Hemp Foods Approval Delayed By FSANZ

Press Release – Hemp Lifestyle Magazine
Source: business.scoop.co.nz

(Mullumbimby, Australia) – Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) have announced that their assessment into whether low THC hemp should be used as a food will be delayed until the second half of 2012.

Applicant Dr Andrew Katelaris received a letter dated 16th March 2012 which stated that there were a number of issues that needed to be addressed before a final decision can be made by the FSANZ board.

The concerns included the potential cost impact on food and law enforcement agencies, whether hemp foods could interfere with saliva THC testing results and whether the industry can achieve lower amounts of THC in foods than the levels proposed by FSANZ in their initial assessment.

THC or delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the compound found in Cannabis sativa that when present in high concentrations is responsible for the psychoactive effect of the plant. Varieties of C. sativa that contain high levels of THC are known by various names including marijuana, whereas varieties with low THC concentrations are referred to as hemp or industrial hemp.

Dr Katelaris said ‘I am fervently opposed to this delay in the assessment of the hemp foods application, since it is the third time the decision has been setback in 18 months.” Dr Katelaris added that he would be contacting the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to provide an independent review of the FSANZ assessment process.

While hemp is legally grown in Australia and New Zealand, the Hemp Fibre Industry Facilitation Act of 2004 does not allow for the human consumption of hemp seeds and seed products. In New Zealand, hemp seed oil is permitted for human consumption.

In countries where hemp foods are legal such as the US, Canada and Europe, consumers are reaping the benefits of hemp seeds, including a readily digestible source of protein, a nutritionally balanced source of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids and naturally high amounts of fibre, amino acids and other nutrients. Hemp seeds are also gluten free.

Australian consumers are missing out on the many tasty hemp food products available including hemp milks, muesli bars, breads, non-dairy cheeses, cereals, ice-cream and non-soy tofu.

Australian farmers are also being denied the economic and environmental benefits of growing hemp as a food.

Hemp produces the greatest industrially usable biomass, in the shortest amount of time, for the least amount of water, with the greatest amount of carbon sequestration compared to any other plant. Hemp fibre is a source of biomass for applications including building, bioplastics, fuel and paper, while the seeds and oil are used for food and bodycare products as well as industrial products such as paints and solvents.

The US based Hemp Industries Association estimated that in 2010, sales of hemp food and bodycare products reached $40.5 million dollars. Hemp industry leaders in Australia and New Zealand are concerned that without the ability to market hemp food products as well as fibre, the viability of the industry is in doubt.

To understand more about the current situation in Australia/New Zealand regarding hemp foods, visit the websitehttp://hemplifestylemagazine.com/hemp-food-facts/

Hemp and Marijuana Legalization Initiative Qualifies For Colorado Ballot

By Travis Waldron 
Source: thinkprogress.org/justice

In January, marijuana legalization activists in Colorado turned in twice as many signatures as they needed to place a legalization initiative on the state’s 2012 ballot. Yesterday, Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler officially announced that the activists had submitted enough signatures, meaning the initiative will appear on the ballot this November.

According to the Marijuana Policy Project, if passed, the Colorado initiative would legalize limited marijuana use and possession for adults over age 21, while regulating and taxing it like alcohol:

If passed, the initiative would allow adults 21 and older to possess and use limited amounts of marijuana. It would also establish a system of regulations to control and tax marijuana sales, much like the system that exists for alcohol, and direct the state legislature to enact legislation governing the cultivation, processing, and sales of industrial hemp.

“Supporters of rational marijuana policies everywhere should congratulate the residents of Colorado for placing this initiative on the ballot,” Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, said in a press release. Indeed, a slim majority of Americans now support legalizing marijuana, according to recent Gallup polling, while more than three-quarters support legalization for medicinal purposes. Sixteen states have legalized medical marijuana, but the federal government still maintains strict prohibition laws.

