Here is an excerpt from an educational article my husband Simon reminded me of recently -written back in the 1990's. It points out wonderful comparison's of hemp seeds and marijuana to poppy seeds and the Red Scarlet poppy.
Great reading and essential education in the hemp food debate..!
Hemp is not marijuana or visa versa, as the public has been lead to believe for sixty years. Both share the same genus and according to most taxonomists the same species, Cannabis sativa. More importantly, both produce the same organic compounds known as cannabinoids, which are unique to the genus Cannabis. The two main compounds, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), i.e. the most psychoactive cannabinoid, and cannabidiol (CBD) are found in both hemp and marijuana.
However, both hemp and marijuana show significant differences with respect to the concentration and relative abundance of these two cannabinoids. Drug varieties, summarily referred to as marijuana, contain in their female flowers typically 2-5% of THC, but THC levels of as high as 15-20% are not uncommon. Industrial hemp varieties on the other hand, which are licenced for farming in the European Union and Canada (and in some states here in Australia), must be bred to maintain a THC content of less than 0.3%. In addition, hemp and marijuana differ in their ratio of THC to CBD. CBD has been shown to block the psychoactivity of THC. Industrial hemp contains more CBD than THC, i.e. has a CBD/THC-ratio of greater than one, while marijuana contains often significant more THC than CBD. Both the low THC content and the high CBD/THC ratio make industrial hemp unsuitable for producing psychoactive effects when smoked or eaten. The high CBD concentration also makes the theoretically conceivable concentration and recovery of THC in hemp technically difficult and economically unfeasable. .
Let's put this into perspective;
Poppy flowers. Of which there are dozens of varieties, are popular in backyard gardens. The species Papaver somniferum includes many varieties of poppies, only one of which, the "Red scarlet" poppy, produces opium and derivative narcotics (such as heroin)from its pods which contain significant amounts of concentrated opiates (primarily morphine and codeine). While the U.S. DEA has targeted red scarlets, home gardeners continue to cultivate the other non-opium producing varieties of papaver somniferum. The poppy seeds that are commonly consumed as a condiment in baked goods such as bagels, breads, muffins and cakes derive from one of these non-opium varieties of Papaver somniferum, commonly called the "breadseed poppy". The U.S. Controlled Substances Act specifically exempts the poppy seed as a result of the market for human consumption. Poppy seeds can contain trace amounts of opiates at levels many times higher than THC in hemp seeds and these opiates are metabolised into urine at a higher concentration than the trace THC. Concentrating the trace opiates in breadseed poppy seeds to an active level is theoretically possible at enormous cost, effort and inefficiency; however, the U.S. DEA and ONDCP have not attempted to ban non-opium variety poppies based on this highly speculative scenario.
Poppy seed bagels and flowers are enjoyed by children of all ages, yet children do not confuse poppy seeds and poppy flowers with smoking opium, nor do they perceive a "message" that opium is good. The home garden and breadseed variety of poppy plants look similar to the opium producing red scarlet poppy, yet the U.S. DEA seems able to tell the difference. As the trace opiate levels in poppy seeds are higher than the trace THC in hemp seed, eating poppy seeds can produce a false positive for narcotic use on a drug test at the 300 ppb cutoff for opiates in urine; however, government agencies and corporations have adapted by raising the threshold for a test-positive beyond the level of ambiguity (from 300 ppb to 2000 ppb). The condiment and home gardening markets for poppies are smaller than the potential markets for hemp, yet the DEA has not argued for banning non-opium poppy plants for lack of a large market. Finally, the DEA has not suggested that breadseed and home garden poppies are a threat to the controlled status of opium, in spite of the fact that these plants all share the same genus and species.
In Simon's words....
"What's going on in peoples heads if they can not see the obvious truths about industrial hemp? Why are people so scared? It is the most life sustaining plant in existence, in our backyard gardens we should have our tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, garlic and cannabis sativa, all for the health of our family and friends???"
hemp hemp hooray!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Letter to minister re: GM foods
I was able to catch the recent Land line program on ABC 1 regarding GM Canola farming in Australia and I felt compelled to write to our local Agricultural Minister Michael O'Brien.
