Hemp History & Facts

An Outstandingly Useful Plant

Industrial hemp has a long history, with a wide range of uses. Like flax and soybeans, hemp provides raw materials for both food and fiber. Today, hemp is grown in most industrialized nations of the world, excluding the U.S. (Find out why at VoteHemp.com).

Hemp History & Facts

Hemp is a hardy plant, requiring no pesticides or herbicides to thrive, and none are registered for use on hemp in Canada. Botanically, hemp is classified as Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae). Cannabis is a diverse plant species including more than 500 different varieties. The oilseed varieties most commonly grown for food can grow up to 10-15 feet tall within 90-120 days. Hemp is a profitable and potential "dual-income" crop for farmers, as both seeds and fiber can be processed into thousands of uses. Hemp is a highly valuable crop and the oilseed and fiber varieties can be used for the production of fabrics, rope, paper, food, health and beauty aids, printing inks, paint, and building materials. And today it's proving to have even greater value as a potential source of renewable energy, and as a raw material for biodiesel and ethanol. The building materials excel at carbon sequestration helping slow climate change.

But of course, at Living Harvest we're most interested in hemp's outstanding value as a food source.

Centuries of Taste & Nutrition

Hemp's tiny, round seeds are about the same size as small sunflower seeds. They have a light and pleasant flavor and aroma that is similar to toasted pine nuts. The seeds are the edible portion of the hemp plant, which have been cultivated as a food source for centuries in China, and in many countries in Europe and Asia.

Our award-winning Hempmilk is made from hemp seeds. We cold mill whole hemp seeds to make our protein powders and press them to produce our renowned hemp oil. All the hemp seeds used to make Living Harvest products are grown in Canada.

Hemp Farming - Our Neighbors to the North

Canada's history with hemp began in 1606 when French Botanist Louis Hebert planted the first hemp crop in North America in Port Royal, Acadia (present-day Nova Scotia). As early as 1801, the Lieutenant Governor of the province of Upper Canada, on behalf of the King of England, distributed hemp seed free to Canadian farmers.

Hemp fiber cultivation continued in many regions to the 20th century. Through many Old World cultures, hemp was introduced to Canada. Immigrants from Eastern Europe brought hemp seeds with them when they settled the Prairies. These they planted and used for fresh oil, baking and in traditional dishes. Similarly, Chinese Canadians have also long eaten hemp for medicinal and dietary reasons.

After a half century's absence from Canadian fields and factories, due to the misperception that hemp was similar to drug varieties of Cannabis, cultivation on a commercial scale was once again permitted in 1998, renewing this country's relationship with this wonder plant. Learn more at www.hemptrade.ca.

Hemp Farming - An American Tradition

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin are counted among our history's hemp farmers and processors. And there is a generation of Americans who remember the U.S. government's "Hemp for Victory" campaign during World War II, when farmers were encouraged to grow hemp for its useful fiber.

Still, hemp's legal status in the U.S. remains controversial. From 1937 to the late 1960's, the U.S. recognized that different varieties of hemp were grown for different uses. But after the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970, all hemp cultivation was considered illegal - despite the fact that CSA contained a specific exemption for the category of industrial hemp. The 2004 federal court case, HIA vs. DEA, has re-established the acknowledgement of different varieties of Cannabis sativa, and supports the exemption for seed and fiber products.

Industrial hemp has no "drug" value. Oilseed and fiber varieties differ from drug varieties of Cannabis sativa in that their seeds have such a low THC content that people cannot possibly get high smoking or eating them. In fact, the specific hemp seeds and hemp foods used by Living Harvest are certified by TestPledge.com to contain 0.00% THC.

To date, twenty-eight U.S. states have introduced Industrial hemp legislation and fifteen have passed legislation; nine (Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Vermont and West Virginia) have removed barriers to its production or research. Learn more at VoteHemp.com.

With newfound popular support and unquestionable value as a food source, we may soon be able to raise hemp crops in the United States again. For now, we work closely with farmers and cooperatives in Canada to produce hemp seeds of the highest food quality. Our corporate philosophy of promoting local, sustainable farming practices will continue to assure the purity, quality, great taste and nutrition of all Living Harvest products.

Click here to support hemp farming in the U.S.

Secrets of the Hemp Seed

Nutritional Profile

For optimum health, our bodies require essential ingredients including fats, protein, vitamins & minerals, and live enzymes. At Living Harvest, our essential foods center around one key ingredient - hemp seeds, one of nature's most perfect foods. Hemp seeds contain all 10 Essential Amino Acids (EAA's) - the building blocks of protein. They're also rich in naturally-balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's). Additionally, hemp is high in magnesium, iron, potassium, fiber and phytonutrients, plus natural antioxidants like vitamin E. Our hemp foods are a healthy habit that can be part of your diet every day.

Meet The "Good Fats"

The polyunsaturated fats you find in hemp seeds are the good ones. They contain a naturally balanced 1:3 ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's). These nutrients are termed Essential because our bodies require them to function - but since the human body cannot produce them, we must get EFA's from the foods we eat, or from supplements. EFA's are required for energy production, brain development and function, skin health and digestive efficiency. EFA's are important at every age - remember, children need good fats, too!

Omegas in Hempmilk vs. Dairy and Other Milk Alternatives

Tempt Hempmilk is an excellent source of ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) Omega-3 fatty acids. One serving of Tempt Hempmilk provides about 50%* of your daily value of Omega-3 EFA's. In fact, 92% of the fat content in Tempt Hempmilk is Omega EFA's. Living Harvest provides almost 3x the Omega-3's found in the leading soymilk brand, and more than double the Omega-6's. By contrast, almond, rice milk and dairy contain no Omega-3's and less than 100 mg of Omega-6's.

*Approximate value. Dietary needs vary by individual.

There Are Omegas - And Super Omegas

The "good fat" Omegas in Living Harvest are special for even more reasons. Unlike soy, rice, almond or dairy milk, our hempmilks contain naturally-occurring Super Omegas Stearidonic Acid (SDA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). SDA and GLA help your body convert the benefits of Omega-3 & Omega-6 EFA's more efficiently. Due to factors such as age, genetics, diet and lifestyle, we don't all process these good fats the same way. SDA and GLA help everyone maximize the benefits of Omega EFA's. You know you're getting a good thing from hemp seeds - SDA and GLA are not found in flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, canola oil, corn oil, almonds, walnuts nor hazelnuts.

The Power of Protein

Hemp seeds are one of the plant kingdom's best sources of easily digestible, high-quality protein. Proteins are among the body's most essential nutrients, helping you build and repair tissue and build lean muscle mass. 65% of hemp seeds' protein is high-quality edestin, making them the highest vegan source of this simple protein that's required for proper immune system function. The other 35% is albumin protein. With live enzymes intact, hemp's digestible proteins are easily assimilated into the body. Hemp protein is also a great alternative if you're allergic to the proteins found in dairy and soy. Add hemp protein powder to a morning smoothie for a valuable whole-food energy boost. With an impressive profile of all 10 essential amino acids, it's a great way to power up your day.

Fiber, Vitamins & Minerals - Oh My!

The good nutrition news doesn't stop there. Hemp seeds are an excellent source of natural plant fiber, especially in our Hemp Protein Powders. How about vitamins and minerals? Look to our refreshing and delicious Hempmilks for a tasty source. No matter which flavor you choose, you'll love it even more knowing that you're adding 15 essential vitamins and minerals to your daily diet.

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