And while progressive Colorado Rep. Jared Polis (D) has led the fight to end marijuana prohibition at the federal level, the cause has also been taken up by libertarians who have used legalization as a wedge issue to attack the Constitution’s guarantee that national leaders can actually govern. Activists in California, for instance, sought to declare Justice Department enforcement of federal marijuana laws unconstitutional last year. While DOJ’s actions were unfortunate, the lawsuit itself was a seemingly frivolous way to attack the federal government.

Meanwhile, libertarian activists and politicians who view much of the 20th century’s social policy as unconstitutional have used marijuana liberalization as an issue to jump-start their anti-government crusades. That should concern progressives, who cannot afford to cede an increasingly popular issue that holds important implications forcriminal justice reform and public safety to a movement that wants to use it as a way to end the social safety net and gut worker safety laws.

Thousands of reasons to consider industrial hemp

By Colin Leslie Beadon  
Source: barbadosadvocate.com

In the Barbados Advocate on Saturday February 25, 2012 the front page headline read: “Take More Risks”.

That headline says it all. The island of Barbados is an advanced one in so many ways, yet there are areas where it falters far behind.

I’ll take on two right here and now:

One: In no other island in the West Indies is there such a lack of fruit trees. It is as though people hate the idea of growing a fruit tree in Barbados. Go into any garden in other islands and you’ll find mango and avocado, oranges, limes, breadfruit, bananas, and usually at least one or two coconuts trees. The coconut trees can be of the dwarf kind, just a few feet tall, but bearing large nuts. In Brunei, I saw coconut trees in gardens about four feet high, with huge nuts touching the ground, so no winds could blow that down and destroy a home.  

Two: We are being stupid and backward about the 50 000 highly important and healthful uses of industrial hemp. Hemp-made products are used in just about everything you can think of, including human and animal foods, and fuels.  On top of that, we could get three crops a year, maybe four, instead of just one of sugar. Hemp-made shoes, clothes, and handbags last much, much longer than those made of other products. Hemp is a much stronger, longer lasting product than cotton and it can be mixed with cotton or anything else as a composite. 

The British are making car exteriors out of hemp. It withstands impact better than metal, and gives to rebound. Inside the car, the seat coverings are also made of hemp. Hemp as an additive is used in the construction of bricks because it is a better insulation than anything else, and by cost much cheaper also. In addition, it is a natural product and its growing enhances the earth and the garden in that insects stay away from it. Hemp is grown amongst other vegetable for that same reason. 

Ok, so now I have written on hemp again, I hope some bright professor spark in a local University will suddenly step forward and claim the idea for the introduction of hemp and its 50 000 uses in this island; it would put many people to work – both in its cultivation and uses in manufacturing. 


Hemp-made ethanol is also a serious by-product, as is roofing.

You don’t believe this? Go look up hemp and its uses on Google or where ever you want. There are a number of sites dealing with hemp. We want to take some more risks?  Do we? Really?  

No we don’t! We have those old ideas and we’ll live with them for the rest of our lives, probably, and we’ll import hemp-made products in growing numbers, and we’ll never even know so much of what we are buying from China, India, England, Australia, Canada, (and even the USA, slowly) is made of hemp. And we will deserve what we get as we see our foreign exchange leaving us, and our people out of work.   
   
Colin Leslie Beadon  

Alliance studies industrial hemp in York Region

Source: kingsentinel.com

It all started during research for Shop Like the Planet’s Watching, York Region Environmental Alliance’s current campaign, with the realization that there is no such thing as sustainable clothing. Even organic cotton or hemp must travel over 12,000 kilometres to reach us from India or China.

Gloria Marsh, executive director of YREA, wondered about establishing a local hemp industry in York.

YREA was grateful to secure one year of funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to enhance the sustainability of its organization and the economic health of our communities by researching the feasibility of a social enterprise hemp industry in York Region. What does this mean? YREA plans to enter the hemp business through a joint venture partnership whereby they would develop a vibrant hemp community, while at the same time, secure ongoing funding to carry on their operations.

At the moment hemp food processors such as Oilseed Works Inc., home of Hempola in Barrie, must source their supplies from Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

“We are missing a golden opportunity to develop a vital local hemp economy,” said Greg Herriott, founder of Oilseed Works.

