
The hemp plant and its cultivation are a bit of a mystery to many people. For example, is hemp different from marijuana? This article aims to explain everything you could ask about hemp.
What is hemp?
Hemp or industrial hemp is a variety of plant species Cannabis Sativa. It is a very fast-growing plant that can survive in harsh conditions. The leaves of the hemp plant look a lot like the marijuana plant that people are most familiar with, but the hemp plant itself looks more like bamboo. However, hemp grows more densely.
Is hemp different from marijuana?
Hemp and marijuana are both varieties of Cannabis Sativa, but they are different. For starters, hemp can be grown almost anywhere because it is highly adaptable and resistant. The marijuana (or weed, cannabis) plant, however, requires carefully controlled factors and is often grown indoors.
The most important difference between hemp and cannabis is the cannabinoid content. Although marijuana is famous for its psychoactive properties derived from a high level of THC (in full: tetrahydrocannabinol) hemp contains less than 0.3% THC. So, hemp and cannabis have different cannabinoid contents and different properties.
Does hemp consumption make you high?
Hemp contains trace amounts of THC, but it is impossible to get high from the consumption of hemp. However, hemp does have a high content of another cannabinoid, named Cannabidiol (CBD). The rich cannabidiol content is more balanced and offers a wide range of possibilities in the medical field.
Did you know that hemp can be refined into more than 100 commercial items, including paper, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, and (pet)food?