Hemp Research Articles

PSIII-18 Effect of Industrial Hemp Supplementation on the Salivary Melatonin Concentrations of Angus Cattle at Different Phase of Reproductive Cycle

Abstract Melatonin is an indoleamine, a neurotransmitter and neurohormone mainly produced in pineal gland but also in the ovary. It has an important role in reproduction, antioxidant, immune system and circadian behavior. Industrial hemp is increasingly being included in animal feeds and it is therefore important to evaluate the effect of industrial hemp supplementation on the profiles of melatonin following different phases of reproductive cycle. Twenty apparently healthy Angus heifers, aged 19 months with average body weight of 363 kg and body condition score of 6.5 were randomly divided into two groups of ten heifers each in a completely randomized design. Group 1 (n = 10) were supplemented with grounded industrial hemp at 20/200mg of the concentrate, and group 2 (n = 10) no industrial hemp supplementation. Hay and water were provided ad libitum. The animals were acclimatized for 1 week after which they were synchronized using the 7-day CO-Synch protocols. Salivary samples were collected at preestrus, during estrus and at post estrus. Melatonin in the saliva was assayed with a competitive ELISA kit. The salivary melatonin concentrations were greater (P > 0.05 in the treated groups at estrus (25.29 ± 1.48 pg/mL), pro-estrus (23.98 ± 2.3 pg/mL) and post-estrus (20.31 ± 3.0 pg/mL) compared with the untreated groups at pre-estrus (18.9 ± 1.5 pg/mL), estrus (20.4 ± 2.22 pg/mL) and post estrus (17.22 ± 2.6 pg/mL).The profiles of the salivary melatonin were greater (P > 0.05) at estrus phase in the hemp treated groups compared with the pre-estrus and post estrus phase of the treated groups; however, numerical but non-significant increases were observed in the untreated group at estrus phase compared with the pre-estrus and post estrus phases. It was concluded that industrial hemp supplementation could improve melatonin concentrations and hence improve reproductive, antioxidant and immune function of the cattle.

PSIII-19 Effect of Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Supplementation on Vital and Behavioral Responses of Weaned Beef Cattle

Abstract Weaning induces stress to both cows and calves and hence, reduces growth performance and behavioral characteristics. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of industrial hemp supplementation on the vital and behavioral parameters on calves. Twelve (12) apparently healthy calves, with average body weight of 600 lb and ages 6 months were used for this study. These calves were randomly divided into four (4) groups of three calves per group and hemp was supplemented. Group 1 (20/200 mg normal concentrate for 4 weeks, CC), group 2 (14 days feeding normal concentrate pre-weaning and 14 days of feeding 20/200 mg industrial hemp CH), group 3 (14 days of industrial hemp supplementation pre-weaning and 14 days of normal concentrate HC) and group 4 (4 weeks of hemp supplemented feed). Vital and behavioral vparameters were measured once per week, for two weeks pre-weaning and two weeks post-weaning. Temperature was measured using thermometer, pulse rate was measured using stethoscope and respiratory rate by costo-abdominal movement. The chute score, exit score and vocalization were observed scored and recorded. The rectal temperature decreased from week 1 to week 2 and thereafter increased significantly but where higher in the hemp supplemented groups. The respiratory rate decreased in all the groups from week 1 to week two and there after increased significantly in all the groups but least in the (HH and HC) hemp supplemented groups. The heart rate also increased steadily across the hemp supplemented group with the normal range. The chute score elaborated a greater percentage of calmness, greater percentage of walking proportion and greater percentage of non-vocalizers in the hemp supplemented groups compared with the non-hemp supplemented group. It was concluded that hemp supplementation at pre- and post-weaning could improve the thermoregulation, respiratory efficiency and cardiac function as well as improving the behavior of the calves at weaning.

