The international hemp sector is intensifying calls for transparent, science-based regulations amid ongoing debates over cannabinoid limits in hemp-derived feed.
This issue gained prominence in August when the US Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM) and the Association of American Feed Controls (AAFCO) approved Hemp Seed Meal (HSM) as feed for laying hens.
FDA-CVM’s endorsement and stringent thresholds
HSM, derived from the mechanical processing of Cannabis sativa L., can now be used as a protein and fat source for US layers, with an inclusion rate of up to 20%. While the FDA-CVM’s endorsement marked progress, its stringent cannabinoid thresholds, 2 parts-per-million (ppm) of total THC and a cap of 20 ppm of total CBD, raised concerns internationally.
The European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) and the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA) criticized the thresholds as overly conservative and inconsistent with research. The CHTA highlighted that these low limits could affect hemp varieties commonly grown in North America and influence Canadian regulations.
The Hemp Feed Coalition (HFC) noted that the US regulatory approach differs significantly, with strict cannabinoid content limits influenced by domestic considerations.
Misunderstandings around composition
EIHA president, Daniel Kruse, recently pointed out to FeedNavigator the shortcomings of regulatory agencies on this topic and their excessive focus on high-THC cannabis regulations.
“Many regulatory agencies prioritize high-THC cannabis (whether medical or recreational) and often lack a thorough understanding of the profile of low-THC hemp.
“They also fail to recognize that the acidic precursor forms of cannabinoids are not bioavailable to mammals, as these compounds remain unconcentrated in food or feed. Further complicating matters, these precursors require significant exposure to high heat to convert into bioavailable forms.”
As a result, regulators tend to evaluate the total cannabinoid levels, add a precautionary margin, and adopt approval thresholds from other jurisdictions, he maintained.
Regional variability
However, these thresholds may not align with the variability in hemp varieties specific to their regions, he continued.
“Even though the majority of THC and CBD in these forms are not bioavailable, regulators often impose very low limits due to perceived pressures from anti-drug advocates, failing to recognize that hemp is fundamentally different from recreational cannabis.”
EU market
EIHA outines how hempseed and its derivatives, and hemp fibre have proven to be valuable and safe livestock feed ingredients in the highly regulated European market.
Europe, it noted, is the largest hemp livestock feed ingredient producer.
"Hempseed derived ingredients have been successfully fed to a wide range of livestock species at various production stages for many years. There has never been even one reported adverse animal health or human health event related to the feeding of approved hemp ingredients or the consumption of food from animals fed approved hemp ingredients."
Trade and arbitrary restrictions
The lack of harmonized standards complicates international trade, with overly cautious restrictions discouraging the use of hemp seed-derived products.
This approach may exclude safe and effective feed ingredients or discourage feed mills from purchasing hemp seed-derived products due to overly cautious restrictions, he warned.
Livestock and meat, milk and eggs, feed, and feed ingredients move between countries. “Greater harmonization of standards would enhance trade confidence and facilitate international commerce.”
Scientific evidence and safety in hemp feed
Kruse noted that even higher trace levels of CBD (up to 75 ppm total) have shown no adverse impact on feed efficacy or human food safety.
Research consistently indicates the low risk of feeding hemp seed-derived products to animals. Countries like Switzerland have adopted thresholds accounting for natural variations, setting limits of up to 10 ppm total THC for food products and 20 ppm for hempseed oil, he added.
Work to harmonize global hemp regulations
The Federation of International Hemp Organizations (FIHO), of which EIHA is a key member, is working to harmonize global hemp regulations. FIHO is collating the expertise of over 100 hemp professionals with the goal of addressing misconceptions and advocating for policies that reflect hemp’s agricultural and industrial potential.
Comparison to other crops
Kruse compared hemp to flaxseed, a crop with toxic components managed through science-based thresholds. A similar approach to hemp could ensure safe, effective use in animal feed without unnecessary restrictions.
“Flax contains hydrocyanic acid, which is highly toxic at elevated concentrations. However, its naturally occurring levels are managed effectively for human and animal consumption by understanding expected intake and tolerances. Typically, an upper threshold for flax products in animal feed is set at approximately twice the level allowed for human food, accounting for dilution during feed manufacturing (mixing ingredients to balance rations), feed inclusion rates (ranging from 1–30%), and low deposition in livestock tissues intended for human consumption.”
Recommended THC limits for hemp feed
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) proposed guidelines around THC levels in feed in 2015. The EU Commission is currently reviewing those guidelines.
The EIHA recommends the following limits for total THC in hemp feed:
- Hempseed: 5 ppm
- Hempseed meal: 5 ppm
- Hempseed oil: 15 ppm
- Complete feed: 3 ppm
By aligning regulations with scientific evidence and regional considerations, the hemp industry can unlock its full potential as a valuable resource in animal feed, stressed Kruse.
