As two sides of the same coin, hemp and cannabis are two different plants that are often confused due to their similarities. Discover the differences that have led these two plants down two very different paths in this article.
Hemp and cannabis belong to the same family – Cannabis Sativa – however, throughout history hemp has been used as an industrial raw material (seeds, oil, fibers) and cannabis has been It has been linked more to its psychoactive uses and its high THC content.
Hemp
Hemp , also called industrial hemp, is distinguished by being a plant with long stems that can reach heights of 5 meters, have few flowers and produce many seeds. Its uses and benefits have been used for many centuries, for example, the sails of ancient ships were made with hemp, including the sails of the ships used by Christopher Columbus or even the paper of the Declaration of Independence of the United States!
What other benefits do you get from hemp?
Hemp seeds are a perfect food supplement because they contain protein, fiber, essential fats and amino acids such as Omega 3 and Gamma linolenic acid, which allow better blood flow and better cardiovascular health.
Is CBD not from cannabis?
Cannabis can contain CBD within its compounds, although in low amounts, unlike hemp where the CBD compound predominates.
All CBD products that are available for sale come exclusively from hemp, not cannabis.
Can I find terpenes in hemp?
As in all plants, terpenes are the chemical substance that give the plant that characteristic smell, in the case of hemp it is no exception, however, there is a much wider variety of terpenes in cannabis than in the hemp.
Their applications and presentations are very varied, they are used in cosmetics, perfumes , in skin care products , as room fragrances and are commonly used for aromatherapy.
How does CBD work?
It’s very simple, endocannabinoid receptors can be found throughout the body , designed to receive the natural cannabinoids that the body itself produces.
CBD helps stimulate these endocannabinoid receptors to allow better functioning in the different natural processes of the body.
Cannabis
The cannabis plant – known by its innumerable names and nicknames – is a plant that is characterized by being short, with more flowers than hemp, and few seeds.
The infamous THC is the cause of the effects commonly associated with cannabis since it is found in high concentrations in this plant.
How does it work?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has psychoactive properties , it works by affecting different regions of the brain at the same time. Like CBD, THC is absorbed through endocannabinoid receptors found throughout the human body. By interacting with these receptors, THC produces the high for which it is known.
Currently there is no legal way to market products with THC, therefore you will not be able to find them in this online store.
So what is the difference?
In short, CBD is a compound that is extracted from the hemp plant and helps stimulate endocannabinoid receptors, improving the regulatory functions of the body. And for its part, THC is a compound that is extracted from the cannabis plant and is used as an anti- inflammatory and for recreational uses, that is, to feel high.
Sources:
Ángeles López, GE, Brindis, F., Cristians Niizawa, S., & Ventura Martínez, R. (2014). Cannabis sativa L., a unique plant. Mexican Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences , 45 (4), 1-6.
Garcia, EC, & Sanchez, JPE (2006). A historical review on the uses of cannabis and its regulation. Health and Drugs , 6 (1), 47-70.