344 Incorporation of Hemp Hulls and Screenings as Alternative Feed Sources for Ruminants

Abstract Currently there are no legal markets for feeding hempseed hulls or screenings to ruminants in Canada. This represents a significant wastage of high-quality feed that could be utilized in ruminant production. Therefore, the objectives of this project were to 1) evaluate the in situ rumen digestibility of hemp hulls and screenings; 2) evaluate the effect of including hemp hulls and screenings on the growth performance of feedlot lambs, and 3) assess if there are cannabinoids within the carcasses of growing lambs, and the milk of lactating ewes. Three ruminally cannulated Angus × Hereford heifers were used to determine the in situ degradability of hemp hulls and screenings. Wheat screenings, hemp hulls, and hemp screenings were weighed into polyester bags and incubated in the rumen for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 96, 120, and 240 h. The kinetics of in situ DM disappearance were estimated using a non-linear regression procedure of SAS. Wheat screenings had a similar soluble fraction to hemp hulls and screenings; however, hemp screenings had a greater (P < 0.01) soluble fraction than hemp hulls. The rapidly degradable fraction, total potentially degradable fraction, and ruminal degradability were greatest (P < 0.01) for wheat screenings, followed by hemp screenings, and then hemp hulls. Study 2 was conducted using twelve Canadian Arcott x Suffolk ram lambs randomly allocated to one of three treatments: control (Wheat screenings), hemp hulls, and hemp screenings. By-products were included at 20% dietary dry matter, and lambs were fed ab libitum until they reached 50 kg. To test for cannabinoid residues, samples of muscle, adipose tissue, liver, and kidney were taken post-mortem. Study 3 was conducted using fifteen lactating Canadian Arcott x Suffolk ewes with twins, fed the same treatments as in Objective 2. Hulls and screenings were included at 15% DM, and ewes were fed dietary treatments for 30 d, with dry matter intake and body weight recorded weekly. On d 15 and 30, ewes were hand milked to obtain samples for cannabinoid analysis. This research will have an important role in supporting Canadian approval for feeding industrial hemp by-products to ruminant livestock.

Application of Natural (Plant) Fibers Particularly Hemp Fiber as Reinforcement in Hybrid Polymer Composites - Part II. Volume of Hemp Cultivation, Its Application and Sales Market

ABSTRACT The paper is a second part of a multi-aspect analysis of whether it is feasible and practical to use (plant) natural fibers processed into fabrics and mats as homogeneous or hybrid reinforcement in polymer composites used in various industrial sectors. The paper presents the volume of hemp cultivation worldwide, in Europe and in Poland 2016–2022. It also sets out the percentage share of hemp application in nine industrial sectors. The presented statistics includes total volume of industrial hemp stalks market, which is a by-product of hemp farming in the main geographical regions of the world and in Poland. The paper gives examples of current sales of hemp at the USA market, with sales until 2022. The paper discusses the possibility of using industrial hemp as “noble reinforcement that is fully recyclable” of a new generation of polymer structural composites which can be applied in modern sectors of bulky structures, including sea-going vessels.

Single-step hydrothermal synthesis of biochar from waste industrial hemp stalk core for Pb2+ sorption: Characterization and mechanism studies

Industrial hemp stalk core (IHSC)-driven hydrothermal biochars were synthesized by single-step hydrothermal with different H2SO4 concentrations as hydrothermal media for the first time. The characterization results indicated that the concentration of H2SO4 had a significant effect on the carbonization degree and affected the physicochemical properties of biochar, which in turn influenced the Pb2+ sorption ability. Among these biochars, the 50% H2SO4-activated hydrothermal biochar (HBS50) not only achieved a significant yield (49.2%), but also obtained the largest specific surface area (359.11 m2/g) and pore volume (0.357 cm3/g). Besides, the abundant functional groups were found to be exposed on the surface of HBS50. In particular, HBS50 showed excellent sorption capacity for Pb2+, reaching a maximum sorption capacity of 195.9 mg/g in a short period of time (2 h). Sorption performance of HBS50 conformed well to the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second order model. Based on the sorption performance and characterization analysis, the sorption mechanisms were proposed: -OH and -COOH groups on surface of biochar took deprotonation firstly to form negatively groups and then attracted Pb2+ cations. Subsequently, most of these attracted Pb2+ cations were further fixed by surface -OH and -COOH through complex reaction. In addition, the contribution of π-π coordination with unsaturated groups (such as CC and COOR) and the electrostatic interaction for the further attachment of Pb2+ cations could not be excluded. However, ion exchange and precipitation reaction had little assistance to the sorption of Pb2+. The work offers an effective and economic method for removing aqueous Pb2+.

Health, safety, and socioeconomic impacts of cannabis liberalization laws: An evidence and gap map.

