Hemp-Fed Cattle: Safe, Nutritious Meat with Minimal Cannabinoid Concentration, Reveals USDA Study
In a groundbreaking study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), it has been discovered that cows fed with hempseed cake maintain extremely low levels of THC and CBD in their bodies. This finding indicates that meat products derived from hemp-fed cattle are safe for human consumption. Researchers from USDA’s Agriculture Research Service (ARS) and North Dakota State University (NDSU) embarked on this investigation to assess the safety and viability of utilizing hemp byproducts as livestock feed.
Published in the esteemed journal Food Additives and Contaminants, the study closely examined the concentration of cannabinoids, specifically THC and CBD, in various tissues of cattle fed with hempseed cake. These tissues included muscle, liver, kidney, and fat. The research found that the levels of cannabinoids present in meat products from hemp-fed cattle were well below what global regulatory organizations consider safe for consumers. The USDA stated in a recent press release that these concentrations contributed only a small fraction to the overall safe amount.
Moreover, the study revealed that hempseed cake exhibits highly nutritious properties, positioning it as a potential alternative feed source for cattle. David Smith, from USDA’s Animal Metabolism-Agricultural Chemicals Research Unit, emphasized the difficulty for humans to consume enough fat from hemp-fed cattle to surpass regulatory guidelines for dietary THC exposure. According to him, hempseed cake, with its low cannabinoid content, can serve as a valuable source of crude protein and fiber in cattle feed. Additionally, this presents an opportunity for industrial hemp producers to find a market for this byproduct of hempseed oil extraction.
Interestingly, a federally funded study conducted last year also indicated that feeding cows hemp reduces their stress levels. Researchers have even explored the effects of CBD on stress and pain in horses. However, it is important to note that, at present, hemp is not authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food source for animals. The FDA sent warning letters to several businesses that marketed CBD products for animals, highlighting the lack of data on safe residue levels for foods derived from CBD-treated animals. While industry stakeholders have expressed frustration with the FDA’s limited acceptance of CBD products, officials have clarified that congressional action is necessary for broader implementation.
Marijuana Moment reached out to the FDA for comment on the USDA’s recent study, but a representative was not immediately available for response.
In a separate effort, the USDA initiated a comprehensive survey earlier this year, targeting hemp farmers across the country. This annual survey aims to gather insights into the evolving hemp market since its federal legalization under the 2018 Farm Bill. The department’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducted its first survey in 2021 and released a report outlining the results in the following year. This questionnaire has been revised to enhance data quality and reduce respondent burden.
To provide accurate and timely data on the industry, the USDA launched a new weekly hemp market report in January, offering unbiased insights into the market trends.
In December, the USDA announced the delay of enforcing a rule that requires hemp testing at DEA-certified laboratories due to inadequate facility capacity. However, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack granted final approval to a comprehensive federal rule that outlines regulations for the hemp industry in 2021, despite concerns expressed by advocates regarding certain provisions. Additionally, the USDA has taken steps to improve insurance policies for hemp businesses, incorporating stakeholder feedback to make them more flexible.
Furthermore, in 2021, the USDA partnered with a chemical manufacturing company for a two-year project aimed at significantly expanding the hemp-based cosmetics market.
The study on hemp-fed cattle conducted by the USDA sheds light on the safety and nutritional aspects of meat products derived from this innovative feeding method. With minimal cannabinoid concentration, hemp-fed cattle offer a promising avenue for sustainable livestock production while opening up potential markets for hemp byproducts.
