You’ve heard about hemp seed, but are still a little hesitant to try it because it comes from the cannabis plant. The question keeps floating around in your mind….is hemp seed safe to eat?
Although hemp seed was legalised for human consumption in Australia back in 2017, a lot of people still have concerns about it.
The main concern is whether or not it will cause a positive reading in a drug test. Other concerns are whether it will cause a ‘high’ or if it is safe to give to children or consume while pregnant or breastfeeding.
In this blog, I’ll debunk these myths and give you the confidence to try this nutritional powerhouse and make it a staple ingredient in your pantry.
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.
Myth 2. Eating hemp seed products will get you high
Hemp seed has 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
By now we’ve established that hemp seed does not contain THC. This fact alone means it is safe to include in babies, toddlers and children’s diet. It is also safe to eat while pregnant and breastfeeding.
Not only is hemp seed safe for babies and kids, it is a wonderful source of omegas for growing brains, and protein for growing bodies. It also contains zinc for immune support and other nutrients including iron, magnesium, vitamin E, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. Our kids have been raised on hemp seed and I strive to include it in at least one meal or snack per day.
Hemp hearts are small, highly digestible, and mild in flavour, making them very easy to include in a range of snacks and meals. If you can incorporate 1 teaspoon of hemp hearts per day into your kid’s diet you are winning.
Conclusion: 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.