Globally, cannabis laws and regulations are rapidly changing. Countries are increasingly permitting access to cannabis under various decriminalization, medicalization, and legalization laws. With strong economic, public health, and social justice incentives driving these domestic cannabis policy reforms, liberalization trends are bound to continue. However, despite a large and growing body of interdisciplinary research addressing the policy-relevant health, safety, and socioeconomic consequences of cannabis liberalization, there is a lack of robust primary and systematic research that comprehensively investigates the consequences of these reforms. This evidence and gap map (EGM) summarizes the empirical evidence on cannabis liberalization policies. Primary objectives were to develop a conceptual framework linking cannabis liberalization policies to relevant outcomes, descriptively summarize the empirical evidence, and identify areas of evidence concentration and gaps. We comprehensively searched for eligible English-language empirical studies published across 23 academic databases and 11 gray literature sources through August 2020. Additions to the pool of potentially eligible studies from supplemental sources were made through November 2020. The conceptual framework for this EGM draws upon a legal epidemiological perspective highlighting the causal effects of law and policy on population-level outcomes. Eligible interventions include policies that create or expand access to a legal or decriminalized supply of cannabis: comprehensive medical cannabis laws (MCLs), limited medical cannabidiol laws (CBDLs), recreational cannabis laws (RCLs), industrial hemp laws (IHLs), and decriminalization of cultivations laws (DCLs). Eligible outcomes include intermediate responses (i.e., attitudes/behaviors and markets/environments) and longer-term consequences (health, safety, and socioeconomic outcomes) of these laws. Both dual screening and dual data extraction were performed with third person deconfliction. Primary studies were appraised using the Maryland Scientific Methods Scale and systematic reviews were assessed using AMSTAR 2. The EGM includes 447 studies, comprising 438 primary studies and nine systematic reviews. Most research derives from the United States, with little research from other countries. By far, most cannabis liberalization research focuses on the effects of MCLs and RCLs. Studies targeting other laws-including CBDLs, IHLs, and DCLs-are relatively rare. Of the 113 distinct outcomes we documented, cannabis use was the single most frequently investigated. More than half these outcomes were addressed by three or fewer studies, highlighting substantial evidence gaps in the literature. The systematic evidence base is relatively small, comprising just seven completed reviews on cannabis use (3), opioid-related harms (3), and alcohol-related outcomes (1). Moreover, we have limited confidence in the reviews, as five were appraised as minimal quality and two as low quality. More primary and systematic research is needed to better understand the effects of cannabis liberalization laws on longer-term-and arguably more salient-health, safety, and socioeconomic outcomes. Since most research concerns MCLs and RCLs, there is a critical need for research on the societal impacts of industrial hemp production, medical CBD products, and decriminalized cannabis cultivation. Future research should also prioritize understanding the heterogeneous effects of these laws given differences in specific provisions and implementation across jurisdictions.

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)—a valuable alternative crop for growing in agricultural soils contaminated with heavy metals

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a multiuse plant, which has been abundantly studied for phytoremediation purposes in recent years. The majority of experiments were performed in greenhouses with potted plants where hemp showed promising results. Only few studies tested hemp on site in heavy metal–polluted agricultural soil in real environmental conditions and practical assessments of hemp phytoremediation feasibility are lacking. We conducted a comprehensive study using 2 legal industrial hemp varieties (Futura 75 and Tisza) at three differently polluted locations (heavily polluted location, HP; moderately polluted location, MP; and slightly polluted location, SP) in the heavy metal contaminated Celje valley in Slovenia and determined the content of Pb, Zn, and Cd in 5 plant organs/tissues. The yield of each organ/tissue was determined as well to enable us to calculate the phytoremediation potential (PP). On average, plants grown in the HP location accumulated the highest values of all examined elements, followed by plants from the MP location and plants from the SP location, showing that the content of heavy metals in soil influences the accumulation in plants. Accumulation of Pb/Zn/Cd by plant organs/tissues was distributed in the following order: inflorescences (Pb-4.10/Zn-92.8/Cd-0.50 mg/kg) > seeds (Pb-1.79/Zn-92.6/Cd-0.27 mg/kg) > roots (Pb-1.15/Zn-15.0/Cd-0.44 mg/kg) > stem bark (Pb-0.42/Zn-12.4/Cd-0.23 mg/kg) > stem woody core (Pb-0.34/Zn-4.6/Cd-0.15 mg/kg). The only exception was for Cd, where roots accumulated a higher value than seed, yet lower than inflorescences. PP was calculated by multiplying hemp tissue/organ yield by the relative concentrations of heavy metal. The highest PP for Pb and Cd were achieved at the HP location (3.80 and 0.23 g/ha/vegetation period). On the other hand, tissue/organ yield was more important for high PP of Zn, where the SP location reached the highest PP for Zn (148.5 g/ha/vegetation period) due to the highest yields. Only seeds from HP and MP locations accumulated a too high content of Pb; otherwise, all other fibers and seeds can be safely used in the textile and food industry. Results of this study showed that hemp cannot be considered an efficient plant for the phytomanagement of contaminated areas. Nevertheless, hemp cultivation in heavy metal–polluted agricultural soils seems feasible since the majority of tissues/organs were not contaminated and different products can be obtained from various parts of the hemp plant.

