The Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana Those that advocate for the use of hemp products are not always supporters of marijuana and vice versus. Apart from the structure of the plant, the main difference is the minimal level of THC in hemp plants. THC in hemp is most often less than 0.2%. This is a legal requirement in most of the countries that hemp is grown. Hemp and marijuana are species of cannabis but are not the same plant. Generally, hemp grows taller and thinner, with more dispersed buds than marijuana. Marijuana is seen as being hairier, shorter and with more concentrations of buds. However, some marijuana and hemp crops are similar and can only be confirmed through chemical testing of the THC levels. People who smoke marijuana recreationally are not usually interested in hemp. The low TCH levels result in no psychotropic effects, and no high for the user. Those who use hemp have found its CBD content to provide numerous health benefits.
The growing differences between hemp and marijuana cultivation The cultivation of hemp and marijuana is vastly different. Hemp is grown outdoors, planted closely together and in varying climates. Hemp cycles last 108 to 120 days. For these reasons, hemp is relatively easy and inexpensive to grow compared to its marijuana cousin. Marijuana requires careful climate, environmental and behavioural control. It is usually grown in expensive cultivation facilities. Staff work round the clock to regulate every minute of the plant’s cycle. Medical marijuana is typically grown up to 6 feet apart. It has a growth cycle of 60-90 days, depending on the facility. Marijuana also cannot be grown in any proximity to a hemp field. Pollen from a hemp crop can lead the THC levels in the marijuana plant becoming diluted. This is especially important for growers who cultivate marijuana outdoors or in greenhouses. These areas may not be as controlled as indoor facilities.
The proof is in the pudding:Products made from hemp and marijuana Marijuana is available for purchase in the following forms: the entire plant, the seeds, the dried or fresh buds, and as an oil. Marijuana is used for medical and recreational usage. The list of products derived from hemp seems to be never-ending. Hemp is used in food production, paper and textiles, construction materials, jewellery and clothing, as well as hemp and CBD oils. Hemp producers have worked tirelessly to shake the idea that hemp and marijuana are the same. Each has their purpose, and the hemp industry is thriving, especially with the increasing popularity and demand for CBD health products.
Legally, most of the world understands the difference between hemp and marijuana
Early on, Canada realized the low levels of THC meant that hemp does not have the recreational appeal of marijuana. This, combined with the many practical uses of hemp, made it easy for Canada to approve the legalization ofhemp cultivation with a license in May 1998. Cultivation of hemp has been legal in all developed countries across the world for many years, excluding the United States. The cultivation of hemp was illegal until as recently as December 2018. The 2018 Farm Bill, passed by congress on December 12, 2018, removes hemp from the controlled substances act. This allows all states of the US to now plan and regulate hemp cultivation per their own agricultural state laws.
The role of hemp in ICC’s business model The ever-increasing popularity of CBD for its medicinal properties means that investing and cultivating hemp is a lucrative decision for International Cannabis Corp., who recently announced a deal to purchase 155 metric tonnes of processed industrial hemp from Eviana Health Corporation. At the same time, ICC entered into a definitive agreement to purchase 100% of Future Hemp Corp, which holds an exclusive supply agreement for the delivery of 400 metric tonnes of certified organic hemp from a licensed Croatian producer. These acquisitions ensure that ICC can deliver product to its distribution network as early as the second quarter of this year. ICC holds an exclusive agreement with Cosmos, European-based pharmaceutical distributor with over 160 clients and vendor. The almost 600 metric tonnes of hemp, along with the inventory already held, can satisfy fulfillment obligations for the next two years. In November 2018, ICC also acquired 100% of Enigma Unipessoal Lda, which controls one of the first hemp licenses issued in Portugal. Enigma cultivates hemp on 400 acres of land in Castelo Branco and can produce up o 45,000 kg of CBD isolate per year.ICC also has holdings in Bulgaria with Balkan Cannabis Corp, and Poland with Polannabis Holdings. Both companies have licenses to cultivate hemp and extract CBD. With these strong foundations in cultivation, production and distribution networks, ICC has firmly planted itself as a powerhouse in the European CBD market.