Hemp vs Cannabis
What’s the difference?
As interest in cannabis grows, the confusion around it also seems to grow. Before its legalization, everything was classified under one umbrella term, cannabis. However, the legalization has paved the way for the differentiation of cannabis and the now glaring confusion brought about by countless names for the same thing. Or maybe not the same thing.
The Hemp vs. Cannabis discussion has long been improperly illustrated. This has made it challenging to clearly figure out one from the other. It's time to clear the confusion, so strap in for a Cannabis vs. Hemp 101 lesson.
The Plant
The availability of different products claiming to do different things within the cannabis name has left people wondering where the similarities end and differences begin. The straight answer to this is that there are varieties of the cannabis sativa plant.
The plant’s classification, makeup, and name can help clear this misunderstanding. Basically, there is more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis, while hemp has more cannabidiol, or CBD. THC is the compound that gives the ‘weed high.’
Let’s break it down further with the differences between hemp and cannabis.
What is hemp?
Hemp is a variety of cannabis sativa. For centuries, hemp has been used for food, rope, clothes, and so much more. Hemp has such a long history that even the third president of the US, Thomas Jefferson, grew it.
Hemp plants contain low levels of THC, but when processed, hemp can still give you a high. To make CBD products from hemp, manufacturers use the leaves and flowers of the plant.
Defining Cannabis
Cannabis, on the other hand, encompasses three plant varieties. You have Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. In addition to this, there is a range of hybrid plants that use these three strains. Each of these varieties contains varying amounts of THC, but the concentration is much higher than in hemp plants. They also contain less CBD than hemp.
Where They Meet
Generally, hemp and marijuana are considered species/strains of cannabis, but they don’t really fit that classification. The simplest explanation is that hemp and marijuana are broad classifications of cannabis that have seeped their way into cultures.
To clear the smoke rising on Marijuana and Hemp, most of the terms thrown around these two are often incorrect. These terms have been used interchangeably to refer to one type of cannabis.
This is wildly inaccurate because there’s more than meets the eye to these cannabis terms. While both are varieties of cannabis, they each have different benefits, uses, and legal statuses.
Understanding Hemp
Most cannabis varieties are regulated differently under the law. For example, hemp was removed as an illegal substance in 2018—the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 legalized hemp and its products that have less than 0.3% THC.
The harvesting process for hemp is also quite different. As earlier mentioned, each variety utilizes other parts of the plant. Hemp mostly uses leaves and flowers. Where marijuana varieties are selectively bred in designed environments, hemp is typically grown outdoors to maximize its size and yield.
When it comes to growing each variety, they widely differ, which makes the growing process for cannabis plants very intricate. As a result, each stage of its life cycle is carefully monitored, but hemp doesn’t require as much attention.
The same can be said for their uses. The uses of hemp and cannabis are unique to each of their compositions. Cannabis is mostly known for recreational uses and therapeutic applications in recent times. On the other hand, hemp is used in a variety of products from paper, building materials, food products, medicinal products like CBD, and so much more.
Can You Smoke Hemp?
Yes, you can! However, due to the low THC levels in its composition, it is likely that you won’t get high. Hemp plants only have trace amounts of intoxicating compounds, meaning that you won’t really get to have the same euphoric high you’d get from cannabis.
Therefore, if your goal is to get high, this is probably the wrong product for you. However, if your goal isn’t to get an intoxicating high, then you can smoke organic hemp to experience cannabinoids. It is proven that smoking leads to faster absorption of CBD into your bloodstream, meaning you get to enjoy the benefits faster than it would take for an edible or tincture.
Choosing Hemp Varieties
Hemp varieties are chosen depending on the desired product and effect. Most cultivators consider the CBD content, hemp oil content, seed production, stem quality, and how long it takes to harvest. As the CBD market is growing, more people are experimenting with hemp varieties to increase their uses across the board.
Another consideration for growers is disease resistance. Unlike cannabis that is grown in controlled environments, hemp is grown outdoors for more productivity. Therefore, it is at risk of disease and pests.
Final Thoughts
The confusion aside, it is essential to note that these products are all part of the larger cannabis family. Most people only know of cannabis sativa, but as we’ve explained, Indica and Ruderalis are also part of this equation.
Though they may be under the same larger family, their similarities generally end there. You can differentiate hemp from cannabis by looking at its natural adaptability, chemical makeup, and growth processes. In some cases, you can even spot the differences in appearance.
Though it can be quite complex to take apart cannabis classifications, we hope you have a bit of clarity on hemp and cannabis. Despite the incorrect use of these terms in everyday life, knowing the differences helps you understand the products you purchase, their benefits, and their effects.
Looking at the general understanding of cannabis, there is a need to educate people on the intricate details of cannabis. This will help people understand the legal statuses of different varieties and, of course, halt the confusion. However, it is also crucial that people understand what each of the terms means. You don’t want to find yourself on the wrong side of the law for something that can be avoided.
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