The article was published on ritakafija.lv
For the broader use of hemp in food and medicine, regulatory improvements are needed at both the European Union and national levels. This would open strong prospects for hemp cultivation and processing, as well as expand treatment options for patients in Latvia, experts from various fields noted during an online seminar on the development prospects of hemp use in food and healthcare.
Armands Gūtmanis, director of the consulting firm Meta Advisory, emphasized during the seminar that the use of hemp products in various sectors is rapidly increasing worldwide, with new niches emerging — and this opens promising opportunities for Latvia both in cultivation and in application. To support this development, regulatory changes are needed both in the European Union and in Latvia, which is why it is crucial to take into account the experience of other countries in this field.
Jānis Grasbergs, Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized that hemp is one of the crops included in the EU Green Deal’s sustainable product group. Hemp is an environmentally and human‑friendly crop, and its development would benefit greatly from promoting its high‑value properties and versatile applications. However, this responsibility lies with the growers, producers, and distributors themselves.
HEMP IN THE EU MARKET
Over the past five years, the total area of hemp cultivation in Latvia has remained unchanged — around 900 hectares declared annually. Most of it is grown for food, yet producers have a strong interest in expanding the production of cannabidiol‑ (CBD‑) containing food products. J. Grasbergs explained that 87 applications have been submitted to the European Commission for authorization to place CBD‑containing products on the EU market as novel foods.
There is considerable pressure being placed on the European Commission, and therefore changes in legislation can be expected in the near future, J. Grasbergs noted.
In the EU, it is permitted to use products and plant parts derived from industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) in food — such as seeds, seed oil, seed flour, and defatted hemp seeds. However, the psychoactive hemp compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is subject to an entirely different regulatory framework, one that falls under pharmaceutical legislation and strictly governs any form of commercial distribution.
It is not permitted in the EU market to place CBD or other cannabinoid‑containing products derived from hemp on the market as food products, food ingredients, or dietary supplements, because there is no proven history of their significant use in human nutrition within the EU before 15 May 1997.
HEMP PRODUCTS WERE ALREADY USED IN FOOD A HUNDRED YEARS AGO
Uldis Šauers, a board member of the Latvian Industrial Hemp Association (LIKA), emphasizes that folklore researchers have evidence of hemp products being used in food already a hundred years ago. Hemp was used during childbirth, served on wedding tables, and given to children as a strengthening meal before school or work — for example, “Kamis”, a mixture of crushed peas, beans, and hemp.
These records have been submitted to the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA). EIHA and LIKA are cooperating and preparing submissions for legislative amendments to the Novel Food Regulation, with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness of all hemp sectors in Europe — both in the choice of varieties and in cultivation methods.
J. Grasbergs also noted that, in addition to the standard area payment of 94 euros per hectare for hemp, farmers can receive a payment for climate‑ and environmentally friendly agricultural practices — 54 euros per hectare — as well as voluntary coupled support for protein crops amounting to 80 euros per hectare. In the 2021–2027 period, support will also be available for construction and the purchase of machinery/equipment — three million euros — and for recognized small‑scale producers — 300 thousand euros. For more detailed information, J. Grasbergs encourages contacting the Rural Support Service.
HEMP IN MEDICINE
“Patients will, in the future, benefit from cannabis‑based medications — specific medical preparations, both natural, precisely dosed plant extracts and synthetic cannabinoids — but high‑quality research is still needed in this area,” emphasized Romualds Ražuks, Associate Professor at the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Medicine, during the seminar.
During the seminar, it was noted that a powerful international industry has been established for the production of medical cannabis preparations, and their use continues to expand every year. International legislation requires mandatory control of cannabis plants and products, yet allows their use for industrial and medical purposes.
Indian hemp and its derivatives are referred to as medical cannabis, which contains THC — the only psychoactive compound in hemp — as well as CBD. In medical cannabis, THC is the most important component, as it influences the action of phytocannabinoids. The potential therapeutic effects of medical cannabis products have been demonstrated in cases of bronchial asthma, in oncology for reducing nausea and vomiting, for stimulating appetite, and most importantly, for pain relief — particularly cancer‑related neuropathic pain when other medications are ineffective. It also improves the condition of patients with psoriasis. Research does not deny these positive effects, but of course, further studies are necessary.
Mihaels Ārons, physician, anesthesiologist and algologist, commented: “Cannabinoid receptors are present throughout the human body. With the help of cannabinoids, we can treat and regulate not only central pain mechanisms but also peripheral pain mechanisms. Already today, six high‑quality studies have been conducted on diabetic polyneuropathy and HIV/AIDS‑related polyneuropathy, showing a positive advantage over placebo, as well as on multiple sclerosis, the reduction of spasticity, and various THC concentrations.”
Although the plant has a thousand‑year history of medicinal use, there are still disagreements between supporters and opponents across various organizations. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics opposes the legalization of CBD for medical use, yet at the same time CBD is used in the treatment of severe forms of epilepsy in two‑year‑old children.
A growing number of countries already permit the medical use of the entire cannabis plant, including our neighboring country Lithuania. Other countries include Poland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Peru, Portugal, Uruguay, and — in the United States — 33 states and the District of Columbia.
NEXT STEPS IN THE MEDICAL USE OF HEMP. THE EXAMPLE OF LITHUANIA
Romualds Ražuks emphasizes that a solid legislative framework is needed, along with the identification of priority areas of application. This must be supported by public education, training for physicians and pharmacists, and the continuation of scientific research.
For example, since 1 May 2019, it has been permitted in Lithuania to produce, distribute, and use cannabis for medical purposes. This is stipulated in the amendments to the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on the Control of Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances.
Hemp substances may be used for healthcare purposes on the condition that they are components of registered medicinal products. The cultivation of cannabis plants in Lithuania is still prohibited. Companies may manufacture, import, export, and sell (wholesale or retail) medicines containing hemp substances once they have obtained the appropriate licence. The company must have suitable premises for storing medical cannabis, a pharmacist responsible for the storage and turnover records of medical cannabis, and must meet good‑reputation requirements.
Romualds Ražuks concludes that international experience is neutrally positive. In cases where traditional pharmacotherapy is ineffective, one should not be afraid to use medical cannabis preparations — although further research is still required. The industry continues to develop rapidly, and it is possible to establish ways to control and monitor it.
The online seminar on 4 March was organized by the consultancy company Meta Advisory in cooperation with the Latvian Industrial Hemp Association and the Latvian Pain Research Society.
