1.6.3.4 Cannabinoid Profile
Cultivars dedicated to oilseed production have been bred recently, mostly in Europe
and Canada, and have met licensing requirements for quite low content of THC.
The cannabinoids are dominated by CBD. Hemp seeds contain virtually no THC
(Mölleken and Husmann 1997 ), but contamination can result from contact of the
seeds with the resin secreted by the epidermal glands on the leaves andfloral parts,
and also by the failure to sift away all of the perigonal bracts (which have the
highest concentration of THC of any parts of the plant) that cover the seeds (Ross
et al. 2000 ). Permitted levels in hempseed products in different countries range from
10 ppm down to 0.005 ppm. Limits have been set in part because of concerns about
possible toxicity, where THC“toxicity”is assumed from THC’s transient psy-
choactivity at sufficient dosage (˂10 mg). An extensive analysis of literature
dealing with the assumed toxicity of hemp is in Orr and Starodub ( 1999 ; see
Geiwitz 2001 for a critique). The oilseed industry in recent years has been able to
provide products that meet local tolerances for THC content in foods.
1.6.3.5 Economic Status and Potential
The economic prospects for future development ofCannabis sativaas an oilseed
crop are much better than for its continued development as afiber crop, at least in
industrialized countries. China, the world leader in production of hempseed, can
produce hempseed cheaply, but imported material must be sterilized, thus creating
delays, adding costs and lowering grain quality. Seed that has been sterilized tends
to go rancid quickly, and so it is imperative that fresh seed be available, at least for
human foods. Accordingly, domestic production is a great advantage, especially
certified organic production, which is in demand. The EU, which until recently
concentrated its efforts onC. sativaalmost entirely onfiber aspects, has belatedly
realized that oilseed hemp has much more potential. Canada, which by contrast has
concentrated almost entirely on oilseed aspects ofC. sativa, has become the world
leader in providing hempseed materials and products for the natural foods,
nutraceuticals, and cosmetics industries. The U.S. will likely follow Canada’s
dedication to oilseed hemp when industrial hemp becomes legalized there.
1.6.4 Intoxicant Plants
The intoxicant capacity ofC. sativaresides substantially in (decarboxylated) THC,
produced particularly in pin-sized stalked secretory glands distributed especially on
the bracts of theflowering parts of the female plants. Although other cannabinoids
and perhaps terpenes modify the effects of THC, the latter is the primary intoxi-
cating constituent. Cannabis sativa plants producing considerable THC are
22 E. Small