The miRNA–mRNA regulatory networks of the response to NaHCO3 stress in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

BackgroundIndustrial hemp is an important industrial crop and has strong resistance to saline-alkaline stress. However, research on the industrial hemp response to NaHCO3 stress is limited. Therefore, the response mechanisms of industrial hemp under NaHCO3 stress were analysed through miRNA–mRNA regulatory networks.ResultsSeedlings of two salt–alkali tolerant and sensitive varieties were cultured in a solution containing 100 mM NaHCO3 and randomly sampled at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h. With prolonged NaHCO3 stress, the seedlings gradually withered, and the contents of jasmonic acid, lignin, trehalose, soluble protein, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in the roots increased significantly. The abscisic acid content decreased and then gradually increased. Overall, 18,215 mRNAs and 74 miRNAs were identified as differentially expressed under NaHCO3 stress. The network showed that 230 miRNA–mRNA interactions involved 16 miRNAs and 179 mRNAs, including some key hub novel mRNAs of these crucial pathways. Carbon metabolism, starch, sucrose metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, and the spliceosome (SPL) were crucial pathways in industrial hemp's response to NaHCO3 stress.ConclusionsIt is speculated that industrial hemp can regulate SPL pathway by upregulating miRNAs such as novel_miR_179 and novel_miR_75, thus affecting starch and sucrose metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction and carbon metabolism and improving key physiological indices such as jasmonic acid content, trehalose content, and peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities under NaHCO3 stress.

Hybrid hemp/glass fiber reinforced high-temperature shape memory photopolymer with mechanical and flame-retardant analysis

Cultivated natural fibers have a huge possibility for green and sustainable reinforcement for polymers, but their limited load-bearing ability and flammability prevent them from wide applications in composites. According to the beam theory, normal stress is the maximum at the outermost layers but zero at the mid-plane under bending (with (non)linear strain distribution). Shear stress is the maximum at the mid-plane but manageable for most polymers. Accordingly, a laminated composite made of hybrid fiber-reinforced shape memory photopolymer was developed, incorporating strong synthetic glass fibers over a weak core of natural hemp fibers. Even with a significant proportion of natural hemp fibers, the mechanical properties of the hybrid composites were close to those reinforced solely with glass fibers. The composites exhibited good shape memory properties, with at least 52% shape fixity ratio and 71% shape recovery ratio, and 24 MPa recovery stress. After 40 s burning, a hybrid composite still maintained 83.53% of its load carrying capacity. Therefore, in addition to largely maintaining the load carrying capacity through the hybrid reinforcement design, the use of shape memory photopolymer endowed a couple of new functionalities to the composites: the plastically deformed laminated composite beam can largely return to its original shape due to the shape memory effect of the polymer matrix, and the flame retardancy of the polymer matrix makes the flammable hemp fiber survive the fire hazard. The findings of this study present exciting prospects for utilizing low-strength and flammable natural fibers in multifunctional load-bearing composites that possess both flame retardancy and shape memory properties.

Widespread Occurrence of European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) and Damage of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Crop in Northern Europe

