Oregon State University (OSU) researchers examined the levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cows fed hemp byproduct. In the United States, hemp processed for cannabidiol (CBD) extraction results in a significant amount of plant-matter byproduct, also known as spent hemp biomass. The findings published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry determined that trace amounts of THC were undetectable in the milk and edible cow tissue if they were weaned off the byproduct before milking or processing.
The OSU researchers examined the accumulation, absorption, and clearance of cannabinoids, such as THC and cannabidiol (CBD), in the milk and tissues of dairy cows that ate hemp byproduct or biomass. They also evaluated the risks associated with people consuming milk from those cows.
The research team monitored the diets of 18 Jersey cows over 28 days. Nine cows received the experimental diet (13% spent hemp biomass), and the other nine cows received a control diet consisting of 13% alfalfa pellets. After 28 days, the researchers fed all 18 cows the control diet and tracked the effects through a four-week withdrawal period.
The study found that dairy cows absorb significant amounts of cannabinoids after eating spent hemp biomass, but cannabinoids disappear from the cow’s system and milk within 15 days. According to study author Dr. Massimo Bionaz, “Two weeks of spent hemp biomass withdrawal from the diet of the cows eliminates any risk of ingesting THC by consuming the milk from those cows.” The study suggested that cow milk and meat products from cows fed hemp biomass are safe for human consumption.
The Food and Drug Administration has not approved hemp byproducts, given the limited research determining the potential THC presence and possible effects on animal health. Therefore, the researchers believe this study provides critical data necessary for FDA approval of spent hemp biomass as livestock feed.
Previous studies by the OSU research team and other researchers found that spent hemp biomass, hemp seed, and hemp seed meal offered suitable and safe feed for cattle and other livestock animals.
Sources: Eureka News Alert, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Oregon State University