Current Status of THC in German Hemp Food Products

Abstract In 1996, the prohibition of the cultivation of non-drug Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) with minor content of the psychoactive Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was lifted in Germany. Nowadays, a wide variety of hemp food products is offered on the market. As help for evaluation of such products, this article provides information on all aspects of hemp as foodstuff. An introduction to the current law situation in Germany and the European Union (EU) is presented. In particular, suggestions for the food regulatory and food chemical evaluation of hemp food products are made. Between 1998 and 2003, a significant linear decrease in the THC concentrations for the product groups hemp tea (N = 19, R = −0.73, p < 0.0001) and hemp oil (N = 60, R = −0.23, p = 0.05) was observed. The prescribed use of certified hemp seed by the EU and the increase of controls on manufacturers have obviously led to a significant decline of THC concentrations in hemp food products. The maximum THC content in current purchasable hemp food products is ten to a hundred-fold lower than those found in the studies of the 1990s. These levels of THC in hemp food do not cause regulatory or health concern anymore. However, ongoing quality control is needed to maintain low THC levels. This includes both the use of low THC varieties and proper seed cleaning.