When most people hear the word “hemp,” they think of marijuana. However, there is a big difference between hemp and pot. Hemp is a type of Cannabis Sativa plant that has been used for thousands of years for its fibers, seeds, and oil. Marijuana, on the other hand, is a type of cannabis Indica plant that is typically smoked for its psychoactive effects. So what’s the difference between hemp and pot? Keep reading to find out!
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products. It is one of the fastest-growing plants and was one of the first plants to be spun into usable fiber 10,000 years ago. It can be refined into a variety of commercial items, including paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal feed. Although cannabis as a drug and industrial hemp both derive from the species Cannabis sativa and contain the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), they are distinct strains with unique phytochemical compositions and uses. Hemp has lower concentrations of THC and higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD), which decreases or eliminates its psychoactive effects. The legality of industrial hemp varies widely between countries. Some governments regulate the concentration of THC and permit only hemp that is bred with an especially low THC content. In 2018, the United States passed the Agriculture Improvement Act, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, making it no longer a federally controlled substance.
What is Pot?
Pot, also known as marijuana, is a psychoactive drug that comes from the cannabis plant. The active ingredient in the pot is THC, which is short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for a variety of functions including appetite, mood, and memory. When THC enters the body, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and causes the user to feel “high.” Pot can be smoked, eaten, or vaporized, and it is often used for its recreational effects. Some people also use pot for medicinal purposes. In some states, pot has been legalized for both medical and recreational use.
Difference between Hemp and Pot
Hemp and pot are both members of the Cannabis Sativa plant species, but they are typically used for different purposes. Hemp is grown for its fibers, which can be used to create rope, paper, and other textile products. In contrast, pot is grown for its leaves and flowers, which contain high levels of THC. THC is the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” associated with marijuana use. While both hemp and pot come from the same plant species, they are typically cultivated for different purposes and contain different levels of THC. As a result, they can produce very different effects when consumed.
Conclusion
Hemp and marijuana are both derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant, but there are a few key differences. The main one is that hemp contains very low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. This makes hemp ideal for industrial use, as it doesn’t produce the “high” associated with marijuana. Marijuana is mainly used for recreational purposes, while hemp has a wide range of applications including textiles, food products, and building materials. With legalization on the rise, we can expect to see more uses for hemp in the near future.
