Curious about integrating hemp seed into your diet yet feeling unsure due to its cannabis plant origins?
If questions like "Is hemp seed safe to consume?" are swirling in your thoughts, you're not alone. Despite its legalisation for human consumption in Australia since 2017, misconceptions about hemp seed linger, including worries about drug testing, psychoactive effects, and its safety for children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
In this enlightening blog, we're diving deep to dispel these myths, offering clarity and peace of mind. We'll explore the truth behind hemp seed's safety, nutritional benefits, and why it deserves a prime spot in your pantry. Join us as we unveil the facts, ensuring you're informed and ready to harness the health advantages of this remarkable superfood.
Myth 1. Eating hemp seed will cause a positive drug test reading
We know that other foods like poppy seeds, which contain trace amounts of opiates, can make you fail a drug test. Certain places actually ask that you don’t eat poppy seed bagels or muffins before testing. But hemp seeds won’t cause the same confusion. A study found that eating hemp seeds had little effect on a person’s THC levels ― and never enough to exceed the levels looked for in federal drug testing programs. So rest assured, the fact is hemp seed is safe to eat and you can eat it daily and have no risk of failing a drug test. It is safe for FIFO workers to consume with their compulsory drug testing at work and never get a positive reading.
Myth 2. Eating hemp seed products will get you high
Hemp seeds have little effect on a person’s THC levels, so there is no chance you will get high from eating hemp seed products. Whilst hemp and marijuana look the same, hemp is the low THC version, making it safe to consume. What’s more, most of the plant’s THC is found in the leaves and flowers, not the seeds. So no, eating hemp seed will not get you high….just healthy!
Myth 3. You shouldn't eat hemp seed while pregnant or breastfeeding
We've confirmed that hemp seed is devoid of THC, establishing its safety for consumption at all life stages, including for babies, toddlers, children, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Beyond its safety, hemp seed is an exceptional source of omega fatty acids crucial for brain development, and protein essential for physical growth.
It's also rich in zinc to bolster the immune system, along with other vital nutrients like iron, magnesium, vitamin E, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.
Having integrated hemp seed into our family's diet, I aim to include it in at least one meal or snack daily. Hemp hearts, with their small size, high digestibility, and mild taste, are effortlessly incorporated into a variety of snacks and dishes. Adding just 1 teaspoon of hemp hearts to your child's daily diet can make a significant positive impact.
Hemp seed is safe to eat!
Hemp can be eaten by virtually anyone. It is safe for children, adults, pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, even animals. Additionally, those unable to tolerate nuts, gluten, lactose, and soy can safely consume hemp.
There are no known allergies to hemp and it makes a great milk or peanut butter alternative. If you’re new to hemp seeds, we suggest starting with Vasse Valley Raw Hemp Hearts. Start by adding them to salads, muesli, protein balls, porridge, smoothies etc. Hemp hearts also make a tasty, dairy-free milk alternative which we love in coffee. The high protein content makes it froth beautifully.
Visit our recipes page for more ideas on how to incorporate hemp into your diet. If you have any other concerns about hemp we welcome you to contact us directly.