YREA plans to remedy this by hosting a special meeting geared towards farmers and other stakeholders. On Saturday, March 3, YREA will present a talk by Greg Herriott of Oilseed Works Inc. and Hempola Valley Farms, an 18-year veteran of the hemp industry. Oilseed Works Inc. is a recent recipient of the highly credited Earth Day Canada Hometown Hero Award for Small Business. Herriott’s presentation will provide a hemp markets/industry overview and will include an offer to farmers to plant hemp this year, from supplied seed. Guidance on crop management and Health Canada licensing requirements will be taken care of for farmers and a guaranteed market is assured, as the entire crop will be purchased at harvest, according to Herriott.

“What an incredible opportunity for farmers to easily and effectively explore the potential of this new plant or utilize it for crop rotation and field regeneration,” said Fiona Wood, YREA outreach coordinator. “It would be worthwhile to have as many farmers and stakeholders as possible in attendance.”

“Economic, social and environmental sustainability would all be addressed in the YREA establishment of a hemp industry,” said Marsh, and we are seeking partners and funders to make this all happen. Our initial focus will be on food and fuel, but we will also explore the feasibility of hemp for building, technical and industrial materials, paper and textiles. We see hemp as injecting new life into farming in York Region and surrounding areas and our vision is to participate in a demonstration farm open to the public which would employ local youth.”

Join the York Region Environmental Alliance for an informative introduction to industrial hemp March 3 at 2 p.m. at the York Region Administrative Centre, committee room B, 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket. RSVP for this event toFiona@yrea.org or 416-556-8065.

Hempologist talks cannabis with students

By Eliza Florendo / Beacon Staff 

Source: berkeleybeacon.com

Dvorak brought hemp items to show, from clothing to a block of cement.

A bright tie-dye tapestry runs across one wall of a Walker Building lecture hall and hemp paraphernalia and products -- lip balm, oatmeal, non-dairy desserts, and a block of cement -- rest on a table in front of an attentive audience.

Activist and hempologist John Dvorak talked cannabis to 19 students at an event co-hosted by Earth Emerson and Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP). The program, “Cannabis Curriculum” with Dvorak, owner of hempology.org, was held Wednesday night.

Dvorak spoke about cannabis -- and its current state of prohibition -- in the United States and pushed for legalization, outlining dozens of industrial benefits for hemp and medical advantages of marijuana. Dvorak explained the discerning quality between marijuana and hemp as a difference in THC levels.

“You can smoke hemp, but you won’t get high from it,” Dvorak said to the crowd.

After a brief introduction from Earth Emerson and SSDP, Dvorak addressed the need to educate people on the facts of drug use and policy. Dvorak said he, along with many hemp enthusiasts, intends to shed light on “reefer madness,” or the reason why hemp is illegal, which he cited as government enforcement laws against the use of any strain of the cannabis plant.

“Our society is wacked-out crazy. My goal is to un-brainwash society,” Dvorak said to the audience.

Organizations such as Earth Emerson and the Piano Row-based Living Green learning community have encouraged sustainable living at Emerson, especially in its future.

“It’s so important, especially at Emerson because we’re a communications school to learn about this stuff, and since we have the tools to go out and inform other people, it’s really important that we hear this stuff,” said Alexandra Grange, a senior visual and media arts major and president of SSDP.

To voice his message more effectively, Dvorak said he is educating students, hoping that they advocate change in marijuana policy. This is the second year he has come to Emerson to give a lecture, according to Erin Moriarty, a junior marketing communication major and president of Earth Emerson.

“The more that we can try to change reefer madness, [we can] turn reefer madness into reefer gladness,” said Dvorak.

His presentation began with the history of hemp and its usage in years past — from sails, to clothing, to protection during battles. Dvorak stressed hundreds of positive uses for cannabis as a sustainable, eco-friendly material — it can be used to make paper, plastic, and types of biofuel, such as ethanol.  