I wanted to write for two reasons -
1 to congratulate him on our state governments stand on GM foods and
2 to voice my views on the current opinions of our Federal minister Tony Burke.
I am feeling very proud that our state is not succumbing to national pressure and I strongly believe we need to support our ministers and organic / bio-dynamic producers where we can.
I have included a copy of the letter I wrote and I strongly encourage anyone who also feels compelled to write a letter of support to do so. We need to hold firm on this decision and continue to protect our state from this agricultural threat.
Here is my letter:-
Dear Minister O’Brien,
Can I say firstly a huge thank you for your stand on the current GM debate in this country and for your leadership in helping to maintain the integrity of our fabulous state.
I was very disheartened by the opinions of the Federal minister Tony Burke and his belief that the time for banning GM has passed and that he doesn’t think there’s an argument to stop GM.
The tension I felt also, regarding his comments, that he eventually sees all the mainland allowing GM crops was somewhat eased by your statement that hopefully SA never adopts this technology and that you recognise we have a specialist niche market. It is a shame our whole country doesn’t share your view.
As far as I can see the main argument from farmers embracing this technology is regarding the control of weeds and the right of farmers to have access to the latest most profitable technology.
There are flaws in both these arguments that I can see (and I am no expert on agriculture).
Firstly farmers signing up for GM via a licensing agreement are locked into buying only that companies seed, often at 20% more than conventional seed and once harvested they receive $5 less per tonne than non GM Canola – how is this more profitable? It also raises the issue of control by big corporates.
Secondly there is the issue of weed control – the argument was that GM can reduce the amount of chemicals used to eradicate weeds?? How is using ‘Round Up’ chemical ready seed reducing chemical use? There are obviously other options to weed control as our organic and bio-dynamic farmers already must attest to. Perhaps there is more that can be done with supporting and promoting these clean green principals. Even the possibility of introducing one of my passions to the table in the form of Industrial hemp is a debate worth revisiting as (‘Industrial hemp improves soils’ physical condition, destroys weeds and does not exhaust (soils’) fertility’) (J.W Roulac 1997 Hemp Horizons page 131). It could be used as a rotational crop and every part of the hemp plant can be used with no toxic waste products associated with the processing.
May I wish you every success in maintaining your position on this issue for our state and for the integral future of organic/bio-dynamic farming.
Warm regards, Teresa
I wanted to write for two reasons -
1 to congratulate him on our state governments stand on GM foods and
2 to voice my views on the current opinions of our Federal minister Tony Burke.
I am feeling very proud that our state is not succumbing to national pressure and I strongly believe we need to support our ministers and organic / bio-dynamic producers where we can.
I have included a copy of the letter I wrote and I strongly encourage anyone who also feels compelled to write a letter of support to do so. We need to hold firm on this decision and continue to protect our state from this agricultural threat.
Here is my letter:-
Dear Minister O’Brien,
Can I say firstly a huge thank you for your stand on the current GM debate in this country and for your leadership in helping to maintain the integrity of our fabulous state.
I was very disheartened by the opinions of the Federal minister Tony Burke and his belief that the time for banning GM has passed and that he doesn’t think there’s an argument to stop GM.
The tension I felt also, regarding his comments, that he eventually sees all the mainland allowing GM crops was somewhat eased by your statement that hopefully SA never adopts this technology and that you recognise we have a specialist niche market. It is a shame our whole country doesn’t share your view.
As far as I can see the main argument from farmers embracing this technology is regarding the control of weeds and the right of farmers to have access to the latest most profitable technology.
There are flaws in both these arguments that I can see (and I am no expert on agriculture).
Firstly farmers signing up for GM via a licensing agreement are locked into buying only that companies seed, often at 20% more than conventional seed and once harvested they receive $5 less per tonne than non GM Canola – how is this more profitable? It also raises the issue of control by big corporates.
