Hemp and cannabis are often confused. Although they have a variety of different applications that have the potential to change the medical and industrial world. These plants share exactly the same roots. So what is the difference between Hemp and Cannabis. To fully undersatnd it, we have to take a look back.
Mankind’s relationship with Cannabis/Hemp
Cannabis sativa is probably the most profound and yet the most controversial plant with which mankind ever had such an intimate and long-term relationship. It has caused a rise in industry in the American colonies; It supplied paper, fuels, fibers, and served on ships as sails and rigs. Hemp paper was the canvas on which the US Declaration of Independence was written. Their use as an aid and medicine goes far back in history; At least 4000 BC, the Emperor of China wrote in awe of this plant.
After a time of great oppression, this plant has begun to flower again in freedom. Different countries of the world are beginning to explore and make use of their medical and industrial qualities. However, many authorities in the world continue to keep users and breeders in prison for longer periods of time when they exercise their sovereign rights and cultivate cannabis for nutritional and medical purposes. Because of its unlawful censorship and decades of malicious propaganda, much confusion and distortion of truth arose with regard to the nature of this versatile plant.
What is the difference between Hemp and Cannabis
A particular area that is very misunderstood is the difference between Hemp and Cannabis what is often referred to as hemp. And what is known as cannabis and / or marijuana. In reality, these two “species” are actually one and the same. What distinguishes them is their genetic composition. These differences resulted from adjustments to environmental changes and selective breeding over many centuries.
The factor that divides this plant into two categories is the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC that it produces. This three-letter long abbreviation makes many cannabis users and amateurs alike, because it is this molecule that gives the cannabis plant the ability to produce the psychoactive experience of the famous cannabis noise.
Health Canada says about the difference between Hemp and Cannabis: “In the Industrial Hemp Regulation, Industrial Hemp covers cannabis plants and plant parts of any variety who’s leaves and flower heads contain 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or less.”
Such ratings vary from country to country but this definition provides a proper template to understand the basic difference between hemp and cannabis of the same plant species.
We need this plant more then ever before
Hemp is usually cultivated outdoors, requires very few to no chemicals to grow, is an industrial power plant and has been and is used to supply a wide range of products; From food to fuel, to paper.
Cannabis, on the other hand, contains more THC and therefore finds its uses in the areas of recovery and medicines.
Each of these species of cannabis plant has massive amounts of applications that have served mankind for centuries. As our scientific analytical tools are further advanced and refined, we will continue to deal more closely with the cannabis plant and its components. What has been revealed is an incomprehensible health factory. Hemp, on the other hand, is now needed more than ever before. As our misuse of unsustainable energies brings the earth to its absolute limit.
Hemp as Botanical Messiah
When I think about hemp, I am often totally amazed at its diverse and industrial nature. And I am not alone with it. Increasing amounts of writers, activists, and scientists come around the corner with the courageous claim that “hemp can save the world.” Such a claim appears to be measured at first sight. But it is more than true.
Many of the industries on which humanity is currently based are based on such a capitalist robbery mechanisms. That would slowly, surely plunder, pollute and destroy the earth. The form of life with which we are all so closely linked depends on it to survive and thrive. Such shamefaced actions include deforestation of the forests for paper. The burning of fossil fuels for energy production and agricultural practices, that leach the soil, killing of bee colonies and the dumping of chemicals in the oceans.
While all of this happens, hemp is proven to be an extremely effective alternative to this truly barbaric way of dealing with nature.
A First Class Resource
According to the World Wildlife Fund, 36 football fields are cleared every minute. This has led to the disappearance of half the world’s tropical forests. Not only is such an approach completely unacceptable, it is also completely unnecessary. According to the Environmental Paper Network’s Calculator, about 640 million trees are thrown into the paper basket every year in the United States alone.
Hemp is the solution to this problem. The paper can be made from the fibers of the hemp sticks and this paper can be reused up to 10 times; compared to the weak recycling rate of wood-containing paper, which can only be reused twice. In addition, hemp is ready for harvesting and use after a season. In contrast to some trees that are eternally needed until they can be cut down and it is just as long to replace them.
Hemp can take over the role of cotton, a globally used fabric. Large quantities of harmful fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides are required for the cultivation of cotton. This is a major threat to the ecosystem. Not only does hemp produce more than double the crop, like cotton. It also requires almost none of these catastrophic chemicals for successful cultivation since he is very resistant to external threats. Hemp is also a much more durable material than cotton.
