Those familiar with cannabis culture understand that there are two plants that are popular in use in the industry: marijuana and hemp. These two different varieties are often called two sides of the same coin given their similarities. They do, however, have quite a few differences.
This article will touch on the properties of each, so you can understand how they are used in the industry. Not only that, it would this give you a better idea of what to look for when shopping around for different products.
What is hemp?
It is not uncommon for both to be referred to as strains or species of cannabis; in reality, however, this is not taxonomically accurate. Hemp and marijuana are simply broad classifications of cannabis that have been defined by culture. In reality, hemp is simply a term used to classify plants of the cannabis genus that contain less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol by dry weight.
Hemp, in general, is used as a source of raw materials. It is used to produce a wide array of tools and objects, such as rope, fabrics, and even concrete. Hemp seeds are also be processed into biodiesel, soap, cosmetics, paint, and varnish. In modern times, it has become the main source of products such as cannabidiol, the main ingredient in CBD oils.
Cannabidiol itself is the main ingredient in a number of products that reportedly help with various conditions, such as aches, pains, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and so on. Recently, the USA Food and Drug Administration even approved a medication that makes use of CBD to treat and reduce the intensity of seizures in people with epilepsy.
What is marijuana?
This refers to a classification of any of the species under the cannabis genus that contains more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Marijuana is considered by many to be a loaded term, preferring “cannabis” instead. This is not just because of the stigma surrounding the plant, but because of the negative history behind it.
It was only in the 20th century that the term “marijuana” came to be; prior to that, it was known as cannabis and was regularly used both medicinally and recreationally.
History aside, the plant is mostly used for its high THC content. THC is a psychoactive component that cannabis plants are rich in; it is responsible for producing that high feeling.
The differences in cultivation
One of the most important differences between hemp and marijuana is their cultivation. Marijuana is normally cultivated indoors under a stringent set of conditions to produce greater yields. From the marijuana seeds to the plant, the life cycle is observed carefully to ensure that the plant is healthy and productive. Its cultivation is also highly restricted in many places, and illegal in some.
Hemp, on the other hand, is generally grown outside. The restrictions in cultivating hemp are far less strict, especially since it is more popular in industrial use. Although CBD oils are usually drawn from plants grown indoors, the majority of hemp’s use is in the production of paper, clothing, building materials, cooking oil, and so on.
Final thoughts
We are lucky to live in times that have brought the slow removal of the stigma surrounding cannabis plants. The benefits of cannabis plants—of hemp and marijuana—are becoming more and more accessible to the average person. What is even more brilliant about this is that studies are proving these uses and their effectiveness every day.
If this article has piqued your interest in trying cannabis products such as CBD Seeds, why not order from us at Coffee Shop Seeds? We have a wide range of products, from High CBD Hemp seeds to High THC Marijuana Seeds.