AbstractIndustrial hemp cultivation restarted in Estonia in mid 2000s and the hemp cultivation area has increased very fast in recent years, but it is unknown to what extent hemp productivity can be curbed by widespread crop pests. Thus, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and damage of hemp pests in northern field conditions. A field trial with the hemp cultivars ‘Finola’ (2021) and ‘Estica’ (2022) was established in Central Estonia (58° N, 26° E), and the plants were grown with different fertilizer types (complex fertilizer, ammonium nitrate), fertilization methods (at sowing/top dressing) and nitrogen rates (0–200 kg ha−1) and their effect on the European corn borer (ECB, Ostrinia nubilalis) damage was assessed. The O. nubilalis infestation increased with every observation date throughout the seasons until the harvest. The O. nubilalis damage was overall greater in 2022 than in 2021, and the seed yield reduction reached to 120 kg ha−1 in 2022, indicating progressive increase in O. nubilalis damage. Fertilization rate strongly increased biomass and seed yields, but weakly reduced O. nubilalis infection. Estonia is one of the most important hemp-cultivation areas in Europe, and in northern conditions, the crop was previously considered to be relatively pest-free. The northward movement of crop infection by O. nubilalis implies that future hemp cultivation might need integrated O. nubilalis control practices adapted to site-specific agro-climatic conditions.

Fiber and future: Unleashing the power of industrial hemp waste through epoxy composites

AbstractNatural fiber composites offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymer composites, addressing the environmental concerns associated with traditional materials. This study aims to investigate the effect of flame‐retardant additives (magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2 [A] and aluminum hydroxide Al(OH)3 [B]) on hemp fiber‐based epoxy composites with a different fire retardant (FR) loading, that is, 0%, 8%, 12%, and 24%. An evaluation of flame‐retardant effectiveness on composites was carried out using thermogravimetric analysis, limited oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 horizontal burning, morphological analysis scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and char residue analysis. The results show that introducing the flame retardants in the hemp–epoxy composites improved the thermal stability and flame retardancy of hemp–epoxy composites When composites were incorporated with flame retardants, the Horizontal burning rate was decreased, and LOI was increased. The lowest Horizontal burning rate of prepared composites was recorded as 11.6 mm/min, and the highest LOI was 25.3%. SEM shows uniform distribution of FR particles in the prepared composite. It is concluded that adding flame‐retardant additives efficiently improves the flame retardancy properties of the prepared composites.Highlights The mechanical and flammability behavior of developed composites were investigated after adding magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide to composites. An enhancement in flame retardancy and a slight reduction in mechanical properties are observed in composites. The purpose of this study is to expand the area where flame‐retardant ramie fabrics may be applied.

Industrial Hemp as a Potential Nonwood Source of Fibres for European Industrial-Scale Papermaking-A Review.

The suitability of industrial hemp (IH) as a source of fibres for European industrial-scale papermaking, including, in particular, European kraft pulp mills (EKMPs) (i.e., plants producing the predominant amount of virgin pulps in Europe), was discussed, considering the causal, cultivation, technological, and application aspects of this issue. The work showed that there are generally premises for using straw from nonwood crops in European papermaking. As for the IH, it was found that IH stalks are the best IH fibrous raw material for EKMPs. There are a few cultivation factors favouring the use of IH stalks in them and a few, though important (e.g., small cultivation areas), factors not conducive to this use. Most technological factors favour the use of IH stalks in EKPMs, apart from the large differences in the length of the IH bast and woody-core fibres. The analysis of application factors indicates lower usefulness of IH stalks than wheat, rye or triticale straws, stalks of Miscanthus × giganteus, Virginia mallow, and kenaf. This is due to the much greater availability of these cereal straws than IH and less variation in the fibre length of cereal straws, Miscanthus × giganteus, Virginia mallow, and kenaf than in IH stalks. The main conclusion from the conducted query is the statement that the presence of IH varieties with fibre lengths more similar to wood would reduce the number of technological and application factors unfavourable to their use in EKPMs and increase the competitiveness of hemp straw vs. wood as a raw material for European large-scale papermaking.

Anatolian hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation, processing, and production

Cannabis sativa L. has been grown in Anatolia since ancient times and commercial cultivation persists on a limited scale today. Valued for its durable fiber and nutritious seed, hemp was an important subsistence crop in many rural households. Throughout the Ottoman Empire hemp cordage, fabrics and oakum were maritime necessities and internationally traded commodities. During the twentieth century commercial hemp fiber and seed production levels fluctuated due to regulatory and market forces, eventually leading to a steady decline commencing in the 1980s. Hemp production in Turkey only survives today in specialized market settings, although recently production has increased. Historical data largely gleaned from Turkish language sources is presented along with personal communications and field observations.

