You could regard hemp and cannabis plants like cousins.
Since the 2018 Farm Bill and the legalization of hemp, CBD’s popularity continues to soar. Consumers have welcomed CBD with open arms, enjoying its calming effects, among other benefits. Now if you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between hemp versus cannabis, keep reading.
The words hemp and cannabis have been used interchangeably for so long, that most people think they’re one and the same thing. And yes, they were both considered Schedule 1 drugs until the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.
Hemp and cannabis plants are like cousins since they originate from the same genus and species, Cannabis sativa.
Hemp plants are usually taller and thinner, while cannabis plants are typically shorter and wider. Both plants produce flowering buds that contain THC and CBD. Hemp plants are naturally CBD rich and low in THC, while cannabis plants are known for their high THC and low CBD content.
Hemp has a lower resin content compared to cannabis and, thus, smaller terpene and cannabinoid profiles. There is a direct correlation here to the range of potential effects from hemp versus cannabis. Of note, terpenes are aromatic compounds, while THC and CBD are just two out of hundreds of active compounds called cannabinoids present in both hemp and cannabis.
Throughout history, hemp has been used in different industrial applications including manufacturing, rope, paper, textiles, and more. Hemp growers have recently refined the cultivation and manufacturing process, producing the highest quality CBD-rich hemp flower. Hemp flower is usually inhaled. The advantage of this is that CBD is absorbed through the lungs immediately.