Fatty Acid and Tocopherol Profiles of Industrial Hemp Cultivars Grown in the High Latitude Prairie Region of Canada

Abstract Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is being promoted as a diversification option with applications in fiber, paper, particleboard, and biodegradable plastics. Hemp seed oil is valued for its nutritional properties and health benefits. Seed protein content and oil composition show promise for animal feed opportunities. The beneficial effects of hemp oil need to be studied to improve the profitability of industrial hemp seed in Canada. This study examined the influence of cultivar on fatty acid profiles and tocopherol content of hemp grown in Alberta in 1997 and 1998. The average seed yield varied between years (1997, 987 kg ha-1; 1998, 1633 kg ha-1). Linoleic acid concentrations ranged from 47% (Yugo) to 57% (Felina 34) of total fatty acid. Linolenic acid concentrations ranged from 16% (Irene) to 23% (Yugo) of total fatty acid. The gamma-linolenic acid varied between 1.5%-4.0% among cultivars. The hemp cultivars varied greatly in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, but certain cultivars produced ratios at the 3:1 level, which has been identified as nutritionally optimal. There were varietal differences in both specific and total tocopherol content. The high tocopherol antioxidant capacity, in addition to linolenic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid, ultimately adds to the nutritional profile of hemp seed oil. All of the cultivars grown in the trials had levels of delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) below the Government of Canada limit of 0.3%.