Organic Hemp Seeds

Organic hemp seeds are the seeds of the hemp plant, *Cannabis sativa*, which is cultivated for industrial and nutritional purposes. These seeds are typically harvested, cleaned, and sometimes hulled (shelled) before being used in food products. The 'organic' designation means they are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

Manufacturers add hemp seeds to foods primarily for their nutritional value, including protein, healthy fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), and fiber. They also contribute a mild, nutty flavor and a pleasant texture. You can find them in a variety of foods such as snack bars, cereals, baked goods, and plant-based protein products.

Hemp seeds come from varieties of the *Cannabis sativa* plant that contain very low levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound. In the United States, hemp and hemp-derived products, including seeds, are federally legal if they contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight, as per the 2018 Farm Bill. The FDA generally considers hulled hemp seeds, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food, provided they meet the THC threshold. There are no specific acceptable daily intake (ADI) limits set by JECFA or EFSA for hemp seeds, as they are considered a whole food ingredient rather than an additive.