Are you looking to understand the difference between hemp and cannabis? Click here to learn the difference with hemp vs cannabis.
Have you been wondering what the real difference between hemp and cannabis is? If so we are here to tell you the difference between the two so you can understand what makes hemp different from cannabis.
This information could come in handy in the future and even help you to decide if THC or CBD is the best option for you. To learn the rundown on hemp vs cannabis keep reading below.
What Is a Hemp Plant?
Hemp is a specific type of cannabis. Even though hemp and cannabis are both from the same family they have different characteristics and chemistry that make up the plant.
Hemp plants have low levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. With this said, hemp plants do contain high levels of Cannabidiol or CBD that is non-intoxicating. CBD can be used to relieve pain and treat ailments in the same way THC is without any intoxicating side effects.
When it comes to the United States the level of THC contained within a plant is the defining characteristic when it comes to hemp or cannabis. If the plant has less than 0.3 percent of THC then it is considered a hemp plant. Any more THC than that limit found within the plant is then classified as cannabis. In other words, any plant that contains more than 0.3 percent of THC in the United States is considered illegal if not already legalized within a state.
Hemp is one useful little plant. The stalk can be used to make things such as textiles or even for biofuels. The seeds of this plant are used to create hemp oil that is used in beauty products and even cooking. The flowers are used to extract CBD for a number of beauty products and even edibles.
What Is a Cannabis Plant?
The word cannabis is used to describe a flower that includes around 170 plant species. This species is even further divided into cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis.
This word is a broad classification and can even include some hemp plants depending on their chemical makeup. This means that marijuana and hemp are both cannabis even though they both have different uses.
Now that we have the science out of the way let’s look at what the word cannabis is usually used to describe. Usually, when someone uses the term cannabis they are referring to the plant with higher THC levels that is intoxicating.
Cannabis can be used to help treat medical conditions and can also be used recreationally. It is sold in a variety of ways such as edibles, dried flower, liquids, and even in vape cartridges.
Hemp vs Cannabis – What’s the Difference
Even though these two plants look very similar on the outside their chemical makeup is what makes these plants very different. Below you will find the ways in which hemp and cannabis are different.
Plant Gender
It’s a well-known fact in the growing industry that most hemp plants are male. This means that they do not produce flowers or buds. This is thanks to the many years of selective breeding that hemp has gone through to help industries get the most resources for their products.
When it comes to cannabis growers will get rid of any male plants since they will not produce any yield. The buds that flower from the female plants are what users smoke and extract to get the benefits of THC. Without the female plants, there would be no product and hence no money.
THC Content
When it comes to cannabis there is more THC present than in hemp plants. This is actually a big deciding factor on if a plant is hemp or if it’s cannabis.
The rule of thumb is 0.3% THC. Any more it’s considered a cannabis plant. That number on the nose or less is considered hemp.
Different Uses
Even though hemp and cannabis may have similar appearances they have completely different uses. Cannabis is primarily a recreational drug. It can even be prescribed to patients to help with medical conditions.
When it comes to hemp there are a number of industrial uses that cannabis cannot be used for. Hemp can be turned into fuel and even paper. It can be used to create tools such as ropes and even clothes.
Different Growing Strategies
When it comes to growing these plants they prefer different settings. This is one big difference between the two and can be used to even classify a hemp or cannabis plant very easily.
When it comes to growing hemp it should be grown outdoors and doesn’t need a lot of care or upkeep. They can be grown closely next to other hemp plants and love the heat.
When it comes to cannabis plants they are a lot needier and hands-on. These plants need to be in carefully controlled growing environments to be given the right temperatures, humidity, and lighting.
Cannabis plants are even more prone to diseases than hemp plants. They even need more space to grow and need to be checked on every day.
Now You Know the Difference Between Hemp and Cannabis
We have given you a crash course in hemp vs cannabis. Even though they may look similar and be from the same family you now know both plants are used differently and even have different THC contents. For more information on health and lifestyles be sure to check out the rest of our website.
Author: Jarred Reed
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