A genetically engineered (GE) hemp variety modified to produce no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) has cleared a regulatory hurdle in the USA. In the USA, hemp is defined as the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of it with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol THC concentration of not more than...

A study has found microwave pre-treatment of hemp seed makes several improvements in subsequent oil extraction. Hemp seed oil is extracted by high temperature pressing or cold pressing hemp seed, which is then filtered to remove sediment. Cold-pressed oils have a grassy and fresh flavor, while hot-pressed oils have a...

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in New York are to develop a commercially viable insulated siding product made with hemp "wool". The Hemp Retrofit Structural Insulated Panel (HeRS) project is being supported by a $1.5 million grant from the United States Department of Energy's (DOE's) Buildings Energy Efficiency Frontiers...

In the USA, 21 attorneys general have urged the Committee On Agriculture to tighten up the definition of hemp in the new five-year reauthorization of the Farm Bill. In the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is defined as: “the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds...

A bill recently introduced to Kansas' legislature aims to finally kick off a formal medical cannabis program in the state. Various attempts to legalize medical cannabis in Kansas have been thwarted by lawmakers, much to the frustration of Governor Laura Kelly. Last year, Governor Kelly pushed for legalization in her...

US Vice-President Kamala Harris participated in a roundtable conversation on marijuana reform last week, discussing the "injustices" seen in current federal policy. "I have said many times: I believe — I think we all at this table believe — nobody should have to go to jail for smoking weed," said...

With the Governor's recent signature, it's now official. A ban on hemp-derived THC in all its forms will come into effect in Wyoming this year. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed off on House Bill 0171 in 2019, which removed hemp and hemp products from regulation under the Wyoming Controlled...

Arizona State Attorney General Kris Mayes has weighed in with a legal opinion on the sale of intoxicating hemp derived products in her state. Perceived loopholes in the federal 2018 Farm bill gave rise to the manipulation of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) into various forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In some states,...

A trial examining the effects of oral cannabidiol (CBD) isolate for alleviating menstrual related symptoms (MRS) has provided some encouraging results - but more research is needed. Among common menstruation-related symptoms are lower abdominal pain and premenstrual mood disturbances such as depression, anxiety, stress and irritability. While common, effective remedies...

Oregon State University’s Global Hemp Innovation Center has received a $10 million grant to work with 13 Native American Tribes and other stakeholders in developing manufacturing capabilities for hemp materials and products. The USA's 2018 Farm Bill legalised hemp and recognised the crop as an agricultural commodity like any other....