Hemp is an incredibly versatile plant that has played an important role in the history of humanity. It's said to be one of the world's first cultivated crops, and with the capability to produce crucial resources such as rope, clothing, paper, and more, hemp has been the catalyst for man's earliest innovations. There is even archaeological evidence that we were using hemp as long as 8,000 years BC.
Over the years, the hemp industry has experienced many ups and downs, but with the recent explosion in the popularity of CBD and a shift in demand for natural products, the industry is experiencing a renaissance. At Legalizing CBD, we believe that knowledge is power and that knowing everything we can about the plant that has become a central part of so many lives can genuinely improve our lives.
As said before, hemp plants have benefited humanity countless times throughout our history. However, many of our readers still frequently ask us…. what is hemp?, Is it legal, safe to use, and how exactly can hemp be used?
Dive in to find answers to these questions and more.
The hemp plant
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is cultivated for its fiber (bast fiber), edible seeds, or CBD. Hemp is sometimes confused with the cannabis plants that serve as sources of the drug marijuana. Although both products—hemp and marijuana—contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound that produces psychoactive effects in humans, the variety of cannabis cultivated for hemp has only tiny amounts of THC relative to that grown for the production of marijuana.
The 2018 Farm Bill officially defines hemp as "the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis."
How is Hemp different from Cannabis and Marijuana?
First off, they aren’t all the same thing.
Cannabis is a classification of plants with various species, and Hemp and Marijuana are both species of plant within the Cannabis family.
Although Hemp and Marijuana are both species of Cannabis, they have several distinct differences.
Appearance
The visual appearance between the two plants is very distinct.
The marijuana plant features broad leaves, dense buds and has a bushy appearance. On the other hand, the Hemp plant features skinny leaves that are concentrated towards the top of the plant and grow taller and skinnier than Marijuana, with few branches beneath its upper portion.
When compared side by side, there is a clear difference between the two plants.
Cultivation Environment
The process to cultivate the two plants and the environments required are also very different.
During their 60 to 90-day growth cycle, Marijuana plants are planted with ample space between each plant (they’re often grown 6-feet apart). To properly cultivate, Marijuana plants require a carefully maintained, warm, and humid climate.
In stark comparison again, Hemp plants are grown closely together (often as close as 4-inches apart) and can be grown in a variety of different climates with a growth cycle between 108 to 120 days.
Chemical Makeup
While Marijuana contains high amounts of THC – the intoxicating compound responsible for “getting you high” – Hemp has a very low amount of THC.
Because of this, Hemp is grown primarily for industrial purposes, while Marijuana is grown for recreational and medicinal purposes.
The difference in THC content is also the primary factor in the legality of each plant. Because Marijuana has a high THC, its usage, sales, and cultivation are only legal in few states. Hemp, on the other hand, is federally legal. Even hemp plants that are cultivated for their high CBD still contain less than 0.3% THC and couldn't get you high no matter how hard you tried.
Personally, Legalizing CBD thinks the anatomy of the hemp plants is fascinating. From the promise of life contained within a single seed to the day hemp plants are harvested for the countless uses they contain, the hemp plant is as complex as it is beneficial.
Is hemp legal?
Yes, hemp is federally legal thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill that changed federal policy regarding hemp, including removing hemp from the Controlled Substances Act and the consideration of hemp as an agricultural product. The bill legalized hemp under certain restrictions and defined hemp as the plant species Cannabis sativa L. with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.
Different Hemp Plant Varieties
Not all hemp plants are the same. If you're interested in growing hemp now that it's legal to do so in the US, it's important to distinguish between various hemp varieties.
There are basically three types of hemp production:
Hemp grown for CBD
Hemp grown for fiber
Hemp grown for food/seed
Each has a different type of seed, utilizes different kinds of growing techniques, and are produced for different markets.
Here, we'll briefly cover each type of hemp cultivation.
CBD Hemp Plants
Hemp plants grown for CBD are prized for their high cannabidiol content. When grown for CBD, only female hemp plants are used to avoid cross-pollination from male plants. Why? Pollination from male hemp plants will result in seed production and significantly reduce cannabinoid content found within the flowers.
