Hempseed is used for people and animal food, medicinal preparations, and industrial use. Hempseeds imported to the United States or Canada must be sterilized to prevent sprouting. This is not the case in Europe where fresh seeds are used. Wild and domestic birds love hempseeds. New evidence has revealed that improperly cleaned hempseeds may contain trace amounts of THC due to the plant matter stuck to the outside of the coat.
Hempseed oil is good for lowering cholesterol levels and strengthening cardiovascular systems.
The oil has a pleasantly nutty flavor. Processing of hempseed oil starts with drying the seeds to prevent sprouting. The seeds are then pressed and bottled immediately under oxygen-free conditions. Hempseed oil is very fragile and must be kept refrigerated in dark, air tight containers. Throughout history, hemp has provided a nourishing food supply to many cultures around the world.