Centuries of Safe Consumption of Hemp Foods

The following is a letter from Hawaiian State Representative Cynthia Thielen to Eric R. Driscoll, M.Sc., Scientific Evaluator, Nutrition Evaluation Division, Food Directorate, Health Protection Branch, Health Canada

Dear Mr. Driscoll:

I understand you are considering declaring hemp-based food to be a "novel food" under the Canadian Novel Food Regulations. In light of the centuries of safe consumption of hemp seed and hemp-derived food, I am puzzled by your proposed action. Before taking this step, I assume you will review the literature relating to hemp's safe use and not precipitously harm this Canadian industry.

You may not be aware that hemp was an essential crop for the Mormons when they migrated by covered wagons to the territory of Utah. Each settler was directed by Mormon leaders to grow hemp for food and product purposes. While you may not be a supporter of the Mormon faith, I am sure you will have to agree the Mormons were a hardy lot -- obviously decades of hemp consumption did them no harm. I direct you to the church's literature in Salt Lake City, Utah.

You also may not be aware that hemp seed is an ingredient in many Japanese food staples. For decades, "Shichimi Togarashi" has included roasted hemp seed. This is a seasoning found on many tables in Hawaii and widely used in the Orient. The product is produced by House Foods Corporation, 6-3, Kioi-Cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8560, Japan.

The Hawaii State Legislature passed a bill authorizing industrial hemp to be planted. We expect to put seeds in the ground this year. We are looking at hemp-based foods and seed production to revive our economy. I am concerned that your mis-designation of hemp as a "novel food" could also harm our efforts.

Please keep me informed of your actions.

Sincerely,

Representative Cynthia Thielen
Assistant Minority Floor Leader