What is Cannabis?

What is Cannabis?

What is Cannabis?  – Over time, there has been lots of confusion surrounding the differences between hemp and marijuana. What may come as a surprise is that hemp and marijuana come from the same plant species, Cannabis Sativa.

According to the findings from a 1976 study, hemp and marijuana varieties come from the same plant genus referred to as “Cannabis.” They also come from the same plant species referred to as “Cannabis Sativa.” Despite this shared relationship, how are marijuana and hemp similar? What should you know about these two plants before consuming hemp and/or marijuana-based products?

What is Cannabis & It’s Close Link to Hemp?

The marijuana plant offers a range of uses and contains different cannabinoids that each serve a unique purpose. Some of marijuana’s most recognizable cannabinoids include Cannabidiol (CBD), Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabigerol (CBG), and Cannabinol (CBN). Each cannabinoid is useful, and unique.

The term “cannabis” embodies both hemp and marijuana plants.  When the term ‘marijuana’ is used to describe a Cannabis Sativa plant, it refers to the plant being grown for its THC-rich psychoactive trichomes. “Hemp” is in fact a cannabis plant that produces extremely low THC and high CBD flowers. Most CBD companies extract from these plants to create their products.  Although hemp and cannabis are different, they also share similarities.

Similarities Between Cannabis & Hemp

Marijuana, grown both inside and out, usually have the same appearance. Professional growers may be able to tell the difference based on the amount of flower produced. However, to the naked eye they are nearly twins. Both plants have similar looking leaves, and they’re green in color. Each plant can also offers numerous uses for consumers.

The marijuana plant contains a plethora of medicinal, therapeutic, and nutritional benefits. However, let’s look at this unique plant from even more perspectives. Cannabis can naturally improve one’s well-being and quality of life. Not to mention, hemp and marijuana production provides countless Americans with agricultural careers.

Hemp is beneficial and useful too, especially industrial hemp. It serves a variety of purposes within many important and prospering industries. It’s also commonly used to produce topical products and oils, paper, fuel, building materials, and even clothing.

What else does marijuana and hemp have in common? They can both extract CBD. Depending on the exact plant from which it was extracted, tests will show that different plans produce unique variations of cannabinoids. Even if consumers can’t legally purchase cannabis-derived CBD, hemp-derived CBD is available in many shops and online stores.

Differences Between Cannabis & Hemp

One main difference between these plants is the presence of psychoactive effects. Hemp plants are non-psychoactive. Thus, individuals cannot get high from consuming hemp-based products. However, if a marijuana plant contains THC, there’s certainly a chance of getting high postconsumption.

Furthermore, marijuana and hemp-derived oils are both effective. But, hemp-derived oils don’t usually contain cannabinoids besides CBD. Oppositely, oils derived from marijuana typically contain additional cannabinoids that can help deliver more effective results.

Varying Hemp and Cannabis Regulations

Regulations vary from place to place. Cannabis can be tricky to grow and is clearly even trickier to legislate. We recommend you look into your individual state/local laws before beginning your CBD journey.

Who Should I Speak to If I Want to Try CBD?

Have the legal clearance? Consult your primary care physician to see if CBD would be of benefit to you. Truly, our team believes that everyone can in some way benefit from the regular use of CBD. However, the FDA has not ruled on whether or not we are allowed to truly dive into research and share the benefits with customers. Until that time comes, your doctor will know best.