Nature's Path Foods: U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency Outlaws Healthy Food; Baffling Attempt by DEA to Halt Sales of Food Containing Hempseeds.

Business Editors

BLAINE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 2003

On March 21, 2003, the DEA published their final rule on hemp which effectively categorizes all hemp foods as an illegal drug, even though hemp is not marijuana and contains only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. For well over ten years shelled hempseeds have been used in food products as diverse as baked goods, snacks, breakfast cereals, beverages and frozen desserts.

Hempseeds are an almost perfect source of nutrition, containing 35% protein by weight, including all of the essential amino acids. They also provide high concentrations of essential fatty acids (EFA) and a high pro-portion of these EFAs are in the form of omega-3 alpha-linoleic acid and omega-6 linoleic acids. Hempseed also provides other phytonutrients, including phytosterols and carotenes as well as the minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium.

"Ever increasing numbers of consumers are discovering the nutritional benefits of hemp," says David Neuman, VP of Sales and Marketing at Nature's Path Foods. "Sales for both our HempPlus(TM) Granola and HempPlus(TM) Waffles are growing strongly, which is due in large part to the health benefits of hempseed."

Prior to its use as a food ingredient, hempseed is cleaned and its hard outer shell is removed. This effectively removes all but the most microscopic amounts of THC (usually less than 3 parts per million). After being processed into food products, usually involving heat and/or pressure, the remaining miniscule amount of THC drops to virtually undetectable levels and cannot lead to intoxication. The industrial hempseed industry, from growers to food manufacturers, have responsibly addressed all health, safety and drug-testing issues with a wide margin of safety.

"We believe that consumers should be allowed to purchase healthy and safe foods such as our HempPlus(TM) Granola and HempPlus(TM) Waffles," says Arran Stephens, founder and president of Nature's Path Foods. "It is inconceivable to think that they may not be available due to an over reaction on the part of the DEA." For more information regarding hemp food products or this issue please visit www.naturespath.com or www.votehemp.com.

Nature's Path(R), EnviroKidz(R), and LifeStream(TM) brands are together North America's best selling brand of organic and natural cereals sold in natural supermarkets. Founded in 1985, the company produces a range of cereals, waffles, cereal bars, and breads. Visit the company's web site at www.naturespath.com or www.envirokidz.com for more information.