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Abstract
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) L. microgreens were grown to 7 and 12 days with and without supplemental lighting and/or fertilizer. The principal macronutrient found in hemp microgreens was nitrogen (N), followed by potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and sulfur (S). The principal micronutrient found in hemp microgreens was iron (Fe), followed by manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), boron (B), and copper (Cu). Hemp microgreens were similar to other commonly grown microgreen species in minerals except for P and Mg, where they could potentially be an excellent source, and Zn, where they fell below previously reported amounts. The detectable amount of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for all hemp microgreen samples was less than 0.03% dry weight. Supplemental lighting increased the levels of cannabinoids cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabidiol (CBD), as well as the acid form of cannabinoids cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). Levels of CBD, CBDA and THCA increased with time. In relation to the averages reported for other microgreens, hemp was found to provide slightly higher amounts of total phenolics and antioxidants.
