Don't bother going to the new Canberra store South Pacific Hemp looking for something to smoke.
But do go there if you're looking for baby clothes, pet products, homewares, bed linen, bags, throw cushions, food, oils, balms and creams.
South Pacific Hemp is a new concept store in Fyshwick specialising in products made from Australian-grown hemp.
A former rug shop has been transformed into a modern, appealing space for the new store, with wood finishes, industrial lighting and hanging plants (of the non-smoking variety). One wall features a cannabis leaf mural designed by artist Samantha Small and hand-painted by local Clayton Grant. The vibe is sophisticated but relaxed.
The store opens for business in Wollongong Street on Tuesday.
It's a serious and long-time pursuit by owners Darren Steinhardt and Brett Walker, with the aesthetics of the store brought to life under the direction of Samantha Small.
"We think there's a reasonable market for it, being one of the few shops in Australia and the only one in Canberra," Brett said.
Hemp is any cannabis plant cultivated for fibre and seed, with negligible traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the ingredient that produces the high sensation. It's regarded as a more sustainable alternative or complement to cotton. Hemp seed oil is an extract of cannabis seeds and does not contain any extracts from the cannabis plant.
South Pacific Hemp has brought together products made from hemp fibre and seed oils, stocking only Australian products sourced from small businesses and producers around the nation. There is everything from hemp flour to hemp dog beds. And there will also be hemp material that could be bought by the metre.
"Nothing you can smoke," Samantha said, with a laugh.
But that hasn't stopped some people getting a little confused as the store prepared for its official opening.
"Someone came in and asked, 'Can I get some pot in here? I just got a bong up there at Adult World'. And we're like, 'No, no, but we have baby clothes'!" Darren said, with a laugh.
Darren and Brett have operated the business next door, South Pacific Hydroponics for years. They believed the future was in hemp products and have been attending conferences around the world to learn more about it and to source the best products.
"For the last decade, there's probably been a dozen people selling items online, from Byron Bay, Tasmania, Western Australia, and there were expos and markets, and we've picked the best of their products and brought them together in one shop," Darren said.
Darren said he believed a hemp products store would work in Canberra because the public was educated about its sustainability.
"It can be easier on the water than cotton, and quicker growing as well," he said.
"It's often used with cotton, so it's not like it's competing against it. It fills a gap with allergies, the kids' clothes and the sheets are a lot better for people with allergies."
The pair was even assisting University of Canberra students to grow hemp on former agricultural land to remove heavy metals from the soil.
Brett agreed part of the shop's role would be educating the public about the benefits of hemp, in terms of fibre and food production.
"You can use the whole plant. From one plant, we could get four products for the shop and we've just got to get that across," he said.
And they were keen to get the ball rolling.
"We're really excited," Darren said.
South Pacific Hemp opens on Tuesday at 84 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick.
It's opening hours are Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 3pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.
The store is also selling online at southpacifichemp.com.au.
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