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Hemp Seed/Grain »

Harvested hemp seed is referred to as "grain" to differentiate from Certified Seed (for planting) and consumer ready processed seed. Marketing unprocessed hemp seed or grain is not allowed as per regulations. All grain must be rendered non viable in some way before it enters the consumer marketplace.

Note that latitude is a factor that will influence attributes of seed. Some field research has indicated that hemp seed grown at higher latitudes will have a higher Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) content as well has a tendency to have lower THC levels. This is because hemp is a daylight sensitive plant.

Under Canadian regulations, finished food products must contain less than 10 parts per million of THC. This is held as a safe and generally undetectable amount. However, market considerations may require even more strenuous reductions in THC content.

See TestPledge for more information. Breeding programs and improved cleaning regimens will also reduce THC levels.

Hemp seed has a thin shell and must be handled with care, in harvest, transport and storage. Cracking the seed shell will turn the valuable oils rancid and inedible. Similarly, any processed oil is bottled and capped with nitrogen to avoid rancidification. Processors, marketers and retailers must pay attention to shelf life and stability and have accurate best-before dates.

Do note that prices for grain fluctuate. As of time of writing (winter 2007-08) conventional hemp seed was selling for between 0.45-0.60 cents a lb/FOB cleaner. Certified Organic seed was selling for 0.85 cents a lb/FOB cleaner.

Because of Essential Fatty Acids, sterols, tocopherols, proteins, dietary fibre, micronutrients and other elements that are beneficial to human health, hemp seed and hemp seed derivatives have very attractive marketing benefits in the modern marketplace.

Canadian food labeling regulations are changing and for the better. Processors and Marketers are advised to keep abreast of Canadian Label Law, Office of Natural Health Products and the developing Functional Food Regulations.

Each of these schemes allow for different kinds of content and health claims.

Other forms of voluntary labeling may be desirable such as Certified Organic and Kosher Parve. Canada is developing a National Organic Standard; currently most Certifiers active in Canada also certify to the USDA's National Organic Program.