USDA Study finds that cows fed hemp cake retain safe levels of THC and CBD in their meat.

A new study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), found that cows who are fed hempseed cakes retain very low levels of THC or CBD in their bodies. This means that hemp-fed cattle can eat meat products that are safe for human consumption.

Researchers from the USDA’s Agriculture Research Service and North Dakota State University (NDSU), said that hemp oil has become a hugely popular crop, and that farmers have a lot of leftover products that can be pressed into cakes. They wanted to evaluate whether it is safe to feed to livestock.

The study was published in Food Additives and Contaminants. It examined cannabinoid levels in muscle, liver, and fat tissues of cattle that were fed hempseed cake.

“Scientists discovered that the levels of [cannabinoids] found in meat products only a small fraction” the department stated in a Wednesday press release.

Scientists study the potential for human cannabinol to be exposed by cattle fed hempseed cake. https://t.co/xqYS0VqE5U pic.twitter.com/FV4Ack4Zf6

— Agricultural Research Service (@USDA_ARS April 12, 2023

The study also found that hempseed cakes are “highly nutritious” which could be used as an alternative feed source for cattle.

“According to our exposure assessment, it would be very difficult for a human to consume enough fat from cattle fed with hempseed cake to exceed regulatory guidelines for dietary THC exposure,” David Smith of USDA’s Animal Metabolism-Agricultural Chemicals Research Unit said.

He said that hempseed cakes with low cannabinoid levels can be suitable for cattle feed and offer industrial hemp producers a market for the byproduct of hempseed oil extract.

A federally funded study last year also found that cows fed hemp hemp can reduce their stress. Researchers also examined the effects of CBD on stress and pain in horses.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has not yet approved hemp as a food source for livestock.

FDA issued warning letters to several businesses that were marketing CBD products for animals last summer, warning that there is a lack of data about the safety of CBD-treated foods for humans.

After refusing to allow CBD products in human food supplies or as dietary supplements, the agency has disappointed industry stakeholders. Officials stated that congressional action was required for the task, and bipartisan legislators have filed bills to accomplish this.

Marijuana Moment reached FDA for comment about the USDA’s recent study. However, a representative wasn’t immediately available.

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The USDA began sending thousands of surveys to hemp farmers throughout the country earlier in the year as part its annual effort learn more about the market’s evolution since it was legalized federally under the 2018 Farm Bill.

In 2021 , the department launched its annual survey. published a report detailing the results in the year following. According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, (NASS), the questionnaire was updated in order to “improve data quality” and reduce respondents burden.

USDA released a weekly hemp market report in January to provide “unbiased and timely” data on the industry.

USDA stated in December that it would delay enforcement of a rule requiring hemp testing at laboratories accredited by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This is due to the “inadequate capacity” of such facilities.

The final approval of a broad federal rule by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was given despite concerns raised by advocates about some provisions.

Separately, the agency took steps to enhance insurance policies for hemp business, making them more responsive to stakeholder feedback.

In 2021, USDA stated that it was partnering with a chemical manufacturer to develop a two-year project that could greatly expand the market for hemp-based cosmetics.