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23.11.2022 - Foods

BfRStudyOnHempAsAnimalFeed

Industrial hemp is currently experiencing a real comeback due to its diverse applications. Industrial hemp (fiber hemp) refers to hemp varieties that, compared to drug-related or medicinal hemp, have only low levels of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. 

In addition to its use in food, industrial hemp is also gaining significance as fodder. Due to various concerns, the BfR initiated a study on this topic over ten years ago, which has now been published in the journal “Nature Food”. The study primarily addressed the question of the extent to which feeding industrial hemp leads to a transfer into cow's milk. 

It was found that significant amounts of Δ9-THC and other cannabinoids can be detected in milk only when cannabinoid-rich industrial hemp is used. Furthermore, when high THC levels were present, behavioral changes and health impairments were observed in cows. However, according to the current state of knowledge, a high Δ9-THC content in cow's milk is not expected in Germany due to the legal framework conditions.

In our Tentamus labs, we regularly conduct testing for THC and cannabinoids. We provide you with fast and reliable results.
Our customer advisors are very happy to answer any questions you may have.

Sources:

·       BfR Study: https://www.bfr.bund.de/de/presseinformation/2022/43/studie__hanf_als_tierfutter_kann_gesundheit_von_kuehen_beeintraechtigen-308853.html 

·       BfR Q&A on health risks of hemp-containing foods and fodder:

https://www.bfr.bund.de/de/fragen_und_antworten_zu_den_gesundheitlichen_risiken_von_hanfhaltigen_lebensmitteln_und_futtermitteln-277052.html 

·       Nature Food: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-022-00623-7