Secondly there is the issue of weed control – the argument was that GM can reduce the amount of chemicals used to eradicate weeds?? How is using ‘Round Up’ chemical ready seed reducing chemical use? There are obviously other options to weed control as our organic and bio-dynamic farmers already must attest to. Perhaps there is more that can be done with supporting and promoting these clean green principals. Even the possibility of introducing one of my passions to the table in the form of Industrial hemp is a debate worth revisiting as (‘Industrial hemp improves soils’ physical condition, destroys weeds and does not exhaust (soils’) fertility’) (J.W Roulac 1997 Hemp Horizons page 131). It could be used as a rotational crop and every part of the hemp plant can be used with no toxic waste products associated with the processing.
May I wish you every success in maintaining your position on this issue for our state and for the integral future of organic/bio-dynamic farming.
Warm regards, Teresa
Thursday, March 18, 2010
A New Space - A Greater Vision
Wow we have finally moved in...!
hemp hemp hooray! has a new home and I'd love to share with you all our exciting journey over the past 2 months. It was time to finally move the business out of our home and into a space fit for the further growth of our dream.
The need for more suitable premises and the manifestation of those premises were borne through the frustration felt at the lack of balance between home and business -within 3 days I had found the property and the means to build our purpose built production room. Now the fun had started for Simon (my ever supportive husband). Over the course of a couple of weekends he had prepared the space and built our fantastic facility.
Here is a glimpse of the process.... Simon is unloading the fridge panel for the production room (3) and the blank canvas is seen in photo (4). The floor base is laid (5)
We now have our dust proof, temperature controlled production room within the warehouse. A credit to Simon and his years of experience - this journey that is life still amazes me as often the paths we choose along the way intertwine bringing their gifts to future endeavours, as is the case with Simon's journey and the skills he brings to my path.
A small garden area will become a lovely space for our team to enjoy a break or a meal. Again this took some work to clear up and we still have lots of planting and building to do to really beautify it fully. As you can see in the first two photo's it was slightly overgrown with weeds and not very inviting.
Our new office space was transformed with a clean up and a lick of paint. Thanks Sally, Sue and Jemara for your help and brush work..! It is a lovely space to come to each day and I'm not sure the photo's do it justice.
So, our new journey begins with a fresh environment and fresh ideas. Can I thank sincerely everyone who has supported me on this path be via family, friendship or business relationships. To all our loyal customers for your belief in what we do and your appreciation for the products we make - it is through your support that we are able to grow and continue with this vision to "Rekindle the Spirit of Natural Beauty within everyone, inspiring love for all humanity..!!
Blessings, Teresa :) www.hemphemphooray.com.au
hemp hemp hooray! has a new home and I'd love to share with you all our exciting journey over the past 2 months. It was time to finally move the business out of our home and into a space fit for the further growth of our dream.
The need for more suitable premises and the manifestation of those premises were borne through the frustration felt at the lack of balance between home and business -within 3 days I had found the property and the means to build our purpose built production room. Now the fun had started for Simon (my ever supportive husband). Over the course of a couple of weekends he had prepared the space and built our fantastic facility.
Here is a glimpse of the process.... Simon is unloading the fridge panel for the production room (3) and the blank canvas is seen in photo (4). The floor base is laid (5)
We now have our dust proof, temperature controlled production room within the warehouse. A credit to Simon and his years of experience - this journey that is life still amazes me as often the paths we choose along the way intertwine bringing their gifts to future endeavours, as is the case with Simon's journey and the skills he brings to my path.
A small garden area will become a lovely space for our team to enjoy a break or a meal. Again this took some work to clear up and we still have lots of planting and building to do to really beautify it fully. As you can see in the first two photo's it was slightly overgrown with weeds and not very inviting.
Our new office space was transformed with a clean up and a lick of paint. Thanks Sally, Sue and Jemara for your help and brush work..! It is a lovely space to come to each day and I'm not sure the photo's do it justice.
