5 Differences Between Hemp and Marijuana
While hemp and marijuana may look very similar - in fact, they are almost indistinguishable from each other - they actually have many differences and are used for different purposes. In fact, it is believed that cannabis is one of the oldest domesticated crops. Variations of which have been grown throughout history. While the current cannabis industry has put an increased focus onto the marijuana plant, hemp is still vttery popular and has its own unique benefits. To help individuals learn the differences between these two extraordinary plants, we have compiled a list outlining the top 5 differences between hemp and marijuana.
1. Genetics One of the key differences separating hemp from marijuana are the genetics. As stated above, cannabis is one of the oldest domestic crops. As a result, it has gone through lots of genetic changes and breeding to become the plant it is today. Those tall, sturdy plants that were used to make food, oil, clothing, etc were bred with similar plants to create "hemp", a plant with its own genetic distinction from marijuana. Other plants that were recognized as having psychoactive properties were then bred amongst themselves to create the genetic differentiation that we see in modern day marijuana. Of course, this has since been further modified to breed specific strains depending on the desired results, and with the splitting of genetics between Indica and Sativa.
2. THC Content With plants all having their own unique genetic code, and psychoactive strains being bred together, this has resulted in both the preservation of THC content in marijuana and the extinction of such content within the hemp plant. While marijuana plants contain high levels of THC - up to 37% in some lab tests! - hemp contains little to no THC. This is one of the most distinguishable differences between the two plants. In fact, some countries have even set legal limits for THC in hemp. Canada, for example, has a maximum THC allowance of 0.3% in hemp; anything more and it is classified as marijuana. Click here to learn more about THC! In addition, hemp plants actually produce greater CBD content than marijuana, further separating the two plants. Click here to learn more about CBD and the many health benefits of this cannabinoid.
3. Cultivation One of the third differences that separates hemp and marijuana are the cultivation methods. Firstly, hemp is typically grown outdoors in order to maximize the size and yield as hemp is bred to be a tall, fast growing plant that is optimal for higher stalk harvests. Marijuana, on the other hand, is often cultivated indoors with full control over environment. This is due to the difference in THC content between hemp and marijuana. In order to achieve maximum THC levels, close attention needs to be given to grow-room conditions. In addition, marijuana plants are often female and to produce flowering buds with various yields. This is unique from hemp, as hemp plants are primarily male and do not have flowering buds at any point in the growth cycle.
4. Legal Status Another major difference is the legal status of hemp and marijuana. While both marijuana and hemp are still considered a Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States, hemp is grown in over 30 countries. Currently, hemp is grown in Canada but the legal status still prohibits harvesting of any plant components containing CBD. Despite the nonpsychoactive properties of CBD, it is still considered a Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. However, farmers are able to harvest the other parts of the plant.
With cannabis legalization coming to Canada, the hope is that allowances will be made to harvesting of CBD in hemp - as well as legalizing marijuana and the cannabis plant as a whole.
5. Research The last major difference between hemp and marijuana is research status. While strict laws surrounding both plants make research difficult to conduct, breakthroughs are still being made on both sides. Medical marijuana researchers are discovering more benefits of this plant, and how it can help with additional disorders. On the other hand, hemp fibre is being used to develop new forms of plastic and was even used to create a supercapacitor! The possibilities are endless on both sides of this cannabis coin and hopefully updated legalization will make new frontiers more reachable!
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