Exploring the Contrasts: Hemp vs Cannabis
Welcome to Hemp Ed, your go-to source for understanding the disparities between hemp and cannabis. Our platform is dedicated to providing comprehensive insights into the unique characteristics, applications, and benefits of both hemp and cannabis. Join us as we delve into the distinct qualities that differentiate these two plants and explore their diverse roles in various industries and everyday life.
Cannabis Sativa
Hemp shown directly to the right is scientifically known as Cannabis sativa. Hemp has a multitude of uses, including producing strong fibers, absorbent hurd, and strong cannabinoids. The cannabinoids that hemp produces include CBD, CBG, CBN, and THCA. While hemp does produce THCA, it produces incredibly small quantities of it. Usual regulation falls at or below 0.3% THC allowance. Hemp fibers are incredibly strong due to the vast amounts of lignin, pectin, and cellulose. Another incredible feat of hemp is that it can be turned into biofuels through periods of chemical extraction.
Cannabis Indica
Marijuana is shown directly to the left and is scientifically known as Cannabis indica. Marijuana is strictly produced for its THCA and THC content. THC is a psychoactive compound that is found on the flowers and buds of marijuana in tiny crystalline pod-like structures. These pods are called trichomes, and depending on strain and environment, a plant can have more or fewer trichomes and overall THC content. Marijuana only has enough support strength to hold itself up, and sometimes it needs help. Once the plant has been trimmed of all buds, the rest is usually discarded as it has no value or repurpose.
Differences and Similarities
Below are just a few similarities and differences between hemp and marijuana to help you understand a bit better how they are vastly different, but are very much sister plants. Can you tell which one is which?
Similarities
Differences
01
Cannabinoid Production
Both sister plants produces cannabinoids. While these cannabinoids are different when talking about CBD and THC they both produce THCA. The cannabinoids that hemp produces are CBD, CBG, CBN, and THCA. These cannabinoids have many great health beneifts including anxiety relief, pain relief, promotes restful sleep, and can even help with medical conditions such as parkinsons and cancer patients.
01
Height
Hemp can grow to be incredibly tall some almost over 16ft. This allows for great fiber yeild and strong hurd. Marijuana on the other hand usually grows short from about 1.5ft to 6ft. This difference is due to marijuana using its energy to produce as much thc as possible whereas hemp uses its energy to grow tall and strong with as much lignin and cellulose as possible.
02
Look, Smell, and Taste
Hemp and Marijuana undoubtly look very similar. The only people who nromally can spot the differnce are those who work within the cannabis industry. Not many people outside of it can distinguish between hemp and marijuana. While marijuana can have a stronger and more skunky smell to it hemp can be more earthy and sweet smelling, but some varieties produce stronger scents than others. Lastly, depending on the type or variety of seed you plant will determine how it will taste. Some CBD flower and THC flower can taste very similar due to the precense of terpenes.
02
Versatility
While some may argue that marijuana is versitle, I belive hemp is the most versitile plant there is. Lets start with marijuana. Marijuana can be extracted in many different ways and made into different products. These include flower, concentrate, extract, gummies, tincture, etc. Hemp on the other hand has a more practical uses. Hemp can be used for rope and strong fibers for clothing, the hurd can used fro animal bedding or spill cleanup, and it can even be turned into biofuels.