Hemp Seeds

They're a Species of Cannabis Plant, but Hemp Seeds – Not to Be Confused With Marijuana – Pack a Nutrient Punch
 

- Sarah Marinos

Europe, Canada and the US have long recognised the nutritional value of hemp seeds. In supermarkets and health food stores across those continents, the seeds have been used in everything from protein powders, home-baked muffins, breakfast cereals to salads, soups and breads.

In the US and Canada alone, the hemp food market is worth an eye-popping $742 million.

Late last year Australia and New Zealand fell into step with the rest of the world when Food Standards Australia New Zealand − the government food regulatory body − finally approved the sale of hemp seeds and foods containing hemp. Until then, hemp products sold in our health food stores had to be labelled ‘not for human consumption’ and were confined to products like skin creams, toiletries and cosmetics.

So, what is hemp exactly?

Hemp is a member of the cannabis plant species, Cannabis sativa. But the kinds of hemp seeds used in foods aren’t to be confused with other forms of cannabis or marijuana known for their medicinal and hallucinogenic effects.

The potency and psychoactive effects of the cannabis drug are due to an active component called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while hemp seeds contain none or extremely minimal levels of THC. So hemp seeds don’t have the same mind-altering effects and munching on a hemp muffin won’t leave you feeling foggy!