Hemp Vs Marijuana : The Ultimate Cannabis Showdown
Introduction
People often mistakenly use the words "hemp," "marijuana," and "cannabis" interchangeably, but what do they actually mean?
The debate over the benefits of hemp and marijuana has been waged for years.
If you're confused about the distinction between hemp and marijuana, don't worry - you're not alone. In this blog post, we'll clear up any confusion and explore how hemp and marijuana are different from each other and what are their potential uses and side effects.
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a variety of cannabis that is often grown for industrial and commercial purposes. The entire hemp plant, including the stalk, leaves, seeds, and buds, can be used for a variety of products.
Hemp contains only trace amounts of THC (0.3% or less), the psychoactive compound that produces the "high" associated with cannabis use.
In contrast, marijuana typically contains much higher levels of THC.
Instead, hemp is rich in CBD, a non-psychoactive compound that has been shown to have a variety of potential therapeutic applications. CBD is just one of over 100 different cannabinoids found in hemp.
CBD-rich hemp oil can be used to create various CBD products, including edibles, topicals, tinctures, and capsules.
What is Marijuana?
The marijuana plant is a plant that has been used medicinally and recreationally for centuries. It is usually bred specifically for its high THC content.
On average, a Marijuana plant can have THC levels as high as 5-30%, which is the major cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that is responsible to cause mind-altering psychoactive effects
Most of the time, when people refer to "marijuana," they mean cannabis which will get you high. The word "marijuana" is often used interchangeably with other phrases such as "weed" and "pot."
So, how do we tell the difference between hemp and marijuana?
● Physical Appearance
Hemp plants grow tall and thin, while marijuana plants are shorter and bushier. Another difference is the leaves. Hemp leaves are narrow and pointy, while marijuana leaves are broader and more serrated. Finally, hemp plants have fewer flowers / buds than marijuana plants.
These subtle differences can help you to identify which plant is which. However, it is important to note that both hemp and marijuana plants can vary in appearance, so these features should not be used as the sole method of identification.
● Effects on the body
Since hemp contains such a low THC content, it cannot produce any psychoactive effects and is thus safe for consumption.
Depending on the THC levels, marijuana can either make people feel good or cause them to feel uneasy. The average plant has enough THC to create a noticeable high.
If you want to experience the benefits of cannabis without getting high, hemp products are ideal.
What are Hemp Seed Starts and Hemp Clones?
Since countries have started legalising hemp, farmers are constantly working to improve their growing practices.
When it comes to growing hemp, there are two main options: hemp seed germination and hemp clone seedlings.
Simply put, hemp seeds starts or CBD seed starts are young seeds that have just cracked and begun to sprout.
Hemp clones also known as CBD clones, on the other hand, are cuttings taken from a plant that has been cloned from a mother plant. The best way to create hemp clones is by cutting branches that are 5-8 inches long off the mother plant. The newly cut end of the clone is dipped in a "rooting hormone." The clones are then placed in an environment that has the right conditions for vegetative plant growth – where they eventually grow roots.
Hemp clones help farmers by getting rid of the need to germinate seeds.
So, which option is better?
There are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
First, hemp clones tend to be more expensive than hemp seed starts. This is because the cloning process is more labor-intensive and requires special equipment.
Second, hemp clones are often more genetically uniform than hemp seed starts. This can be an advantage if you're looking to produce a specific type of hemp flower or extract.
However, it's worth noting that cloning can also lead to inbreeding, which can eventually cause problems with the health of the plants.
Uses and Side Effects of Hemp
Hemp is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries to make a variety of products, including paper, cloth, and fuel. More recently, hemp has also been used as a dietary supplement and natural remedy. Hemp seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, and they can be added to smoothies or used to make hemp milk.
Hemp has also been used to treat a variety of ailments, and recent research has shown that it may be effective in treating anxiety, improving focus, boosting heart health, and alleviating pain.
Some people also apply hemp oil to the skin to relieve inflammation and promote healing. In addition to its many uses, hemp is also relatively safe; side effects are typically mild and may include dry mouth, diarrhoea, and fatigue.
However, hemp can interact with some medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it. Overall, hemp is a safe and versatile plant that has many potential uses.
Uses and Side Effects of Marijuana
Marijuana has been used for centuries for both medicinal and recreational purposes.
The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, can help to relieve pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with a wide range of medical conditions.
However, THC can also have harmful effects, causing paranoia, anxiety, and other negative side effects. In addition, marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of mental health problems, such as psychosis and schizophrenia.
As a result, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits of marijuana use before making any decisions.
Conclusion
Hemp and marijuana are the same Cannabis species, but they have different chemical compositions. Hemp contains less than 0.2 percent THC by dried weight, whereas marijuana has more THC than the above-stated limit.
As you can see, there are both pros and cons to consuming hemp and marijuana.
We suggest that you speak to a medical professional before deciding to add hemp or marijuana to your diet or daily routine.
Thanks for reading!
Hopefully, this article has helped to clear up some confusion about these two plants. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!
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