Buzz
Growing up, the term 'hemp' often felt like a fancier way to refer to marijuana. However, while both hemp and marijuana stem from the same plant family, they serve distinct purposes. Hemp is a rapidly growing crop, ideal for eco-friendly products such as paper and textiles, and lacks psychoactive effects. In contrast, marijuana is renowned for its mind-altering and therapeutic properties. Despite their differences, the two have long been lumped together, and it’s crucial to clarify the distinctions.
Why hemp is often mistaken for marijuana
Both hemp and marijuana originate from the cannabis sativa plant, share the same iconic leafy appearance, and emit a similar scent. The primary distinction lies in their THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content: hemp contains a mere 0.3 percent of this psychoactive compound, whereas marijuana can range from five to 30 percent. This means hemp won’t induce a high.
Due to their close botanical relationship and similar appearance, cultivating hemp was prohibited in the United States until the enactment of the Hemp Farming Act in 2018. Even today, certain states impose restrictions on hemp cultivation, so it’s essential to review your local laws before planting hemp in your backyard.
While marijuana is celebrated for its therapeutic benefits, such as alleviating pain and managing severe symptoms of illnesses, hemp also offers unique advantages for both health and the planet. Hemp seeds are packed with 25 percent protein and approximately 30 percent fat, making them an excellent choice for animal feed and, for some, protein supplements. These seeds can also be processed into oils or blended with water and other components to create hemp milk.
Understanding the distinction between THC in marijuana and CBD in hemp
Hemp is frequently associated with marijuana due to the well-known combination of THC and CBD (cannabidiol). However, hemp contains significantly lower levels of THC. As the cannabis resource Weed Maps clarifies, “While CBD is technically psychoactive, it is non-intoxicating and won’t induce any form of euphoric high by itself.”
Unlike marijuana, hemp won’t produce a high, though some individuals use CBD tinctures, gummies, or even smoke hemp leaves in pursuit of such effects. If you’re curious about trying hemp or CBD products, it’s always wise to consult a healthcare professional before consumption or inhalation.
In what ways does hemp differ in usage from marijuana?
The gardening resource Leafly provides a helpful infographic detailing the versatile parts of the hemp stalk. The “bast fibers” from hemp can be transformed into items like ropes, carpets, apparel, footwear, and bags. The stalk itself can be processed into fuel and paper products, including cardboard. Meanwhile, the “shiv” or “hurd” can be utilized for creating dog bedding, mulch, and building materials such as fiberglass and concrete.
Hemp plants are known for their rapid growth, minimal water requirements, and compact space usage. They also play a role in reducing greenhouse gases and enhancing soil quality for other crops. As marijuana continues to shed its negative reputation and cannabis plants gain broader acceptance, the potential benefits of hemp are becoming increasingly recognized.
