In this article, we will be exploring Hemp vs Marijuana, and the elements that differentiate them. Despite what many may think, Hemp and Marijuana are not individual species. They’re simply two different names for cannabis. Although scientifically, they’re similar, legally they are very different. The main element that distinguishes their differences is their tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.
Hemp vs Marijuana – Hemp
Hemp’s chemical makeup includes a low THC content, less than 0.3%. Despite this number being used in the legal definition of Hemp, the cutoff for Hemp of 0.3% is fairly arbitrary. Due to the low THC level, it’s not psychoactive, therefore is unlikely to get you high. Hemp also has high cannabidiol (CBD), which offers numerous unique medical benefits.
Hemp also has thousands of uses. The plant has been used to create an array of products including textiles, building materials, paper, foods, and body care. Hemp was a kick starter for humans’ earliest innovations. The resistance and strength of its fibres led to a crucial agricultural product. Their uses were discovered way before the psychoactive strains of cannabis were widely known.
In terms of appearance, Hemp has a slightly different leaf structure to marijuana. Their leaves are marginally wider, with thin, spiky tips. Furthermore, their growth cycle can take up to 120 days, much longer than that of the Marijuana plant.
Hemp vs Marijuana – Marijuana
The average Marijuana harvest contains 5-20% THC content. Due to the higher levels of THC, users can feel their psychoactive effects, or the results of getting “high”. In addition to the varying levels of THC, the plant has thinner leaves with bushier flowers than it’s sibling. Frequently interchanged with the term Weed, the plant prefers being cultivated in a controlled, warm, and humid environment. A 60-90 day growth cycle results in a much shorter life than Hemp.
Conclusion on Hemp vs Marijuana
In conclusion, there are clear differences between the two plants. The main being the low level of THC content in Hemp, and the higher levels found in Marijuana. While medical Marijuana can transform lives for the better, industrial hemp has thousands of uses that are beneficial for a number of industries. The only way to discover their full potential is to cultivate it in all forms and deepen our understanding of its benefits.