What Is Hemp, and How Does it Differ from Cannabis?

While the terms ‘hemp’ and ‘cannabis’ have been used interchangeably in the past, this is erroneous.  Rather, all hemp is cannabis, but not all cannabis is hemp.  In fact, hemp is distinct in both composition and application when compared to what people call marijuana, with hemp having various real-world use cases that could change the way we approach various industries.

A Scientific Lens

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for industrial uses.  It has been used for thousands of years for various purposes, from textiles to food products. Notably, it contains less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” associated with cannabis.  This low THC content makes the plant non-intoxicating and suitable for a wide range of applications.

Cannabis (Marijuana)

Cannabis, often referred to as marijuana, includes strains of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica that are grown for their psychoactive and medicinal effects.  These strains typically contain higher concentrations of THC, often ranging from 5% to 30%, which is responsible for the recreational and medicinal effects of cannabis.  Cannabis also contains other cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol), which has therapeutic properties without the high.

Key Differences

1. THC Content: Hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, while cannabis typically contains higher levels of THC.
2. Uses: Hemp is used industrially for fiber, seeds, and oils, while cannabis is primarily used for medicinal and recreational purposes.
3. Growth and Cultivation: Hemp is grown closely together and can reach heights of up to 12 feet, whereas cannabis plants are spaced out to allow for bushier growth to maximize flower production.

Why Isn’t Hemp More Popular?

Despite its versatility and benefits, hemp’s popularity has been hindered by several factors.  These include,

1. Regulatory Challenges: Hemp was historically lumped together with cannabis in many legal frameworks, leading to its prohibition.  The recent legalization efforts have only started to differentiate hemp from cannabis.
2. Stigma: The association with marijuana has led to a stigma against hemp despite its non-intoxicating properties.
3. Economic Barriers: The infrastructure for processing and production is underdeveloped compared to other industries, making it less economically viable.

With the growing acceptance of marijuana around the world in recent years, hopefully, any lingering stigma surrounding hemp can be washed away, allowing for the plant to be used in many different ways.

Why Hemp SHOULD be More Popular

Arguing for hemp is an easy case to make, with essentially no drawbacks.  For example, two obvious use cases for hemp include,

1. Textiles and Fabrics: Hemp fibers are incredibly strong and durable, making them ideal for producing textiles such as clothing, ropes, and sails.  Hemp fabric is also breathable and hypoallergenic, providing a sustainable alternative to cotton and synthetic fibers.
2. Nutrition and Health Products: Hemp seeds are a rich source of protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.  They can be consumed raw, ground into meal, or pressed into oil.  Hemp oil is also used in skin care products due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Furthermore, hemp has the potential to play a significant role in rehabilitating our environment through,

1. Soil Health: Hemp roots grow deep, helping to aerate the soil and improve its structure.  The plant also absorbs toxins from the soil, a process known as phytoremediation, which can help clean contaminated land.
2. Carbon Sequestration: Hemp absorbs more CO2 per hectare than most plants, making it an effective tool in combating climate change.  Its rapid growth cycle means it can be harvested multiple times a year, continuously capturing carbon from the atmosphere.

This ability to help the environment and be used in various manufacturing industries is aided by the fact that it also requires fewer pesticides and herbicides compared to conventional crops, reducing the chemical load on our surroundings.  It also needs less water than cotton, making it a more sustainable choice for textiles.  Products made from the plant – such as plastics and building materials – are also biodegradable and can reduce reliance on non-renewable resources like petroleum-based plastics.

If all goes well and hemp is increasingly leveraged for its various use cases, there is also high economic potential as the growing industry would create jobs and support rural economies.

Final Thoughts

Hemp and cannabis, while closely related, serve very different purposes.  The plant’s low THC content and industrial applications set it apart from the psychoactive cannabis strains.  Overcoming regulatory and economic barriers, along with shifting public perception, can unlock the full potential of hemp.

With its environmental benefits and diverse applications, hemp represents a promising and sustainable resource for the future.