Its positive effects also extend into creating buildings made entirely out of hemp, using a material called “hempcrete.” This breathable, fireproof, and mold-resistant material can greatly help reduce carbon dioxide emissions, since it actually sequesters it, giving it a negative number of carbon dioxide released into the air, he said. This material, according to Dvorak, will be huge in the future.

According to Dvorak, there is one problem with hemp: lack of research. Although other countries, such as Canada and China, are able to conduct research on, produce, and sell cannabis, manufacturing and growing the plant is illegal in the United States. This is what Dvorak calls a “Catch 422” — more research into the benefits of the plant is necessary, yet it cannot be done in the United States, which poses extreme difficulty. The United States is the only industrialized nation that does not grow hemp, according to Dvorak.

“We’re creating an entire industry from the ground up,” Dvorak said.

The first step to ending prohibition and making an industry in the United States possible is expanding on the market for hemp by purchasing cannabis-based products from other countries. According to Dvorak, the more hemp purchased, the larger the increase for the market, and the lower the price for the crop.

While most of the information related to the cannabis plants outlines its negative effects, Dvorak’s presentation enlightened students not about the drug itself, but about its versatility as a product.

“I had no idea how useful hemp could be and how much you could do with it and how cheap it would be economically,” said Armando Vazquez, a sophomore visual and media arts major and SSDP member.

To end his presentation, Dvorak encouraged students to invent a sustainable hemp product and discussed the social issues caused by laws against cannabis. Dvorak asked the audience to find the cause of millions of dollars spent annually on pharmaceuticals instead of using medicinal marijuana and over-crowding in jails.

“The answer is prohibition, stupid” Dvorak said.

Cannabis Science's COO Dr. Afaneh Provides Guidance On The Newest Over The Counter Product Line To Be Released

Press Release

Source: marketwatch.com

DENVER, Mar 01, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Cannabis Science, Inc. a pioneering U.S. biotech company developing pharmaceutical cannabis and hemp products, has identified the four Cannabis Science brand products as the newest over the counter line to be released.

Cannabis science is among the leading experts specializing in developing all natural organic bio healing hemp health, beauty & cosmetics products. Our philosophy is to bring the best products possible to the entire world, to help improve & promote a healthier natural way of life with untold benefits. Our belief in achieving success is by providing superior products that are born from scientific data and research. From our years of dedication and hard work we have come to a new understanding in the keys to our product development.

Among our leading products is our sunscreen & protectant. Why our product is far superior to others is we have invested time into understanding what occurs in the body and skin, and targeting the cascade of events that occurs when people get sunburn. We have meticulously targeted key components that lead to the sunburn and have created our elite formulation that upon application, you instantly feel the skin begin to cool, the pain begins to dissipate and the healing process has begun. We have created our own cascade of healing properties using the finest natural ingredients to mimic or body's natural pathway when responding to a skin burn. By combining certain ingredients that are coupled together produce a synergistic effect and also the sequence in which our ingredients are added into our formulation is key to our elite product.

Among our other popular topical skin care products, is our skin irritation for helping provide relief to various skin conditions such as eczema and other recurring skin irritations. We have looked at various populations and age groups that suffer from acute & chronic skin irritations. These symptoms varied from raised dry patches of skin, red blotches, hardened patches most appearing areas of the arms and legs, and a consistently itching from the histamine release of the body, as well as areas of the body that tended to constantly rub against clothing or other surfaces; including other parts of the body. Our specialized formulation was designed based on understanding what the patients' expectations are from and over the counter skin care product. By understanding patients needs, we created our all natural unique formulation to help meet patients needs and improve their quality of life on daily basis. Our skin irritation cream targets the area thru multi-system approach. It is designed to help stop the itching and pain, first and foremost, and then begins to lock moisture in and around the area, and then our natural blend of ingredients begins to help the body heal the skin and reduce the irritation.

Among our novelty products is an anti-aging skin serum. Specifically formulated to meet the needs of woman and help rejuvenate and soften the skin. Using our science coupled with understanding what women expect from an anti-aging product, we used a multi-system approach to create the ultimate anti-aging serum. Using only natural ingredients, including hemp oil extract and many other natural oils and ingredients. Our serum helps to soften the skin, by providing key essential nutrients that are used in the right proportions and produced in a specialized combination; it leaves the skin looking radiant, energized, softer, healthier, and full of life.

