Hemp foods maker reacts to DEA rule
which categorizes all cannabis-derived foods in the same way as
illegal drugs, a 'baffling' move.
Nature's Path Foods has called the DEA final ruling issued last week which effectively categorizes all hemp foods as an illegal drug, a 'baffling' move.
The company, which markets a range of cereals, waffles, cereal bars, and breads made with hempseed, claims that the Drug Enforcement Agency ruling fails to account for the fact that hemp is not marijuana and contains only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
Shelled hempseeds have been used in a diverse range of foods for more than 10 years, it added.
The rules are being issued in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which appears in Title 21 of the United States Code, sections 801-971. DEA is the agency primarily responsible for enforcing the criminal and regulatory provisions of the CSA. Under the CSA, THC is a Schedule I controlled substance, which puts it into the same category as drugs such as heroin, LSD and marijuana.
In a statement on its website, the DEA said: "When it comes to cannabis products that are intended or used for human consumption (foods and beverages)...today's rules make clear that if such a product contains THC, it remains prohibited. This approach is consistent with the long-standing rule under federal law disallowing human consumption of Schedule I controlled substances outside of FDA-approved research."
However Nature's Path argues that hemp foods should be recognised for their nutritional benefits."Ever increasing numbers of consumers are discovering the nutritional benefits of hemp," said David Neuman, vice president of sales and marketing at Nature's Path Foods. "Sales for both our HempPlus Granola and HempPlus Waffles are growing strongly, which is due in large part to the health benefits of hempseed."
Hempseeds contain 35 per cent protein by weight, including all of the essential amino acids. They also provide high concentrations of essential fatty acids (EFA) and a high proportion of these EFAs are in the form of omega-3 alpha-linoleic acid and omega-6 linoleic acids, according to Nature's Path. Hempseed also provides phytosterols and carotenes as well as the minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Nature's Path claims that the cleaning and processing of hempseed removes almost all of the THC and any remaining miniscule amount of THC drops to virtually undetectable levels and cannot lead to intoxication. "The industrial hempseed industry, from growers to food manufacturers, have responsibly addressed all health, safety and drug-testing issues with a wide margin of safety," the company says in a statement.
Arran Stephens, founder and president of Nature's Path Foods, said: "It is inconceivable to think that they [company products] may not be available due to an over-reaction on the part of the DEA."