Cannabis sativa: Difference between Medical Cannabis (Maijuana or drug type) and Industrial hemp

This paper reviewed the importance of Cannabis sativa and highlights difference between Medical Cannabis (Maijuana or drug type) and Industrial hemp. Cannabis has been used for thousands of years for recreational, medicinal, or religious purposes. Industrial hemp and marijuana share the same species, Cannabis sativa L, but represent different varieties. As such, there are genetic differences that lead to different chemical characteristics, which, in turn, lead to different uses. Cannabis sativa L., is classified into two types as Industrial Cannabis sativa, hemp or Medical Cannabis sativa L.(drug or marijuana) based on its Λ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), content. Medical Cannabis sativa (drug or marijuana) contains very high levels of Λ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (above 0.3 to 38% of dry weight) and grown inside the greenhouse controlled conditions for the production of unfertilized female flowers. These female flowers accumulates the psychoactive molecule THC and used for health disorders. On the other hand Industrial Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp) contains very low levels of THC (0 to 0.3% of dry weight) grown outside in a large agriculture farms for the production of fibre, seeds and oil. Hemp is used as a functional food and medicine since it contains Cannabidol (CBD), and very low levels of THC.

Nitric acid-alkali two-stage pulping of wheat straw, industrial hemp, and Miscanthus x giganteus

Index levels of the process of pulping wheat straw (WS), industrial hemp stalks (HS), and Miscanthus × giganteus (MS) using the nitric acid-alkali (NA−A) method (HNO3/KOH and HNO3/NH4OH two-stage sequential delignification systems) were determined. The research showed, as a rule, a lower total yield of NA−A pulps than kraft pulps from WS, HS, and MS, and a lower level of the tensile index and tear resistance compared to the properties of soda-AQ and kraft pulps presented in other studies, as well as the author’s own studies. Additionally, the levels of nitrogen (in different forms) and potassium in the combined post-pulping filtrate were determined. Their levels were found to be higher than in the fertilizer solution used to fertilize tomato crops grown on soilless substrates in greenhouses. However, application of filtrates from pulping of nonwoody plant straw using NA-A method requires determining the effectiveness of this type of fertilizer solution, its impact on the horticulture and agriculture plants, and the properties of their output including grains, tubers, and fruits.

Development of cashew nut shell lignin-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene 3D printed core and industrial hemp/aluminized glass fiber epoxy biocomposite for morphing wing and unmanned aerial vehicle applications

The aim of this study was to develop a lightweight epoxy based biocomposite for morphing wing and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications. The proposed composite was developed using a 3D printed high stiffness lignin-Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) core and industrial hemp with aluminized glass fiber epoxy skin. The ABS was reinforced using lignin macromolecule derived from cashew nut shells via twin screw extruder and the core was printed using an industrial grade 3D printer. Furthermore, the composites were prepared by compression moulding with an ABS-lignin core and hemp/aluminized GF surface and characterized according to respective American society of testing and materials (ASTM) standards. The findings indicate that the addition of 30 vol% Al-glass and hemp fiber with lignin strengthened ABS core improved the mechanical properties. The composite material designated as “E2” exhibits the maximum mechanical properties, providing tensile strength, flexural strength, Izod impact, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), and compression values of, 136 MPa, 168 MPa, 4.82 kJ/m2, 21 MPa, and 155 MPa respectively. The maximal energy absorbed by composite designation “E2,” during drop load impact test is 20.6 J. Similarly, the composite designation “E2”gives fatigue life cycles of 33,709, 25,781 and 19,633 for 50 %, 70 % and 90 % of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and 32.5 (K1c) MPa⋅m and 0.76 (G1c) MJ/m2 in fracture toughness and energy release rate respectively.

Electrochemical sensitive detection of cannabidiol based on carbon black/gold nanoparticle composite modified glassy carbon electrode

Cannabidiol (CBD), a significant secondary metabolite of Cannabis sativa L., has pharmacological effects for the treatment of a variety of health conditions, including nerve protection, epilepsy, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and cancer, which have garnered increasing interest in recent years. Herein, an electrochemical sensing platform was constructed for ultrasensitive determination of CBD, on the base of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) chemically modified with carbon black (CB) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) (CB/AuNPs/GCE). The morphology, structure and electrochemical performance of prepared CB/AuNPs/GCE were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical technologies. The effects of pH, scanning rate, enrichment time, enrichment potential and the speculated mechanism of cannabidiol reaction at modified electrode were studied in detail. Under the optimized conditions, the fabricated sensing platform exhibited a great linear response of 0.42 μA μM−1 in the concentration range of 0.25 ∼ 50.0 μM. The prepared CB/AuNPs/GCE showed long-term stability, good repeatability and high practicability in real samples of industrial hemp. The proposed sensor can be further enhanced for portable and rapid detection of plant secondary metabolites, providing a basis for food detection, agricultural development, and drug detection.

