The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently published an updated version of its Hemp Handbook last month. The first version of the handbook was published in September 2021, followed by a second update in April 2023. This third and newest version was published online in July, called “USDA Hemp Descriptor and Phenotyping Handbook, Version 3,” expands on numerous sections including hemp pathology, agronomic evaluation, and fiber quality, and protocols for things like feral hemp collection, seed threshing, tissue culture, pollen collection, and more.
Throughout all of these versions, the handbook seeks to help researchers with a variety of objectives, from helping “breeders and researchers in identifying accessions with specific traits to facilitate germplasm selection within hemp improvement programs” to filling in gaps in the USDA hemp collection and developing ways to collect and conserve hemp varieties. “The methods and protocols are based on peer-reviewed literature and/or crowd-sourced from the hemp community,” the handbook states. “Robust, reliable, and high-dimensional data generated from these phenotyping efforts will empower conservation of hemp genetic diversity and aid selection of materials with unique trait combinations for breeding programs.”
The USDA’s phenotype results are stored both digitally and are publicly available through the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) and the Plant Genetic Resources Unit (PGRU), based in Geneva, New York. “The Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) provides information about USDA national collections of animal, microbial, and plant genetic resources (germplasm) important for food and agricultural production,” the USDA website states. “GRIN documents these collections through informational pages, searchable databases, and links to USDA-ARS projects that curate the collections.”
The GRIN NPGS (U.S. National Plant Germplasm System) doesn’t serve home or community gardeners, or home school or K-12 school education efforts, but instead was made for professional plant breeders and researchers.
The USDA explains on its website that the goal of germplasm collection at the PGRU is to preserve hemp genetic resources. “These resources will be backed-up at the ARS National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation, regenerated, monitored, and maintained with best management practices, so that high quality germplasm can be distributed to researchers and breeders within the hemp community,” the website states. “Vulnerable or threatened genetic resources for hemp wild relatives and cultivars will be safeguarded so that these critical sources of genes for hemp research and breeding are widely available. In addition, new genetic resources for hemp that might be suitable for U.S agricultural systems will be introduced.”
In August, the USDA created a “high-throughput pollen collection device” that was developed to efficiently collect pollen. “Hemp is a new crop added to our seed bank in 2021 and we believe it has a lot of research potential,” said Tony Barraco in a USDA video about the device. “One objective we are exploring is the possibility of collection, long term storage, and distribution of pollen to stakeholders, like we distribute seeds.” The device was conceptualized by a former USDA post-doc Nick Genna and hemp curator Zachary Stansell, as well as hemp geneticist Tyler Gordon and technician Dan Meyers (the last three are also editors of the USDA Hemp Descriptor and Phenotyping Handbook).
The device is wearable like a backpack and includes a 100-micron mesh screen attached to a vacuum nozzle that can be carefully passed across live hemp plant material. Pollen is approximately 25 microns in size, so the vacuum can collect pollen without also collecting larger pieces of raw plant material.
The USDA continues to ramp up efforts regarding hemp, such as its “2023 Hemp Webinar Series” which includes eight videos published over the past few months.
Also last month, the USDA featured a father/son hemp cultivator team for the first time as part of its “Fridays on the Farm” spotlight column. The column covered the operations of their 200-acre hemp farm in Indiana, called Papa G’s Hemp Farm, and how the father once cultivated corn, soybeans, and hay on his property before his son convinced him to grow hemp.
In 2022, the USDA released a report that took a closer look at the growing value of the hemp industry, valuing it at approximately $824 million (considering data collected in 2021). The data was revised in a report released earlier this year, which stated that industrial hemp was only worth $238 million in value, with 2022 industrial hemp data consulted. It also shared that last year industrial hemp was cultivated on 28,314 acres, which was a 48% decrease from outdoor cultivation in 2021.
The benefits of hemp are widespread, from its versatile use as a food, textile, and agricultural good, but also as a source of pollen for pollinators. A recent study released in July explored hemp as a nutrition source for bees (primary sweat bees, but also honey bees and bumblebees as well). Researchers analyzed the chemical composition of four industrial hemp varieties (called Canda, CFX-2, Henola, and Joey). “Overall, the Joey variety was the most preferred by bees, despite expressing lower protein, amino acid, and saturated and monosaturated fatty acid content,” researchers concluded. “Based on our findings, we concluded that industrial hemp pollen provides some nutritional benefits to bees. However, it is important to understand that multiple sources of pollen are needed for sustained bee survival.”
Cannabis and Weight Loss: Separating Fact from Fiction
Cannabis, often hailed for its recreational and medicinal properties, has long been in the limelight. With the growing acceptance and legalization of marijuana in various parts of the world, there’s been a surge in research and dialogue about its effects on the human body. One intriguing area of discussion revolves around cannabis and its potential link to weight loss. But can lighting up really help you slim down? Let’s dive deep to unravel the truth.
Cannabis and Appetite: The ‘Munchies’ Phenomenon
One of the most well-known effects of cannabis is the onset of the “munchies”—an intense craving for and enjoyment of food, especially snacks. THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, stimulates the brain to release the hormone ghrelin, which signals hunger. This effect seems paradoxical to the idea of weight loss. However, the relationship between cannabis and weight is more complex than it might first appear.
Observational Studies and Correlations
Several epidemiological studies have shown that, on average, cannabis users tend to have lower body mass indices (BMIs) than non-users. Furthermore, cannabis users often display lower rates of obesity and diabetes. While this is intriguing, correlation does not imply causation. Many confounding factors, such as lifestyle choices, metabolism rates, and genetics, might play a role in these findings.
Cannabis and Metabolism
Some studies suggest that cannabis may influence metabolic processes. THC has been shown to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating metabolism, among other functions. Some researchers believe that cannabis might increase the metabolic rate, causing the body to burn calories at a faster rate. However, more concrete evidence is needed in this domain.
CBD and Fat Browning
While THC gets most of the attention, cannabidiol (CBD), another major compound in cannabis, has been studied for its potential effects on weight. Preliminary studies have indicated that CBD might promote the “browning” of white fat cells. Brown fat cells are metabolically active and burn energy, whereas white fat cells store energy. If this finding is corroborated by more extensive studies, CBD could offer a new avenue for weight management.
Considerations and Caveats
Strain Differences: Not all cannabis is created equal. Different strains have varying levels of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, which can differently impact appetite and metabolism.
Tolerance: Regular cannabis users may develop a tolerance, which could diminish its appetite-stimulating effects over time.
Mental Health: Regular cannabis use, especially in high doses, has been linked to anxiety and depression in some people. Mental health can significantly influence eating habits and weight.
Overconsumption: While occasional cannabis use might not lead to weight gain, the associated increase in calorie intake from the “munchies” could contribute to weight gain over time if not balanced with physical activity.
Conclusion
The link between cannabis and weight loss remains a field ripe for exploration. While initial studies and observations hint at potential weight-related benefits, it’s crucial to approach the subject critically and holistically. Anyone considering cannabis as a weight loss aid should consult with healthcare professionals to understand the broader implications and potential risks.