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things you’ve always wondered about hemp, but were too afraid to ask
What are the things you’ve always wondered about hemp, but were too afraid to ask?
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what is hemp?
Hemp is an extremely versatile and hardy plant. And yet,
“No member of the vegetable kingdom has ever been more misunderstood than hemp.” (source)
Hemp was cultivated for thousands of years throughout Asia and the Middle East before finally making its way to Europe and then the Americas. Its many uses include food products, textiles, building materials, bio-plastics, auto parts and more.
Hemp is the world’s most sustainable plant as it is easily cultivated and grown in a variety of areas, does not deplete the soil and requires less water than other crops.
what are the nutritional benefits of eating hemp foods?
Rich in protein, omega-fatty acids and fiber, hemp has a nutty-tasting seed with a wide variety of uses. Hemp is loaded with all 20 amino acids (including the 9 essential). This densely nutritious food is an excellent addition to the diet of anyone looking for plant-based protein, and is preferred by many vegetarians and vegans. The protein found in hempseed is very digestible, making it a great choice for sensitive diets.
what is the difference between hempseed and hemp oil?
HEMPSEED
Rich in protein, with omega-3 and minerals, hemp is the world’s most nutritious seed. The hempseed is the richest known source of polyunsaturated fats, containing a perfect 3:1 ratio of omega-6 linoleic acid and omega-3 linoleic acid. In fact, the hempseed balance of Omega 3 to 6 fats is the perfect proportion for human dietary needs, making hemp an ideal addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
HEMP OIL
Just like hempseed, the oil contains an ideal 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Unlike flax, hemp has valuable Super Omega-3 (SDA) and Super Omega-6 (GLA), which can help the body metabolize fat.
how can I add hempseeds into my diet?
Hempseed is great for sprinkling over yogurt or salads, adding to smoothies, or including in baked or sautéed dishes. It can also be eaten as a snack, straight out of the bag.
how can I add hemp oil into my diet?
Use hemp oil in smoothies, salads, vegetables and pasta dishes. To conserve the essential fatty acids, we suggest you use it raw or gently heated (low-heat cooking). Try this easy salad dressing recipe.
Is hemp the same thing as marijuana?
Hemp is not to be confused with marijuana. Although the two plants are related, hemp products contain only trace levels of THC (less than 10ppm) and will not cause a psychoactive effect. It was once widely grown in the United States for its fiber. In fact, one of our founding fathers, George Washington, was a hemp farmer!
Because of their resemblance, industrial hemp was classified as marijuana in the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal to grow in the U.S. However, hemp food products are legal to buy and consume. This was established in the case HIA v. DEA before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Hemp foods remained legal in the U.S. because of this decision.
then, if it’s not the same thing as marijuana, why is it illegal to grow in the united states?
Currently, hemp farming is not legal in the U.S. on a commercial scale because of the Federal definition of marijuana. Hemp research is allowed under Section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill.
which bills are currently before congress regarding the right to grow hemp in the united states?
Two bills currently before Congress, S. 134 in the Senate and H.R. 525 in the House, would fix this. The bills are very short, one page, and simply define industrial hemp, remove it from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act, and leave the regulation of it up to the states. Nutiva supports Vote Hemp and the HIA in trying to get these bills passed in the 114th Congress. People may take action by writing and calling their Senators and Representative at: http://votehemp.com/takeaction
If I recently consumed hemp foods, could i fail a drug test?
Hemp foods will not cause a false positive on a drug test. The trace THC levels in our hemp foods are barely measurable, less than 10 parts per million, which is the Health Canada standard. (Click HERE for full study.)
You can also learn more about this on our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, “If I recently consumed hemp foods, could I fail a drug test?”
Can you tell me more about testpledge?
TestPledge’s mission is to,
“Alleviate concerns by consumers that eating hemp nut (the inner “nut” that remains after the seed shell is removed) or hemp oil products may cause confirmed positive drug tests for marijuana. TestPledge also dispels concerns regarding hemp oil bodycare products topically applied on the skin. Pledge companies commit to implement quality control measures which limit the amount of trace residual THC in hemp nut and oil, thus eliminating the risk of a confirmed positive drug test.”
You can learn more about TestPledge via their website at http://testpledge.com for more information about trace THC in hemp foods.
Nutiva is part of the TestPledge program.
How can I learn more about the subject of hemp?
You can learn more about the subject of hemp by contacting the Hemp Industries Association or watching the film Bringing It Home.
bonus: the fun stuff
At Nutiva, we are passionate about hemp and all that it provides. Here are several links and recipes to get you excited and inspired, too!
- Pinterest: All things Hemp Board
- Pinterest: How to Use Hemp (Hempseed, Hemp Oil, Hemp Protein, Hemp Shakes)
- Recipe: Hemp Quinoa Salad with Dressing
- Recipe: 5-Ingredient Mini Super Balls
- Recipe: Berry-licious Hemp Smoothie
- Recipe: How Did Savory Hempseed Flatbreads Become the Best? Find Out.
- Recipe: Savory Hempseed Flatbread
- Recipe: Hemp Kale Chips
- Recipe: Superfood Pizza with Hemp Basil Pesto
- Recipe: Click HERE for a full gallery of hemp recipes
- Hemp History Week
Have your own hemp inspiration? Share the link(s) with us in the comments below!
