Vote Hemp, the Hemp Industries Association (HIA) and various leading manufacturers of shelled hemp seed and oil products in North America have initiated the TestPledge program.

TestPledge alleviates concerns by consumers that eating shelled or "hulled" hempseed (the inner "hemp nut" that remains after the seed shell is removed) or hemp oil products could cause confirmed positive drug tests for marijuana (THC). TestPledge also dispels concerns regarding hemp oil bodycare products topically applied on the skin.

As of their pledge date, TestPledge companies guarantee on their own integrity that they meet quality control measures based on rigorous scientific studies (posted at the Web site) which limit the amount of trace residual THC in shelled hemp seed and oil. Non-psychoactive trace THC in TestPledge shelled hempseed and oil is similar in insignificance to trace natural alcohol in fruit juices and trace residual opiates in poppy seeds.

Hemp seed is one of the most perfect sources for human nutrition in all of nature. In addition to its excellent flavor profile, the seed meat protein supplies all essential amino acids in an easily digestible form and with a high protein efficiency ratio. Hemp oil offers high concentrations of the two essential fatty acids (EFAs), omega-3 and omega-6, in an ideal ratio. This superior nutritional profile makes shelled hemp seed and oil ideal for a wide range of functional food applications and as an effective fatty acid supplement. The high and balanced EFA content of hemp oil also makes it ideal as a topical ingredient in both leave-on and rinse-off body care products.

To date, the following companies have pledged that they are meeting the standards set out in the TestPledge program:

• Atlas Corporation
• Canolio, Inc.
• CHII
• Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps
• Galaxy Global Eatery
• Gen-X Research
• Hemp Oil Canada, Inc.
• Hempola
• HempNut, Inc.
• HMG Sales and Marketing, Inc.
• Humboldt Hemp Foods
• Jason Natural Cosmetics
• Kenex, Ltd.
• The Merry Hempsters, Inc.
• Natural Emphasis, Ltd.
• Nutiva, Inc.
• Raining Rose, Inc.
• Ruth's Foods / R & D Hemp, Inc.
• Statfold Seed Oil Developments, Ltd.
• Sue's Amazing Lip Stuff, Inc. / Sun Dog, Inc.

As time permits, please read through the entire TestPledge Web site (which should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes) and share the important information with your business associates, friends and family. We appreciate your comments as well.

Please make sure to visit these fine companies on the Web to view the wide range of products that are available. You will find links to each on the TestPledge site.

Sincerely,

David Bronner
TestPledge Administrator
Director, Vote Hemp
Chair, HIA Food & Oil Committee

Eric Steenstra
TestPledge Webmaster
President, Vote Hemp
HIA Advisory Board