Who Should Not Drink Hemp Milk? Risks and Key Considerations

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

While hemp milk is often considered a safe alternative for dairy, nut, and soy allergies, a small but growing number of people have reported allergic reactions to hemp seeds themselves. This versatile plant-based beverage, made from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, is generally healthy, but certain individuals and groups should exercise caution or avoid it entirely due to potential risks.

Quick Summary

Hemp milk, a popular dairy alternative, poses risks for people with hemp allergies, digestive sensitivities to compounds like saponins, and those on specific medications such as blood thinners. Special precautions are also advised for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, children, and those with certain medical conditions.

Key Points

Hemp Seed Allergies: People with a rare but growing allergy to hemp seeds should avoid hemp milk to prevent reactions ranging from hives to anaphylaxis.
Digestive Sensitivities: Individuals sensitive to tannins, saponins, or commercial thickeners may experience digestive issues like bloating or stomach upset.
Medication Interactions: Those on blood thinners or blood pressure medications should consult a doctor, as hemp can affect blood clotting and blood pressure.
Pregnancy and Children: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with infants should avoid hemp milk due to a lack of sufficient safety data on its effects.
Fortification Concerns: Watch out for fortified hemp milks, as some additives like synthetic B12 may cause issues like low potassium in rare cases.
Blood Pressure Impact: People with hypotension should be cautious, as hemp protein can lower blood pressure, potentially exacerbating the condition.

Primary Reasons to Avoid Hemp Milk

For most people, hemp milk is a perfectly safe and healthy addition to their diet. However, several specific groups should reconsider its use.

Hemp Seed Allergies

Despite being praised as hypoallergenic compared to nut or soy milks, allergies to hemp seeds do exist and are becoming more prominent as consumption increases. A hemp seed allergy can trigger a range of symptoms similar to other food allergies. Individuals with pre-existing allergies to cannabis, dust mites, or certain weeds may have a higher risk of cross-reactivity. Symptoms can range from mild itching, hives, or swelling to severe and life-threatening anaphylaxis. If you suspect you have a hemp allergy, you should avoid hemp milk and consult an allergist for proper testing.

Potential Digestive Sensitivities

Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort from hemp milk, even without a formal allergy. Hemp seeds contain natural compounds like tannins and saponins, which can cause mild stomach upset, bloating, or cramping in sensitive individuals. Furthermore, many commercial hemp milk products contain thickeners and gelling agents like carrageenan, guar gum, or xanthan gum to improve texture and shelf-life. These additives can cause digestive distress in those with sensitive digestive systems, such as individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Medical Conditions and Interactions

Several medical considerations warrant caution when consuming hemp milk, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health issues or those on specific medications.

Medication Interactions

Hemp products, including hemp seed protein, can interact with certain medications. For instance, hemp seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have blood-thinning properties. This can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding when taken alongside anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, such as warfarin. Additionally, hemp protein may lower blood pressure, potentially causing it to drop too low when combined with blood pressure medications (antihypertensive drugs). Patients should always consult a doctor before adding hemp products to their diet if they are on any medication.

Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) Concerns

For people already prone to low blood pressure, or hypotension, hemp milk may pose an added risk. The blood pressure-lowering effect of hemp protein can exacerbate this condition, potentially leading to dizziness, fainting, or other related complications.

Risks for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Individuals

Health authorities generally advise caution regarding hemp products during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is insufficient reliable information to confirm safety, and some components, particularly any trace cannabinoids, could potentially harm a developing fetus or infant. For these vulnerable groups, avoiding hemp milk is the safest course of action until more research is available.

Considerations for Specific Populations

Infants and Children

As with pregnancy, there is a lack of scientific data on the long-term safety of hemp milk for children and infants. While hemp seed protein may be safe, the lack of definitive research and potential presence of trace cannabinoids lead experts to recommend against its use for infants. Consult a pediatrician before introducing any new supplement, including hemp milk, into a child's diet.

Trace THC and Drug Testing

While commercial hemp milk contains only negligible amounts of THC—the psychoactive compound in cannabis—there is a very low risk for individuals in zero-tolerance drug testing environments. While it is highly unlikely to trigger a positive result, consuming large quantities of unheated or homemade hemp seed products could potentially increase the risk. However, most modern drug tests are unlikely to be affected. For complete assurance, individuals subject to stringent drug testing might consider CBD isolate products or other milk alternatives.

Fortified vs. Unfortified Hemp Milk

Pay close attention to the label when purchasing commercial hemp milk. Many brands fortify their products with vitamins like B12. In rare cases, the synthetic form of B12, cyanocobalamin, has been linked to low potassium levels (hypokalemia). For diabetics or those monitoring sugar intake, sweetened versions of hemp milk contain added sugars, which can affect blood glucose levels and calorie count. Unsweetened options are a better choice for controlling sugar intake.

Hemp Milk vs. Other Plant-Based Milks: A Comparison


Feature	Hemp Milk	Almond Milk	Oat Milk
Flavor	Nutty, earthy, slightly grassy	Mild, nutty, often sweeter	Naturally sweet, mild, creamy
Texture	Creamy, smooth, similar to 2% dairy milk	Thin, watery, satin-like	Creamy, smooth, can be thicker than almond
Protein Content	Moderate (varies), often a complete protein	Low	Varies, usually low
Saturated Fat	Low	Low	Low
Omega Fatty Acids	Excellent source (Omega-3 & Omega-6)	Good source (Omega-3)	Moderate source
Allergens	Rare hemp allergy, no dairy/nut/soy/gluten	Tree nut allergy risk	Gluten risk (if not certified GF)
Sustainability	Low water usage, grows easily	Very high water usage for production	Sustainable crop, low water use

Conclusion

While hemp milk is a nutritious dairy-free option for many, it is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with a hemp seed allergy or sensitivities to digestive-upsetting compounds like tannins and thickeners should avoid it. It is also not recommended for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or giving it to infants due to insufficient safety data. Furthermore, potential interactions with blood thinners or blood pressure medications warrant medical consultation. By understanding these specific risks, consumers can make an informed decision and choose an alternative, if necessary, ensuring their health and safety. For those without contraindications, unsweetened and non-fortified hemp milk can be a beneficial part of a balanced diet. Always consult a healthcare professional regarding any dietary changes, especially with underlying health conditions or during sensitive life stages.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your specific medical conditions or before starting any new diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is highly unlikely for commercial hemp milk to cause a failed drug test. The amount of THC in hemp seeds is negligible. However, in zero-tolerance environments, it is best to be aware that minimal traces exist, especially with homemade or unrefined products.

Yes, hemp milk is a safe option for most individuals with tree nut allergies. Since it is made from hemp seeds, not nuts, it does not pose the cross-contamination risk associated with milks like almond or cashew milk.

Stomach discomfort may be caused by the natural tannins and saponins in hemp seeds, or by added thickeners like carrageenan or xanthan gum used in commercial products. Start with a small amount to see how your digestive system reacts.

No, hemp milk does not contain estrogen or hormone-mimicking compounds like some other plant-based milks, such as soy milk. It is generally considered a safe, hormone-free alternative.

Individuals taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) or blood pressure medication should use caution with hemp milk. Hemp seeds can lower blood pressure and thin the blood, which could lead to adverse interactions.

Health experts advise against giving hemp milk to infants and young children due to insufficient scientific data regarding its safety for this age group. Always consult a pediatrician for guidance on infant feeding.

Due to a lack of conclusive safety research for these specific groups, it is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding individuals avoid hemp milk. Trace components could pose a risk to the fetus or baby.