So, our new journey begins with a fresh environment and fresh ideas. Can I thank sincerely everyone who has supported me on this path be via family, friendship or business relationships. To all our loyal customers for your belief in what we do and your appreciation for the products we make - it is through your support that we are able to grow and continue with this vision to "Rekindle the Spirit of Natural Beauty within everyone, inspiring love for all humanity..!!
Blessings, Teresa :) www.hemphemphooray.com.au
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Changing the mentality around hemp
In the 4 years since launching my product range, and the many years of interest before hand, I have seen subtle changes in the perceptions of hemp however there is still so much more work to be done.
Many people still mistake Industrial hemp for Marijuana and it takes time to release 80+ years of fear based propaganda. It also takes time to instill a sense of trust to the hearts of a society which has been fed one side of the cannabis debate. Through education we can help release current fears and insecurities bringing back the reverence once held for this gift from nature.
I believe one person can make a difference - we live in the most amazing country with some of the most resilient people yet the majority of us go along with our lives in a routine that keeps us feeling secure. Trusting the systems and social beliefs created by laws, governments, religions and history. What if a few individuals challenged those beliefs, those laws, that history to show another way. A way that is not untested, a way that only 100 years ago was completely viable - 'HEMP'.
There is much work being done internationally with growing evidence to support the use of medicinal marijuana for a range of illnesses - however my main focus is the loss of potential both economically and environmentally through the restrictions placed on Industrial hemp. There are differing restrictions in different countries for example; it is still ILLEGAL to grow Industrial Hemp in America yet it is LEGAL to consume hemp foods there. Here in Australia we can obtain a licence to grow Industrial hemp in many states yet it is ILLEGAL to consume or sell hemp foods.
With the ever increasing stress placed on our farmers wouldn't government support to build a thriving hemp industry make sense? Hemp crops would supply fibre for paper, cloth, twine etc, the low THC seed is ideal for food and oil production. Hemp seed oil can be used for cosmetics, paints and anything that is currently petroleum based. Hemp crops can also improve soil conditions and soil degredation with it's long tap root it helps to hold the soil together. Farmers experiencing tough times may very well benefit from a new approach via Industrial Hemp.
It is my hope that in the not too distant future all jokes about hemp and fears will be put aside and common sense will bring this gem to the forefront of everyones imagination.....
hemp hemp hooray!
Many people still mistake Industrial hemp for Marijuana and it takes time to release 80+ years of fear based propaganda. It also takes time to instill a sense of trust to the hearts of a society which has been fed one side of the cannabis debate. Through education we can help release current fears and insecurities bringing back the reverence once held for this gift from nature.
I believe one person can make a difference - we live in the most amazing country with some of the most resilient people yet the majority of us go along with our lives in a routine that keeps us feeling secure. Trusting the systems and social beliefs created by laws, governments, religions and history. What if a few individuals challenged those beliefs, those laws, that history to show another way. A way that is not untested, a way that only 100 years ago was completely viable - 'HEMP'.
There is much work being done internationally with growing evidence to support the use of medicinal marijuana for a range of illnesses - however my main focus is the loss of potential both economically and environmentally through the restrictions placed on Industrial hemp. There are differing restrictions in different countries for example; it is still ILLEGAL to grow Industrial Hemp in America yet it is LEGAL to consume hemp foods there. Here in Australia we can obtain a licence to grow Industrial hemp in many states yet it is ILLEGAL to consume or sell hemp foods.
With the ever increasing stress placed on our farmers wouldn't government support to build a thriving hemp industry make sense? Hemp crops would supply fibre for paper, cloth, twine etc, the low THC seed is ideal for food and oil production. Hemp seed oil can be used for cosmetics, paints and anything that is currently petroleum based. Hemp crops can also improve soil conditions and soil degredation with it's long tap root it helps to hold the soil together. Farmers experiencing tough times may very well benefit from a new approach via Industrial Hemp.
It is my hope that in the not too distant future all jokes about hemp and fears will be put aside and common sense will bring this gem to the forefront of everyones imagination.....
hemp hemp hooray!
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