Among our leading cosmetic products, is our all-natural lip balm that contains hemp oil extract and our unique blend of ingredients? Our lip balm is unique in that it has natural ingredients that help protect against bacteria and fungus, it also has SPF to protect against the harmful effects of the sun, infused with antioxidants and many other natural extracts it helps to soften the lips and lock the moisture in. Once again we used science and asked the right questions of our patients to understand their needs and what the expect from a lip balm. We achieved with our natural ingredients and extracts are able to meet those expectations; giving women the feeling of soft, juicy, radiant, and healthier looking lips.

The Cannabis Science executive team is finalizing negotiations for the manufacture and national distribution of this new product line. Commercialization is underway, including securing manufacturing partners with the resources to support the national distribution and retail outlets. Negotiations will continue when the first prototypes are received by Cannabis Science to be reviewed by various nationwide product distributors eagerly hoping to release this new line of products.

About Cannabis Science, Inc.

Cannabis Science, Inc. is at the forefront of pharmaceutical grade medical marijuana research and development. The second formulations will address the needs of patients choosing to use concentrated cannabis extracts to treat their ailments. Eventually, all Americans will have access to a safe and effective FDA approved medicine regardless of which state they live in. To maintain that marijuana is a dangerous, addictive drug with no medical value is scientifically absurd. Cannabis medicines, with no effective lethal dose, are far safer than aspirin, acetaminophen, and most other OTC drugs that kill thousands of Americans every year.

The Company works with world authorities on phytocannabinoid science targeting critical illnesses, and adheres to scientific methodologies to develop, produce and commercialize phytocannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products. In sum, we are dedicated to the creation of cannabis-based medicines, both with and without psychoactive properties, to treat disease and the symptoms of disease, as well as for general health maintenance.

Forward Looking Statements

This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement containing works such as "anticipate," "seek," intend," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. Cannabis Science, Inc. does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to update the results of these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Cannabis Science, Inc.

Cannabis Science Inc. Dr. Robert J. Melamede President & CEO 1-888-889-0888 info@cannabisscience.com or Robert Kane Investor Relations Management 1-561-234-6929 rkane@cannabisscience.com info@cannabisscience.com www.cannabisscience.com

New attitudes to Hemp enable an agricultural comeback

By:
Source: eco-business.com

With an ever-changing need worldwide for different products over the centuries, agriculture moves on with demand. Some crops, for a variety of reasons, became less favorable to farmers and were not produced in many places; one of the victims was the Hemp plant, a once favorite crop by farmers worldwide due to its diversity of use. Since history has been recorded, hemp has been a popular crop grown by farmers from China across to Europe and Britain. Hemp production was banned in many countries and this resulted in a big gap in the fiber market, so other crops had to be found and cotton seemed to fit the bill.

Originally the issue was related to the psychoactive components of some types of marijuana. Without a clear direction and no way to lawfully distinguish the non-THC hemp from the psychoactive version marijuana there was confusion which caused many governments to ban the production of all types of hemp plants.

Hemp Turned Out to be a Lot More Benevolent than They Realized!

Hemp with a high psychoactive content turned out to be a good treatment for a number of the symptoms of some common disorders; and has not brought about the death and destruction that was once suggested it might. There are a range of other substances that in reality did fill these shoes as evil destroyers, including alcohol and tobacco. When cannabis was banned in the last century, opium, one of the most addictive substances known to man was still legally available!

There is a different view from the medical profession these days.

With government attitudes being changed by better education and research, hemp production is now actively encouraged again. With growing non-THC hemp legalized again, production has risen dramatically. With better research and more modern approaches, there has been much development in the hemp industry consequently this amazingly useful plant can be utilized in eco-friendly and sustainable building materials, plastics, fiber to make clothing and other soft products, and one of the most useful components of the plant – Hempseed.

