loves – has very low levels of the mind-altering ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In fact, it’s been acknowledged as safe for public consumption by Food Standards Australia New Zealand for years.

But until now the Government has feared that legalising hemp foods might “send the wrong message” or activate positive drug test results.

Locally, food producers, bakers, even brewers are frothing over the arrival of November 12. Boutique Melbourne brewery East 9th Brewing have announced they’ll release up to 50,000 litres of Australia’s first hemp ale once they’re given the all clear.

“At East 9th we’re always eager to add innovative products to our growing portfolio, which is why we jumped at the opportunity to create Australia’s first Hemp Beer,” said East 9th co-founder Benjamin Cairns. “It’s something that we’ve been keen on bringing to life for years, and now we can finally do it, legally!”

In Sydney, Bondi Harvest chef Guy Turland has partnered with Hemple, an Australian owned and grown hemp foods.

“We’ve been working with hemp foods in our US cafe for years,” Turland said in a statement. “With a nutty, buttery flavour there are endless ways hemp oil, protein and hearts can become a staple in a healthy diet.”

Hemple are looking to launch a range of products including cold-pressed extra virgin hemp oil and raw hemp seed protein this November.

When it comes to home cooking, hemp is super versatile and easy to use; it can be baked into bread, muffins or cakes just like flour; added to smoothies and dips for a protein and omega-3 boost; or whizzed into a tasty and nutrient-dense salad dressing.

Not to mention, it’ll up your brownie and cookie game – just not in that way.