There are a few of plant names that come up often when people are confused: hemp plant vs pot. However, what is the truth? Let’s learn everything we can about these plants and how they vary from one another.
The First Step: Clearing the Air
Hemp is often confused for marijuana, and vice versa. However, in practice, they are distinct from one another and serve distinct purposes.
What Makes a Difference: Unique Traits
When comparing hemp with cannabis, one thing that stands out is how different they seem. A hemp plant’s structure is characterized by its slender stature, sparse branching, and densely packed leaves. In contrast, houseplants are often stockier, shorter, and have wider leaves.
Psychoactive Effects: Cannabidiol Concentration
Hemp and cannabis vary greatly in THC level, which is perhaps the most important factor to consider. One of the psychoactive effects of marijuana is the molecule known as THC, which causes users to feel “high.” The proportion of THC in hemp is normally below 0.3%, however in cannabis it may be anywhere from 5% to 30% or even more.
Status in Law: Differences in Regulation
The United States is one of many countries that have made it lawful to grow hemp under certain rules because of its low THC concentration. The intoxicating properties of marijuana, however, mean that it is still prohibited in many jurisdictions.
A Wide Range of Applications: Commercial vs. Leisure
The intended usage of hemp and marijuana is another important distinction between the two. Textiles, paper, biofuels, and building materials are just a few of hemp’s many industrial uses. Nutrient-dense hemp seeds and oils are two examples of food items that employ it. The main reasons for growing pot, however, are for both recreational and therapeutic uses.
Finally, there are various ways in which hemp plant vs pot differ, despite sharing a same genus. Knowing the distinctions between them is essential, since they affect everything from their looks and THC levels to their applications and legal standing. You can make educated decisions and cultivate responsibly if you know the difference between hemp and cannabis, whether you’re interested in industrial uses or recreational usage.