Hemp 101: Let’s Break it Down
Confused on the difference between hemp and marijuana? It’s okay, you’re not the only one. While they do share many similar qualities, they are actually very different. Follow along as I walk you through the ultimate guide to this sustainable powerhouse plant.
What is Hemp?
Hemp this, CBD that...wherever I go, it seems to be all I hear about. Yet, it’s surprising just how little people actually know about the plant. First and foremost, hemp is a plant, derived from a variety of Cannabis Sativa to be exact. This plant has been grown and used all throughout the world for thousands of different items. From clothing and paper to beauty products and food. And to think it was illegal to grow up until recently...
What is the Difference Between Hemp vs. Marijuana?
This is probably the most common misconception. While they are derived from the same species, think of hemp and Marijuana as cousins. The major difference that distinguishes the two is THC content. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, which comes from a group of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. Once these cannabinoids interact with the receptors in our bodies, it causes the high you feel after smoking or ingesting marijuana. Hemp on the other hand, is non-psychoactive, and is often used for clothing, houses, medicine, and food. Marijuana is used for medical and recreational use.
What can Hemp Used for?
Hemp is the one plant that can feed you, house you, clothe you, and heal you. So I suppose the real question is what can’t hemp be used for? The answer is not much. Hemp is one of the most sustainable plants to cultivate, as it is super easy to grow; requiring less water, pesticides, herbicides and insecticides than many other crops. In addition, it actually improves the health of the soil, as it removes toxins and adds nitrogen back into the earth.
Hemp is the perfect natural fiber as it is very strong, durable, breathable, antibacterial, resistant to mold/mildew, and absorbent, just to name a few of its natural properties.
Hemp has over well over 101 uses, and just think, we’re only beginning to rediscover all the uses this miracle plant has to offer. Check out our new series of blogs, “Did you know hemp could do this?” to further explore some of the innovative ways hemp is being utilized!
