What is Hemp?
Hemp is a plant that belongs to the Cannabis Sativa family, the same family as marijuana. When comparing marijuana vs hemp, hemp should not be confused with its cousin, marijuana. Despite the similar appearance between a hemp leaf and a marijuana leaf, a closer look at the classification of hemp reveals that it contains significantly lower levels of THC. The uses of hemp are vast and varied, making it a highly versatile plant.
Hemp was one of the first plants to be spun into usable fiber. It’s also a fast-growing plant, reaching maturity in about four months, which makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to many traditional crops. Every part of the plant, from the hemp leaf to the seeds, stalks, and flowers can be used, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. In some cultures, hemp is even used in religious ceremonies, showcasing the diverse uses of hemp.
What’s the difference between hemp and marijuana?
The difference between hemp and marijuana is primarily in their chemical composition. Although both belong to the Cannabis family, they have distinct properties. The primary difference lies in the concentration of THC, the psychoactive compound found in these plants. In marijuana vs hemp, marijuana contains a high level of THC while hemp has negligible amounts, far below the level that could cause a high.
The legal definition that differentiates these two plants in the United States, is that hemp is any cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC. Having a THC percentage of less than 0.3% is what separates hemp from marijuana in the marijuana vs hemp debate. Hemp flower also produces higher concentrations of CBD than marijuana.
Does Hemp have THC?
Hemp does contain THC, but the amounts are very minimal, which is the main hemp vs marijuanas difference. When comparing a hemp leaf to a marijuana leaf, they look the same, but the plant’s total THC content in hemp is significantly lower. This is a key difference in the marijuana vs hemp debate, as it means hemp doesn’t have the same level of psychoactive effects that marijuana does.
This negligible amount of THC in hemp means that consuming hemp products won’t result in a high or a failed drug test. The low THC and high CBD content in hemp make it an ideal plant for producing CBD products without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. For this reason, many people prefer hemp-derived CBD products for their potential wellness benefits.
Can you smoke Hemp?
Yes, it is indeed possible to smoke hemp. Due to the low THC content in the hemp leaf and buds, you won’t get high from smoking hemp. Instead, people report feeling relaxed and calm after smoking hemp, due to the high CBD content. This is one of the many uses of hemp that differentiates it from marijuana.
Smoking hemp is often compared to smoking marijuana because the buds look the same. Some people smoke hemp as a nicotine-free alternative to traditional cigarettes. So, if you’re looking for a smoother, more natural smoking experience, exploring the uses of hemp might be worth your while!
What are the uses of Hemp?
Hemp has been used throughout history for various purposes. The uses of hemp include making textiles, paper, and rope, due to the strength of the plant’s fibers. More recently, hemp has been used to create biofuel and biodegradable plastics, demonstrating the versatility of hemp crops. The hemp vs marijuanas difference is also evident in their uses, as marijuana is primarily used for medicinal and recreational purposes.
In addition to these applications, hemp is also used in the construction industry to make a type of concrete known as hempcrete. This material is lightweight, breathable, and has excellent insulation properties. Hemp seeds are also a popular addition to any meal, as they provide essential nutrients that help people thrive. Even the beauty industry has embraced hemp, with hemp oil becoming a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its hydrating properties.
What are Hemp seeds?
Hemp seeds are small, brown seeds from the hemp plant and there are many hemp seed benefits. They are known for their high nutritional value, being rich in healthy fats, protein, and various minerals. This is one of the many uses of hemp that sets it apart from other plants. When discussing hemp heart vs hemp seed, they are essentially the same thing, but the term ‘hemp heart’ refers to the seed when the hard outer shell has been removed.
Hemp seeds are often referred to as a superfood because they offer a complete protein source, something rare in plant foods. They’re also a great source of vitamin E and minerals like phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc. Hemp seeds can be consumed raw, cooked, or roasted. They’re also often ground into a meal, pressed for oil, or crushed to make hemp milk, making them an easy addition to any recipe.
What is Hemp heart?
A hemp heart is a hemp seed that has had its outer shell removed. This process reveals a soft, nutty seed that is packed with nutrients. When comparing hemp heart vs hemp seed, the main difference is the texture and taste. The hemp seeds benefits remain the same whether the shell is on or off, making both forms an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
Hemp hearts can be sprinkled on salads, yogurt, or cereal for a nutrient boost. Some people also blend them into smoothies or bake them into bread for added texture and flavor. They’re even used to make hemp milk, a plant-based alternative to dairy. Plus, hemp hearts have a mild, nutty flavor that many people find enjoyable, making them a tasty as well as nutritious food choice.
What is Hemp oil?
Hemp oil is a type of oil extracted from hemp seeds. It’s known for its nutritional value, containing essential fatty acids that are beneficial for health. The hemp seed benefits extend to the oil as well, making it a popular choice for those seeking a natural health supplement. This is one of the many uses of hemp.
Many people incorporate hemp oil into their cooking. It can be used in salad dressings, dips, and marinades, or drizzled over cooked foods. As a topical application, hemp oil can soothe dry skin and inflammation, thanks to its rich omega-3 and omega-6 content. It’s also used in the manufacturing of soaps, lotions, and other skincare products due to its moisturizing properties.
Is Hemp oil the same as CBD oil?
No, hemp oil is not the same as CBD oil. Although both are derived from the same plant, they come from different parts and have distinct properties. The marijuana vs hemp debate extends to these oils as well. Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds and contains little to no CBD, while CBD oil is extracted from the flowers and leaves and has a high concentration of CBD. The hemp seed benefits are primarily nutritional, while CBD oil is often used for its potential therapeutic effects.
From its rich history to its diverse applications, there’s so much more to hemp than meets the eye. It’s a renewable resource that can support a more sustainable future. So next time you come across a hemp product, remember that you’re not just supporting your health, but also contributing to a greener planet.
Whether you’re looking for a nutritional supplement, a sustainable material, or a natural alternative for health and wellness, the hemp plant may be just what you need. Although we don’t carry hemp products at our Verts Neighborhood Dispensaries, we do have the best cannabis products at our dispensary in Michigan, our dispensaries in Missouri, and our dispensaries in Colorado! Shop online or in person today and let us welcome you to the Verts Neighborhood!