Hempseed is extremely important

There is good reason for hempseed to be seen as preferable to similar crops such as flaxseed; Its true we need that seed to be able to sow acres of hemp farm each year, other properties of hempseed make it special not for just one reason; from the high quality proteins and EFA’s available, to the large amount of oil produced.

So let’s find out some more:

To figure out why hemp seed is so important, we can examine the components that make it such a top performer.

Hemp seed contains a lot of oil that is extracted as hempseed oil. The actual ratio of oil to mass is very high – commonly, about thirty per cent of the seed is hempseed oil.

When we look at the oil itself there are some very important nutritional aspects:

With hempseed oil being made up of 25 % protein – a high quality protein too!

Hempseed protein is 65% composed of the globular protein known as edestin. Similar to globulin, edestin is in the same protein family as this important blood plasma component. This makes this particular protein very easy for the human body to assimilate. The antibodies that work against toxic agents in the body are also produced from the edestin protein – for those with kidney problems, this can be very helpful.

The other protein found in hemp is albumin. This is an easily absorbed protein that reduces free radicals. These are reasons why hemp protein has proved popular among athletes.

The 3:1 omega6:omega3 ratio (with 90% polyunsaturated, 10% saturated fats)happens to match the human body’s own natural ratio requirements. Hempseed oil is unique in this respect – there are no known alternatives in the natural world that have this “golden” ratio and these EFA’s are especially important to human metabolism.

Flaxseed oil contains EFA’s too but not in the correct proportions and is not suitable for long-term use because repeated dosage will cause the human body to have an imbalance in its EFAs. Conversely, hempseed oil is a perfect supplement to take regularly or can be used in cooking/food preparation as an olive oil replacement.

Anyone who wants a sharp mind should find out about the benefits of omega-3 and omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids to the human nervous (and immune) systems. Hempseed oil contains a large proportion of EFA’s – over 80%!

These EFA’s are only obtainable through food – the human body cannot produce them itself; in developed nations the common diet of junk and processed foods contains no EFA’s at all which can only be sourced from plants and not animal fats.

This makes hempseed oil in the diet not just a sensible idea, but it also provides a healthier body and can increase longevity as a result.

Hempseed oil makes great tasting food
Hempseed oil is flavorsome and is a lot better to eat than fish oils which are notoriously odorous. Although not suitable for frying, hempseed oil can be added to food to enhance flavor as it is, or taken as a  supplement instead; it also makes a good salad dressing. The small amount of hempseed oil required is a simple addition to any diet. Eczema and other skin complaints can be addressed with hempseed oil – a much less dangerous treatment than is otherwise available.
Rather than supplementing your diet with hempseed oil, many types of Foods can be made from Hemp Seed, including: Hemp Salad Dressings, Hemp Pasta, Hemp Pesto, Hemp Snacks, Spiced Hemp Seeds, Hemp Ice Cream, Hemp Snack Bars, Hemp Bread, Toasted Hemp Seeds, Hemp Chocolates Hemp Milk, and more!

Flour can be made from hempseed and used to bake delicious pastries and breads; hempseed oil butter is another favorite. Hempseed is suitable for the production of a number of vegetarian products such as tofu.
Hemp Seed – The Great Protector!

The human metabolism can utilize hempseed oil in a number of ways to improve function:
·         Blood pressure lowering
·         Improves circulation and cardiovascular function
·         Immune system booster

·         Increases metabolic rate & energy levels
·         Reduces menstrual cramps & PMS problems
·         Reduction of Blood LDL Cholesterol
·         Reduces inflammation & arthritis symptoms
·         Post exercise recovery improvement
·         Reduces dry skin and improves on hair condition
·         Increased protection against many degenerative diseases

Few dietary components can match the benefits offered by hempseed foods. The balance of components in hempseed is perfect for the human body and metabolism. A daily addition of hempseed oil to the world’s dietary intake would improve general health significantly!

This is just a general introduction to hemp food nutrition and hempseed properties, visit:
http://www.hempfoods.com.au

Hemp Farming is currently legal in Australia today. Visit the Hemp Farm for further information.