The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has finally confirmed that hemp grown with genetic engineering (GE) does not pose a risk to crops, reported Business of Cannabis.
The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) previously performed an analysis of a transgenic plant produced by Growing Together Research. According to the October 5th report.
The company requested the analysis to ensure the plant complied with regulations. It had been genetically modified to reduce its levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabichromene (CBC), Business of Cannabis wrote.
Under the Plant Protection Act of 2000, the USDA has the authority to oversee the “detection, control, eradication, suppression, prevention, or retarding of the spread of plant pests to protect the agriculture, environment, and economy of the States United".
The purpose of the review was to assess whether the modified plant posed a greater risk of plant pests compared to hemp, according to the report.
APHIS stated: “This modified hemp is unlikely to pose a greater risk of plant pests compared to other cultivated hemp.
“As a result, it is not subject to regulation under 7 CFR part 340. The United States can safely cultivate and breed hemp from a plant pest risk perspective.”
A final Farm Bill rule requires hemp growers to test hemp plants for delta-9 THC levels.
Source: Oils & Fats International
