Researchers in Turkey tested popular hemp seeds and hemp seed oils to measure how much of certain cannabis-related compounds they contained. They found that many products had higher levels of these compounds than allowed by laws in Europe, the USA, and other countries. This matters because some countries have very strict rules about these substances in food products. The study used advanced lab testing to measure five different cannabis-related compounds in 12 types of hemp seeds and 20 types of hemp seed oils bought from stores. The results suggest that people buying these products might accidentally be getting more of these compounds than they realize, which could create legal problems in countries with strict rules.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How much of five different cannabis-related compounds are actually in hemp seeds and hemp seed oils that people buy at stores in Turkey
  • Who participated: 12 different hemp seed products and 20 different hemp seed oil products purchased from Turkish markets
  • Key finding: Hemp seed oils contained an average of 10.21 micrograms per milliliter of total THC-related compounds, which is higher than the legal limits in most countries including the European Union (7.5), Denmark (4), and the USA (10)
  • What it means for you: If you buy hemp seed products, they may contain more cannabis-related compounds than you expect or than your country allows. This could be a concern if you live in a country with strict rules about these substances, though the amounts are still quite small.

The Research Details

Scientists bought hemp seed and hemp seed oil products from stores in Turkey and tested them using a special laboratory machine called LC-MS/MS. This machine is like a super-precise scale that can detect and measure five different cannabis-related compounds: THC (the compound that gets people high), delta-8 THC (a similar compound), CBD (a non-intoxicating compound), CBN (another cannabis compound), and THCA (a raw form of THC). They tested 12 different hemp seed products and 20 different hemp seed oil products to see how much of each compound was in them.

The researchers carefully prepared the samples and ran them through the machine multiple times to make sure their results were accurate and reliable. They compared their findings to the legal limits that different countries have set for these compounds in food products.

This type of testing is important because many people buy hemp seeds and oils thinking they’re just nutritious foods, but they may not realize these products naturally contain small amounts of cannabis-related compounds. Countries have different rules about how much of these compounds are allowed in food products, so knowing what’s actually in these products helps people understand if they’re breaking any laws and helps governments decide if their rules need to change.

The study used a well-established laboratory testing method (LC-MS/MS) that is considered very accurate and reliable for measuring these types of compounds. The researchers tested multiple samples of each product type, which makes their results more trustworthy. However, this study only looked at products from Turkey, so the results might be different in other countries. The study was published in a forensic science journal, which means it was reviewed by other experts before publication.

What the Results Show

Hemp seed oils had much higher levels of cannabis-related compounds than hemp seeds. In hemp seed oils, the average total THC-related compounds measured 10.21 micrograms per milliliter, with some products containing as much as 31 micrograms per milliliter of the main THC compound. In comparison, hemp seeds had much lower amounts, with an average of only 0.78 micrograms per gram of the main THC compound.

Almost all products tested (31 out of 32) contained detectable amounts of THC-related compounds. Only one hemp seed oil product had no detectable amounts. The hemp seed oils from Turkey had higher levels than what is legally allowed in most countries: Denmark allows 4 micrograms per milliliter, the European Union allows 7.5 micrograms per gram, and the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea all allow 10 micrograms per milliliter.

The study also found that hemp seed oils contained higher amounts of delta-8 THC (averaging 3.57 micrograms per milliliter) compared to hemp seeds (averaging 0.12 micrograms per gram). CBD, which is a non-intoxicating compound that some people use for wellness, was also present in both products.

The study found that different products had very different amounts of these compounds. Some hemp seed oils had almost no THC-related compounds (0.11 micrograms per milliliter), while others had very high amounts (31.08 micrograms per milliliter). This big difference suggests that the amount of these compounds depends on things like which part of the hemp plant was used, how the product was made, and how it was stored. The researchers also measured THCA, which is the raw form of THC that hasn’t been heated yet. This compound was found in most products, suggesting that the cannabis-related compounds in these products come naturally from the hemp plant itself.

This is one of the first studies to measure these specific cannabis-related compounds in Turkish hemp products. The findings fit with what other researchers have found in other countries—that hemp seed oils often contain higher levels of these compounds than hemp seeds. The results also support concerns that some countries have raised about whether current legal limits are being followed by manufacturers.

This study only tested products from Turkey, so the results might not apply to hemp products from other countries. The study didn’t test enough products to know if the amounts vary by brand or season. The researchers also didn’t test whether the amounts of these compounds change over time as products sit on store shelves. Additionally, the study measured the compounds that are present but didn’t test whether eating these products would actually cause any health effects or legal problems for consumers.

The Bottom Line

If you live in a country with strict rules about THC in food products (like Turkey, Denmark, or the European Union), be aware that hemp seed oils you buy may contain more THC-related compounds than your country’s legal limit. If you’re concerned, you could choose hemp seeds instead of hemp seed oils, as they contain much lower amounts. If you’re in a country with less strict rules (like the USA or Canada), these amounts are unlikely to cause any legal issues. Moderate confidence in these recommendations based on the testing results.

People living in countries with strict legal limits on THC in food products should pay attention to this research. Athletes who are tested for drug use might want to be cautious about hemp products, though the amounts are very small. People who are sensitive to cannabis-related compounds or who are pregnant should talk to their doctor before consuming hemp products. People in countries with no legal limits on these compounds in food probably don’t need to worry about this research.

The cannabis-related compounds in these products are already present when you buy them, so there’s no waiting period. If you’re concerned about legal issues, you would need to stop consuming these products immediately. If you’re interested in any health effects from these compounds, that would depend on how much you consume and your individual sensitivity.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using a nutrition app, track hemp seed and hemp seed oil consumption separately and note the brand and product type. Record the amount consumed (grams or milliliters) to estimate total cannabis-related compound intake based on this study’s findings.
  • Users concerned about THC content could switch from hemp seed oil to whole hemp seeds, which contain significantly lower amounts of THC-related compounds. Users could also track which brands they purchase and research whether those brands test their products for cannabinoid content.
  • For long-term tracking, users could maintain a log of hemp product consumption by brand and type, noting any changes in local regulations. Users in strict regulatory countries could periodically check if their country’s legal limits have changed or if new product testing data becomes available.

This research describes the levels of cannabis-related compounds found in hemp products in Turkey and does not constitute medical advice. The presence of these compounds in hemp products may have legal implications depending on your country’s regulations. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have health concerns, consult with a healthcare provider before consuming hemp products. This study measured compound levels but did not evaluate health effects or safety. Laws regarding hemp products vary significantly by country and region—check your local regulations before purchasing or consuming these products. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or legal advice.