Hemp has been gaining popularity as a food source due to its nutritional benefits, but it has also been met with controversy due to its relationship with marijuana. Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant, and while it contains very low amounts of THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana, it is still classified as a Schedule 1 drug in the United States. Despite this, hemp is still imported from Canada and other countries for food products, and is used to make fabrics, paper, ropes, building materials and biodiesel. Hemp oil is a popular choice for those looking to add essential nutrients to their diet, but it should not be used for frying due to unhealthy by-products that form at high temperatures.
The main concern of those who oppose the legalization of hemp cultivation is that it could facilitate the production of marijuana. Industrial hemp and marijuana plants look very similar, making it possible to hide marijuana plants in a hemp field. This has caused some states to harden their definition of “industrial hemp” by requiring hemp extracts from stores to have a THC concentration of no more than 0.3%. Delta-8 THC is another psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis sativa plant, and while it is legal in some states, the FDA is concerned that products containing delta-8 THC are likely to expose consumers to much higher levels of the substance than those found naturally in raw hemp and cannabis extracts.
The lack of FDA regulations has caused some retailers to be wary of hemp products, even when they don't contain CBD. This has caused confusion among consumers who receive mixed messages about the legality of hemp products. Overall, hemp can be a great source of essential nutrients when consumed responsibly. However, due to its relationship with marijuana and the lack of FDA regulations on hemp products, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming hemp.
