Time Trends of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a 2008-2021 German National Survey of Hemp Food Products.

Hannah Dräger,Ines Barthlott,Stephan G. Walch,Dirk W. Lachenmeier,Patricia Golombek

doi:10.3390/foods11030486

Hannah Dräger, Ines Barthlott + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11030486

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Abstract

∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known as the main psychotropic compound present in the hemp plant. It also occurs in commercially available hemp food products and may have adverse effects on consumers. This article provides an overview of the current situation of the THC content in hemp food products in Germany in recent years. The content of THC was evaluated in a data set of 5 different hemp food product groups (tea, seeds, seed oils, food supplements, and nonalcoholic beverages) comprising 511 samples. For the toxicological assessment, the THC intake was estimated and the exhaustion of acute reference dose (ARfD) and lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) was calculated using average daily consumption scenarios. Data show that hemp beverages and seeds typically do not contain amounts of THC that can exceed toxicological thresholds. On the contrary, hemp food supplements, such as cannabidiol (CBD) products, can contain high levels of THC, since the THC content of 18% of the samples has the potential to exceed the LOAEL and 8% even exceed the minimum intoxication dose. However, a significant linear decrease in the THC content of hemp food supplements was observed between 2018 and 2021 (n = 111, R = −0.36, p < 0.0001). A problematic food group is also tea based on flowers, leading to an increase in overall THC levels in recent years. Regulation of low-THC products within the framework of controlled distribution of cannabis for recreational use appears to be advisable.

Highlights

Hemp products have experienced a strong increase in popularity
The consumer inquiry relates to the increased reporting of foods with high THC content and the resulting warnings of undesirable health consequences due to the psychotropic effects associated with THC
Based on the highest determined THC content, the results show a maximum daily

Summary

Introduction

Hemp products have experienced a strong increase in popularity. More consumers are relying on the possible nutritional and health benefits of the hemp plant, especially the cannabinoids it contains. In addition to classical hemp-based food products (hemp seeds, hemp seed oil, hemp seed flour), a constantly growing product range includes pastries and pasta, candies, herbal teas, beverages, beers, cosmetic products, and food supplements [1,2]. Products containing cannabidiol (CBD), e.g., “CBD oils”, are in high demand and comprise an increasing part of hemp products [2]. The term “CBD” originates from a non-psychotropic cannabinoid, which naturally occurs in the hemp plant. CBD has been researched for its various pharmacological effects and is approved as a medicinal product for the treatment of certain epileptic conditions [3]

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