Clones or seeds are typically planted in greenhouses or outdoors by mid-June or when the first danger of frost has passed. They are planted 4-6 feet apart and mature into much bushier plants than hemp varieties grown for fiber or seed.
Mature female CBD hemp plants can reach heights of up to 6-12 feet and are typically ready for harvest late September to early-late October. Hemp plants grown for CBD are typically harvested by hand and hung to dry.
Hemp Plants Grown for Fiber
Hemp plants grown for fiber grow to be extremely tall and slender and can reach heights of up to 10-18 feet. They're grown for their bast fiber, which can be used to make rope, fabric, construction material, and much, much more.
Hemp plants grown for fiber are typically planted in early May to early June and are generally ready for harvest approximately 45-70 days after planting. Mature plants are harvested using a sickle or disk mower and a round or square hay baler.
Hemp Plants Grown for Food/Seed
Were you aware of how beneficial eating hemp seeds can be? They're of the most nutritionally complete foods that exist and are rich in proteins and essential omega fatty acids. Hemp plants are grown for grain or seed mature into slender plants approximately 5-7 feet tall.
This hemp plant variety is typically planted mid-May to mid-June, with seeds harvested approximately 100-120 days after they're planted. Once seeds are harvested, they're cleaned before being stored in a grain bin where they are dried using forced air.
When completely dry, hemp seeds are hulled to make consumption more pleasant. The hulled part of the shells is rich in fiber and often used to create hemp flour.
The many uses of hemp plants
We can see how important hemp has been in the history of the human race. But what makes this plant so special? Let's take a look at the many uses of hemp and why it is so valuable to our future.
CBD from hemp plants
In the last few years, the CBD industry has exploded. Across the globe, the all-natural benefits of CBD have resulted in a huge demand for CBD products, with hemp being the primary source of CBD.
Fiber from hemp plants
Hemp fiber has been used for millennia. It can be used to make fabrics and textiles, rope, and paper. The word 'canvas' actually derives from the word cannabis.
Food from hemp plants
The hemp seeds are extraordinarily nutritious and were first thought to be eaten by the Ancient Chinese and Indians. They have a nutty taste and can be eaten raw, ground up, sprouted, or made into dried sprout powder. Hemp seeds also contain a very beneficial oil high in unsaturated fatty acids, including an optimal 1:4 ratio of omega-3 to 6.
Additionally, hemp milk can be made from hemp seeds, while the raw leaves of the hemp plant make an excellent addition to salads.
Building material from hemp plants
Hemp can be made into a variety of building materials. These include concrete-like blocks called 'hempcrete', biodegradable plastics, and wood replacements.
These materials have been used in the manufacture of many things, including electronics, cars, and houses. In fact, the first American home made of hemp-based materials was completed in August 2010 in Asheville, North Carolina.
Biofuel from hemp plants
Remarkably, the oil from hemp seeds and stalks can also be made into biofuels such as Biodiesel – sometimes known as 'hempoline'. While this biofuel can be used to power engines, it does take quite a lot of raw material to produce a substantial amount.
What Can't Hemp Do?
Hemp can do a lot, but it can't get you "high." Because hemp varieties contain virtually zero tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), your body processes it faster than you can smoke it. Trying to use hemp to put you on cloud nine will only put you in bed with a migraine! So, don't try to smoke it; you won't get high no matter how hard you tried.
The Future of Hemp plants
With the fast-growing popularity of CBD throughout the globe and dozens of practical usages and bio-friendly alternatives made possible by hemp, the hemp industry is positioned to continue to skyrocket. The only challenge left now is to continue to build awareness and educate the general public.
In the near future, who knows, this humble plant may play an even more significant role for humanity than it has in our past. Let's all do our part and see what the future of hemp holds for us.
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You should still consult an attorney for the best legal advice regarding CBD oil in your state, as the material shared here is for informational purposes only.
Disclaimer: The Legalizing CBD page contains general information about health, diet, lifestyle, and nutrition. Any information provided should not be considered or treated as medical advice, and always consult a medical professional before making any lifestyle changes. Products and information mentioned on the Legalizing CBD blog are not intended to be used as a substitute for medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Any links to third-party websites are provided conveniently, and Legalizing CBD is not responsible for their content.
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