Nowadays, a large number of people tend to believe that hemp and marijuana are one and the same, because these terms are used to refer to the same plant. However, this is not quite true. Regardless of the fact that they represent one family of plants, distinctive features still exist. In this regard, it is necessary to indicate a number of criteria by which it is possible to determine the difference between these plants. In this article, we are just going to tell how the hemp differs from marijuana .
Cannabis and marijuana: common differences
Traditionally, hemp is considered to be a plant with a fairly rich history. It has been artificially grown for many millennia for various purposes. For example, the purpose of this agricultural activity was the production of textiles, building materials, food, and skin and hair care products. The cultivation of hemp was by no means due to the purpose of its use to obtain a stupefying effect. In this regard, huge hemp fields were a common occurrence among many peoples in the recent past. In addition to the foregoing, cannabis is and is being produced from cannabis leaves.
Marijuana, in turn, is called a plant that is grown, among other things, for consumption and to achieve a heady effect. Thus, we can safely call marijuana a drug.
However, this was only a superficial description of the differences between hemp and marijuana. A list of more detailed distinguishing features is as follows:
- genetics;
- THC content;
- cultivation;
- research;
- legality.
Genetics
The main difference between marijuana and hemp lies in the genetics of these plants. Scientists have proved that marijuana appeared first, and only in the process of its cultivation the plant was divided into two subspecies, which are now actively used for medical and other purposes. Due to the genetic characteristics, it is marijuana that is used for narcotic purposes, and hemp is considered a plant that performs industrial functions. At this point, everything should be quite simple. Now, to the question of how cannabis is different from marijuana, you can safely answer that genetics, and not be afraid to make a mistake.
THC content
The characteristic effect of marijuana on the human body is caused by exposure to an active substance such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is a high concentration of TKG in the human body that changes the mood and perception of the world after consuming this plant. To be more precise, marijuana leaves contain an average of 1% to 20% TKG, and some types of marijuana may even contain more than 30% of this substance. The concentration of THC depends on the growing conditions and the specific variety of marijuana.
At the same time, industrial hemp has a THC concentration not exceeding even 1%. It is this fact that explains the absence of any impressive narcotic effect on the human body.
It is the concentration of THC that is the decisive factor that determines in which countries marijuana is legalized. In Canada, for example, any cannabis containing more than 0.3% THC is considered a drug, and its possession, distribution and use is a crime that entails appropriate punishment.
For general development, it should also be mentioned that THC is not the only special substance in hemp and marijuana. In addition to it, there is still cannabidiol (CBD), which is considered to be a THC neutralizer. Thus, the more CBD in the plant, the lower the concentration of THC there, and vice versa.
Cultivation
The next factor that answers the question: “What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?”, There are different requirements for the cultivation of these plants. If you pay attention to the fact that marijuana and hemp have a different history and even different uses, it is not surprising that they grow in different conditions.
Marijuana is a rather whimsical and moody plant. For maximum fertility, it is necessary to ensure that the plant receives the necessary amount of light and that the environment is distinguished by stable indicators of temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide. The most interesting thing is that this is not a complete list of requirements necessary for the successful growth of this plant.
Hemp, in turn, is considered a more profitable plant in terms of its cultivation. Absolutely unpretentious in choosing the conditions for growth. As a result, one can observe huge hemp fields under the open sky, which successfully grow and delight people with a rich harvest, even without providing them with special care.
Research
The following difference is represented by studies that are conducted on hemp and marijuana to study them in more detail and identify new ways to use them for various purposes. First of all, it should be noted that the possibilities of conducting research in the field of use of both marijuana and hemp in many countries are significantly limited due to their ambiguous legal status in these countries, which will be discussed in more detail a little further.
Nevertheless, we can still talk about achieving certain results in this field. And again, a clear separation in the use of hemp and marijuana is immediately evident. If the latter is used mainly for medical purposes, for the treatment and prevention of a large number of diseases, then hemp has found its application in various industries. So, based on hemp, a superconductor was recently invented, which can lead to the creation of fast-charging batteries and a significant technological breakthrough in the future.
Legality
The last moment that hemp differs from marijuana is the legality of plants in different countries of the world. Given all of the above, it should not be a big surprise that the governments of different states are more favorable towards hemp. This is confirmed by a list of more than 30 countries around the world where residents can safely grow and even use hemp for industrial or personal purposes. Among the largest producers of hemp can be identified China, Argentina and several countries of the European Union.
Despite the fact that researchers have repeatedly proved the narcotic properties, today it is very simple to find out in which countries marijuana is legalized. Among the most famous include Holland, Canada, 20 US states and several other countries of the world. It should be noted that the main reason for the legality of this plant is its medical qualities, and not a narcotic effect on the human body.
Getting Cannabis From Cannabis
As mentioned above, marijuana is obtained from hemp. To learn how to make marijuana from hemp, you do not need to study a large amount of theoretical material or defend a scientific dissertation on this topic. Everything is quite simple here: you need to collect the tops of hemp flowers, dry them and grind. In no case should hemp stems be used to obtain marijuana. The result should be a mixture of green, light green or brown in color with a characteristic odor inherent in hemp.
conclusions
Based on the information presented in this article, we can conclude that hemp and marijuana are plants that have been accompanying humanity since ancient times. In this regard, these plants have found their application in various spheres of human activity. Despite the irrefutable evidence of a narcotic effect on the human body, there is no doubt that at present and in the near future it will be possible to derive significant and even unimaginable benefits (special batteries) from these plants, which can already be proved by the example of many developed countries of the world in which hemp and marijuana have long been legalized.