ask: Hemp Seed: Provides Healthy Fats, but are there Risky Side Effects?
I have been drinking hemp seed & berry smoothies that I make at home, and I am wondering if there is any of the psychoactive compounds in hemp seed, as there is in marijuana? (I use 2 TBSP of hemp seed daily, if that matters).
The hemp seed has all of the great Omega 3s, Omega 6s and ALA (I don't eat seafood, unfortunately), so I thought this was really healthy for me, and tastes great! (and... I'm really not a "hippie chick" or anything, just trying new types of foods, seeds and nuts).
Anyways, I found out that I'm pregnant with our second child, and I absolutely do not want to ingest anything that may be harmful. I'll ask my doctor in a few weeks, but am wondering if you know if hemp seeds contain THC? I know all the healthy fats are good for a growing baby, but assume the THC would be extremely harmful.
thanks!
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Hi, Anon, and welcome to EmpowHer! Thanks for your question! And congratulations on your pregnancy!!
The hemp that's grown for industrial uses is apparently a cousin of the cannibas that produces marijuana. Most references I found to hemp seed said there is no -- or barely measurable levels of -- THC in such products. This is from Wikipedia: "Typically, hemp contains below 0.3% THC, while cannabis grown for marijuana can contain anywhere from 6% or 7% to 20% or even more."
VegetarianWomen.com lists it among its superfoods for pregnant women:
http://www.vegetarianwomen.com/articles/catheolson.htm
And here's a page about the nutrition found in hemp seeds:
http://www.innvista.com/health/foods/hemp/hempseed.htm
So it LOOKS like you're safe. Nothing I found suggested harm. However, you want to be ultra-safe with a baby on board! Could you call your doctor's office and make sure that hemp seed is ok with them? Especially in the first trimester? And then come back and let us know what they say, OK?
Industrial (agricultural) hemp is a cousin of the marijuana plant. Seeds for food consumption are tested at .00% THC.
July 31, 2009 - 8:52amThis Comment
Thank you! This was extremely helpful. I've decided to wait the 10 days to ask my doctor, and am holding off on hemp seed smoothies. Does not sound like there is any trace of THC, so that's wonderful. Will play it "too safe" for now (and, I predict the doctor/nurse may not know, although I am seeing someone who welcomes "alternative" medicine). I'll update after my appointment. Thanks again!
July 31, 2009 - 7:56pmAnon, you're so welcome, and you're doing exactly what I would do. Here's wishing the best of health to both you and the baby, and I look forward to your update! (And I think it's very cool that you have a doctor who also welcomes alternative medicine. That's the best.)
August 3, 2009 - 8:23amhttp://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-201-CANADIAN+HE...
August 29, 2009 - 2:59pmI second Diane's point of being overly careful especially with another life on the line here. I know I might sound bias and ignorant but "hemp" does not sound that nice for my baby to take. :)
August 29, 2009 - 7:00pmthat is probably bias and definatley ignorant, but its not your fault, the government put a smear campaign on hemp as a plant not just cannabis the drug, do a little reading and realize you are giving your baby all the fats you would get from fish without the mercury.... and there is absolutely no THC in hemp seed period, nothing to break the baby, at least not because its related ot a drug. Its food and a damn good one at that
October 26, 2009 - 7:18pmThanks for your input, but it would be even more helpful to the original person asking the question if you could provide more relevant information, and leave out the "incidental" snide put-downs ("definitely ignorant, but not your fault").
You said to "do a little reading", and it would be wonderful if you could provide a few of your resources for the person asking to do just that (there are sources that say hemp seed does contain THC, for example, and would be helpful for all readers to view credible sources that say otherwise).
October 27, 2009 - 8:40amthank god their are people that understand hemp wont kill you!@ hey crazy moms. go let your kids have caffine and sugar/aspartame. because those are drugs that will kill you. sloooooooooooowly.
February 12, 2010 - 4:24pmI agree alison, it is hard sometimes to not be extremely excited abut this plant in general. there have been some studies done in the last 80 some years that prove THC indeed kills cancer cells ( http://www.nowpublic.com/thc_marijuana_helps_cure_cancer_says_harvard_study) one example, But for one to find this out all you'd have to do is type key words into googleoryahoo.
April 7, 2010 - 8:34pmSo i wouldnt be to worried about this amazing plant doing harm to babies, but understand your caution.
Hemp seeds can really be helpful for the patients who are diabetic and get relief from any kind of tingling effects.These are also easily available. I would also like to say that as everyone have different capacity to cope up with pain and it also varies from person to person so it is actually very difficult to say about the side effects about the hemp seeds, though it would be much better that you can consult the GP first before you consume it.They would be in the best position to guide you further.
April 9, 2010 - 7:51pm