The Problem With Hemp Testing: Farmers and Scientists Speak Out

In December 2018, the Federal Farm Bill made a groundbreaking distinction between hemp and marijuana. The legislation declared that hemp containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight would no longer be classified as marijuana, opening the door for farmers and businesses to produce hemp products legally. However, this seemingly straightforward rule has led to unexpected complications for the industry.

Get our free mobile app

The 0.3% THC Limit: A Scientific Perspective

The threshold of 0.3% THC wasn’t chosen arbitrarily. Scientists settled on this limit because it ensures that hemp products remain non-intoxicating. To feel any psychoactive effects, a person would need to consume an impractical amount of hemp containing such low THC levels. While this safeguard is meant to keep hemp distinct from its psychoactive cousin, marijuana, maintaining compliance can be trickier than it seems.

Gas Chromatography: A Testing Dilemma

To ensure compliance, law enforcement routinely tests hemp products. Unfortunately, the most common method—Gas Chromatography—introduces a significant issue. This testing process heats the product, inadvertently increasing its THC levels, sometimes pushing previously legal hemp into illegal territory.

Nicholas Mortillaro, Austin Charter President for the Hemp Industry Leaders of Texas (HILT), argues that this method provides inaccurate readings. He advocates for High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) as a better alternative. HPLC avoids heating the product, ensuring that THC levels are measured accurately. While this method is more expensive, it eliminates unnecessary headaches for farmers and law enforcement alike.

Get our free mobile app

The Bigger Picture: Hemp’s Benefits and Challenges

Mortillaro emphasizes hemp’s potential, particularly for pain relief. It’s a go-to option for veterans and elderly individuals dealing with chronic health issues. Yet, the current testing standards make it challenging for farmers to stay compliant, despite their best efforts. With hemp’s therapeutic benefits and its growing role in agriculture, many believe it’s time to reevaluate both the 0.3% limit and the testing protocols.

As the hemp industry continues to grow, calls for more accurate testing methods like HPLC are gaining traction. For farmers, veterans, and anyone relying on hemp’s benefits, this change could make all the difference.