Cannabis vs Hemp
What is the difference between Cannabis vs Hemp?
If you pay attention to the news in society today, marijuana is in the news for a variety of reasons. There are plenty of states that have either passed medical marijuana laws or have completely legalized the use, possession and consumption of the plant. When these debates come up, you often hear people mention hemp. These discussions are often intertwined, with people speaking on the benefits of cannabis and hemp and how they can be used to help society. When you want to be sure that you are understanding the discussions, you should learn the difference between cannabis and hemp.
The main difference that you will note in these plants is the way that they are used. They essentially come from the same plant, a plant known as Cannabis Sativa L. When people mention hemp, they are typically talking about the part of the plant that is useful for a variety of ways, including to create rope, textiles, paper and more. When people refer to cannabis, they are most likely talking about the green, leafy plant that people smoke to feel its euphoric and spiritual effects. There are a variety of key differences that set these plants apart from each other.
THC Content
THC is the chemical found within marijuana that gets its users high. However, while cannabis contains approximately 5 percent to 10 percent THC content, hemp has a much lower content, ranging between .3 percent to a little more than 1 percent. It is for this reason that people who use marijuana recreationally use the cannabis flowers, rather than the hemp portion of the plant. There are many medical benefits found with the use of each and you can grow the plant naturally without having to use any kinds of added chemicals or pesticides.
Food Source
Hemp is an excellent source of food, as it provides users with plenty of protein and Omega 3 fatty acids. Hemp seed protein is a very popular health food supplement that people take, because it gives them the benefit of taking protein that is all natural and plant based, as opposed to using whey based proteins, which may give them nausea and upset stomach. This protein is easily digestible and an excellent way for vegetarians or vegans to add protein to their diet without having to eat animal products. Hemp is also high in fiber and a great source of vitamins and nutrients.
The female cannabis plant grows flowers, which is the portion of the plant that is most often smoked by recreational users and medical patients. Hemp plant has been used for industrial use in the past, before it was outlawed. It provides a lot of benefits to society, including a fuel source and a way to make paper and many different types of medicines and treatments. The plant is easily farmed and allows its users to receive speedy harvests with minimal effort. This is important to note, since many states are easing their laws and giving people the chance to grow their own crops.
When it comes to the marijuana debate, it is important to understand the issues when forming your opinion. By understanding the differences between hemp and cannabis, you are able to learn all that you can about the issue and make an informed decision that you feel comfortable with. You should be sure that you do plenty of research on the topic, especially if your state happens to be one that will have marijuana and hemp legislation on the ballot this fall. Regardless of your opinion on the matter, just be sure that you are in the know.
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