Phytotoxic and Insecticidal Activity of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Extracts against Plodia interpunctella Hübner—A Potential Sunflower Grain Protectant

The biological activity (contact and contact-digestive toxicity, repellent and fumigant effects, effect on the insect’s development and life cycle parameters) of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) ethanolic extract was assessed against Plodia interpunctella, the most destructive storage pest of sunflower. Additionally, the study aimed to examine the phytotoxic activity of the extract in order to assess its potential as a sunflower grain protectant. Phytotoxicity assessment was based on the effect on germination energy and seed germination and the activity of antioxidative enzymes, enzymes of the polyphenolic metabolism, and the intensity of lipid peroxidation in sunflower seedlings. The antioxidant capacity and content of phenolic compounds (total phenolics and total tannins) were also measured in seedlings. In the experiments, 70% ethanolic extract of dried flowering buds of industrial hemp (variety Helena) was applied at 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% concentrations directly on sunflower seeds. Ethanol solution (70%) was the control. The hemp extract (1% and 2%) revealed medium repellence for P. interpunctella larvae (L3–4) while at 2% concentration it caused 42.5% larval mortality after 72 h. Moreover, the insect’s development was prolonged and fecundity significantly reduced in hemp treatments. The extract did not exhibit fumigant activity. Germination energy and germination of sunflower seeds were stimulated in treatment with 2% hemp extract, while most biochemical parameters of the seedlings were not significantly affected by the hemp extract.

The Role of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as a Functional Food in Vegetarian Nutrition.

Recently, there has been a renewed interest in Cannabis sativa and its uses. The recreational use of inflorescences as a source of THC has led to the legal restriction of C. sativa cultivation to limit the detrimental effects of psychotropic substance abuse on health. However, this has also limited the cultivation of textile/industrial varieties with a low content of THC used for textile and nutritional purposes. While previously the bans had significantly penalized the cultivation of C. sativa, today many countries discriminate between recreational use (marijuana) and industrial and food use (hemp). The stalks of industrial hemp (low in psychotropic substances) have been used extensively for textile purposes while the seeds are nutritionally versatile. From hemp seeds, it is possible to obtain flours applicable in the bakery sector, oils rich in essential fatty acids, proteins with a high biological value and derivatives for fortification, supplementation and nutraceutical purposes. Hemp seed properties seem relevant for vegetarian diets, due to their high nutritional value and underestimated employment in the food sector. Hemp seed and their derivatives are a valuable source of protein, essential fatty acids and minerals that could provide additional benefit to vegetarian nutrition. This document aims to explore the information available in the literature about hemp seeds from a nutritional point of view, highlighting possible beneficial effects for humans with particular attention to vegetarian nutrition as a supplemental option for a well-planned diet.

Using Detached Industrial Hemp Leaf Inoculation Assays to Screen for Varietal Susceptibility and Product Efficacy on Botrytis cinerea.

In greenhouse production, grey mould caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. is one of the most widespread and damaging diseases affecting medicinal cannabis (MC). Fungicide options to control this disease are extremely limited due to the regulations surrounding fungicides and chemical residues as the product end users are medical patients, often with compromised immune systems. Screening for alternative disease control options, such as biological and organic products, can be time-consuming and costly. Here, we optimise and validate a detached leaf assay as a quick and non-destructive method to evaluate interactions between plants and pathogens, allowing the assessment of potential pathogens' infectivity and product efficacy. We tested eight industrial hemp varieties for susceptibility to B. cinerea infection. Using detached leaves from a susceptible variety, we screened a variety of chemical or organic products for efficacy in controlling the lesion development caused by B. cinerea. A consistent reduction in lesion growth was observed using treatments containing Tau-fluvalinate and Myclobutanil, as well as the softer chemical alternatives containing potassium salts. The performance of treatments was pH-dependent, emphasizing the importance of applying them at optimal pH levels to maximise their effectiveness. The detached leaf assay differentiated varietal susceptibility and was an effective method for screening treatment options for diseases caused by Botrytis. The results from the detached leaf assays gave comparable results to responses tested on whole plants.