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What are the different types of hemp and what are they used for?
As the popularity of hemp and marijuana grows worldwide, the number of people identifying as recreational users and those utilizing the benefits of the green plant for health purposes logically increases. This trend, from a long-term perspective, naturally extends to the Czech Republic as well. However, there is still a large part of the population that is not adequately educated in this area. In the following paragraphs, we will try to explain the main characteristics and basic differences between hemp and marijuana, often also referred to as cannabis.
Firstly, it is necessary to note that one of the reasons for insufficient education in the field of hemp is the failing role of the state. Instead of taking the path of explanation and education, the state often resorts to unnecessary repression, punishing individuals who innocently cultivate hemp for personal use.
What is hemp?
Dnešní legislativní slovník si pojem „konopí” vykládá jako rostlinu takzvaného technického konopí obsahující minoritní množství psychoaktivní látky THC. Od roku 2021 je toto množství přesněji stanoveno na 1%, dříve se jednalo o 0,3% THC.
According to today's legislative dictionary, the term "hemp" refers to the plant of so-called industrial hemp containing a minority amount of the psychoactive substance THC. Since 2021, this amount is precisely defined as 1 %, whereas it used to be 0.3 % THC. A distinguishing factor in the case of industrial hemp is also the appearance of the plant, which typically has a slim appearance and relatively sparse leaves. Although the THC content in this hemp plant is low, there is still a wide range of terpenes and other beneficial cannabinoids present. Hemp falling into this category, along with its products, is not psychoactive and does not affect states of consciousness.
What is marijuana?
Conversely, hemp with a higher THC content, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is generally referred to as marijuana. The exact THC content often varies depending on the origin and breeding of the plant, with this type of marijuana ranging from the mentioned one percent to tens of percent of psychoactive THC. Visually, these plants have wider leaves and denser, resin-covered buds.
Main Differences
Although the terms and nomenclature in the hemp scene may be easily interchangeable and somewhat confusing for the average person, it is essential to realize that both hemp and marijuana fall under the category called cannabis. However, in the case of Hemp, it is cannabis sativa (industrial hemp), while marijuana can be cannabis sativa or cannabis indica (Indian hemp). Hemp is thus a general legal formulation of the cannabis name under which we can imagine flowers and products with a content of up to 1 % THC. In contrast, marijuana is another legal term for cannabis containing more than 1 % tetrahydrocannabinol.
THC and CBD are the two most well-known cannabinoids, with THC or tetrahydrocannabinol having psychoactive effects whose intensity depends on the amount contained in the plant. With CBD, we can only observe calming or anti-inflammatory effects, but in no way is it psychoactive. The plant is cultivated to naturally contain as few psychoactive substances as possible, and additionally, CBD products have an increased amount of cannabidiol.
While CBD is legal in many countries, and its products can be commonly found in pharmacies or drugstores, this is similar for THC only on the territories of a few. For example, we can mention California, Washington, or Colorado in the USA, as well as the Netherlands, Canada, Spain, or Germany. Not that marijuana can be obtained anywhere there, but these states, in a certain way, allow the use of marijuana for individuals who have reached the legal age. Another common option is a medical prescription.
Other well-known cannabinoids include CBG, CBN, or CBC. We will delve into these details next time, as well as discuss more about the already mentioned cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol, namely CBD and THC. In addition to products such as oils or various foods and dietary supplements, hemp has applications in industries such as clothing, paper, plastics, or animal feed.
