Twelve common questions about hemp as food, answered directly. A quick reference for newcomers and a refresher for anyone introducing hemp foods to family or friends.
Is hemp food the same as marijuana?
No. Both come from Cannabis sativa, but hemp is a distinct variety bred for seed and fibre with negligible THC. Hemp food is made from the seed and contains no meaningful psychoactive compounds. The plant must contain no more than 0.3 percent THC in its flowering heads and leaves; since March 2025 there has been no separate THC limit for hemp seed foods, which Health Canada says generally do not contain significant levels of cannabinoids.
Will hemp food get me high?
No. The cannabinoid content of hemp seed foods is pharmacologically insignificant. You cannot get high from hemp hearts, hemp oil, hemp flour, or hemp protein.
Is hemp food legal in Canada?
Yes. Hemp foods have been legal to sell and eat in Canada since 1998. They are sold in ordinary grocery stores with no licence, age restriction, or prescription required.
Does hemp food contain CBD?
No, not in meaningful amounts. CBD comes from the flower and leaves and is regulated separately. Hemp food comes from the seed. Buying hemp hearts will not give you CBD.
Will hemp food make me fail a drug test?
Very unlikely under normal consumption. The trace cannabinoid levels in properly processed hemp foods are generally far below drug-screen thresholds. Choose brands that test for THC if you want to lower the risk further.
What does hemp food taste like?
Mild and nutty. Hemp hearts taste like a soft, mild sunflower seed or pine nut. Hemp seed oil is green and grassy. Neither tastes like cannabis.
Do I need to cook hemp foods?
Hemp hearts are eaten raw, straight from the bag. Hemp flour and hemp protein are used in cooking and baking. Hemp seed oil should never be heated; use it as a finishing oil or in cold dishes.
How much hemp food should I eat?
A typical serving is 2-3 tablespoons of hemp hearts (about 20-30 g), providing roughly 6-10 grams of protein. There is no need to exceed this; it is a food, not a supplement to megadose.
Are hemp foods safe for kids and during pregnancy?
Hemp seed foods are generally safe for children once they are eating solid foods, and during pregnancy, since they contain no meaningful cannabinoids. Use age-appropriate portions, grind hemp hearts for children under four (Health Canada lists seeds among the foods that are not safe for that age), and choose seed-based (not full-spectrum) products. Consult your healthcare provider with specific concerns.
Why is hemp food good for me?
Hemp seed is a complete plant protein with all nine essential amino acids, a balanced fat profile, fibre, and minerals like magnesium and iron. It is an easy way to add quality nutrition to everyday meals.
How do I store hemp foods?
Cold, dark, and sealed. Refrigerate hemp hearts and hemp seed oil after opening. Hemp's healthy fats go rancid at room temperature over weeks. Proper storage keeps them fresh for months.
Where do I buy hemp foods?
Most Canadian grocery stores now carry hemp hearts, and health-food stores carry the full range. Bulk Barn sells hemp hearts by weight. Online retailers and direct-from-producer shops offer the widest selection and bulk pricing. See the directory on this site for Canadian producers and retailers.