Why is hemp oil defined as an extract of cannabis and why does it require a licence to manufacture? Why has the Government changed the classification of hemp oil?

The Act implements the manufacturing obligations of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 (the Single Convention), to which Australia is a signatory.

Under the Single Convention an extract of cannabis is a drug; therefore by definition ‘hemp oil’ is also a drug and is subject to the manufacturing obligations under the Single Convention.

All cultivation of cannabis is controlled under the Single Convention, and under the Act, except for cannabis cultivated exclusively for fibre and seed.

The Australian Government has not changed the classification of hemp oil. Since the commencement of the Act in 1967, any person manufacturing hemp oil must have a licence to manufacture under the Act.