Hemp seeds are legal to import into the United States, but it is important to note that, despite state laws, it is still illegal at the federal level to use cannabis seeds with the intention of growing marijuana. Both hemp and marijuana seeds usually contain trace amounts of THC that do not exceed 0.3%. However, this does not guarantee that the THC level of the resulting plant will also stay below the threshold. In January, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) released a letter clarifying its official stance on marijuana seeds with a concentration of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) lower than 0.3% in dry weight.
According to the DEA, these seeds are considered hemp and are not controlled by the Controlled Substances Act. This statement is significant because it was previously believed that the legality of a marijuana product was determined by whether it came from marijuana or hemp. It is important to understand that hemp and marijuana are two distinct plants, and while they may look similar, they have different chemical compositions. Hemp contains very low levels of THC, while marijuana contains much higher levels. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the THC content of any cannabis product before purchasing or consuming it. When purchasing hemp seeds, it is important to make sure that they are from a reputable source and have been tested for THC content.
This will ensure that you are not in violation of any federal laws and can enjoy your hemp seeds without worry.
