A recent study published in the Environmental Entomology found that thousands of bees in the U.S. are now using hemp crops as a critical nutritional resource.
Bees have experienced dramatic habitat loss over recent decades, but researchers believe that newly planted hemp crops could become a vital aspect of the insects’ future.
Researchers from Cornell University observed bees in 11 hemp farms in New York State. They observed hundreds of bees collecting pollen from hemp plants. The study showed the crops were supporting 16 different species of bees.
The researchers are asking farmers to consider bees when implementing pest control measures hoping farmers will avoid pesticides that could harm bees.
Bees do not have cannabinoid receptors to interact with the plant, so it is highly unlikely the compounds would have any effect on the bees’ development.