Hemp 101 – What is Hemp?

The Future of Hemp

Hemp 101

Hemp has been around for centuries, a clean, renewable plant capable of providing clothing, paper products, fuel, and natural medicine without contributing to problems like deforestation. Additionally, it’s surprisingly easy to grow in the industrial sense. However, it gets more complicated when we talk about its medicinal benefits. 

Hemp is my favorite controversial plant. Its been around thousands of years, used within civilizations for just as long, and we still haven’t settled on how to respect, cultivate and use it to its full capabilities. However, times are changing, and knowledge is growing. So let’s dive into exactly what this plant is, what it can do, and how marijuana is only a small portion of varieties. 

Bottomline Up Front: Hemp refers to various strains and plants in the Cannabis family. Industrial Hemp is grown from Sativa male strains that grow tall with strong fibers. While weed and CBD products come from the female plant and can be either Sativa or Indica. 

What is Hemp? 

What we know as hemp is a plant in the Cannabaceae family that also includes hops and hackberries, which are closely related to several fruits and other plants. Hemp and marijuana are in their own group as Cannabis plants, including the Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis varieties. Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica are the most popular varieties. Within these varieties are several strains, each with its own chemical makeup and different levels of cannabinoids. 

Different strains are cultivated for different purposes. Industrial hemp farmers will choose strains meant to be fibrous and robust, along with being extremely low in THC, the psychoactive components of the Cannabis plant. Those growing hemp for medicinal purposes like CBD oil or Delta 8 synthesization will want to grow strains that produce high amounts of CBD and other cannabinoids. While those who grow hemp primarily to sell Delta 9 THC will wish to to grow strains high in that compound.

Male vs Female

Hemp, unlike many plants, has an XX or XY structure meaning the plants are either male or female. Female varieties are the most sought-after for marijuana growers and CBD growers because they produce the highest yield of bud and resin. Growers must be diligent in pulling the male plants before they can pollinate the female plants. If pollinated, female plants will produce less CBD, as they are more focused on making seeds. 

In my experience, I’ve seen most seeds being sold after being sexed already. However, how accurate each companies process is, is up for debate. Determining sex, in general, is done through DNA testing. However, it’s relatively uncommon for plants to have an XY structure, so the science and research behind it is still ongoing. 

Appearance

The appearance of the Hemp plant varies from strain to strain and significantly between males and females. Males are taller and less bushy and produce most of their leaves at the top. This creates a stronger, more fibrous stock that is great for weaving into cloth, turning into paper, or biofuel. In an industrial, save Mother Earth sort of way, male hemp plants could be a savior.

However, due to biases, lack of education, laws, and production costs, it can be challenging to entice farmers to grow hemp on an industrial scale for these products. On the good news over the years, I have been seeing Hemp products show up in stores like Walmart and Target in various isles. So far, my favorite industrial hemp products are bath products and paper products. 

The female plant is much shorter, bushy, and has far more leaves. Unlike the male plant, the female plant produces a significant amount of bud. This is the smelly, sticky plant matter that we stoners go crazy for. Female plants are exactly what you want for legal weed growers and CBD geared hemp growers. However, they are significantly more work to grow and tend to be temperamental. 

Sativa and Indica female plants also differ in appearance, with the Sativa plants being taller and less bushy. Sativa plants are grown for their bud look like a mix of male and female plants. While the Indica plant takes on a denser and bushier appearance. Industrial hemp plants are Sativa plants with less than 0.3% THC. Marijuana plants can be either Sativa or Indica. Hybrid is what I see the most,: a mix of the two. 

Cultivation

The cultivation between these two sexes is also different. Male plants have a 108 to 120-day growth cycle, which is fast for such a valuable plant. They are grown close together and tend to be pretty low maintenance. They need the basics water, sunlight, and relatively warm temperatures. Legally speaking, when harvested to be considered hemp, the plant must be tested and have less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC content by dry weight. However, the levels of Delta 8 THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids don’t factor into this. 

Female plants are much more temperamental but have a shorter growing cycle, around 60-90 days, and typically grow farther apart. They require carefully planned night and day cycles with temperature, humidity, and fresh air exchange. Most people grow these plants inside greenhouses or specially set up spaces for optimal control. It takes a lot of practice and learning to consistently grow good bud. 

History of Hemp in the US

We have evidence that humans first cultivated and used hemp as early as 8,000BC near what is now modern-day China and Taiwan. It was used for cooking, medicine, and pottery. The Atharvaveda, a sacred Hindu text, references sacred grass as one of the five sacred plants of India, and some historians believe they are referring to the hemp/marijuana plant. Around 600BCE, the use of hemp started to spread throughout Europe, with evidence of its being found in modern-day Russia, Germany, Greece, and other countries. By 100BCE China was using hemp to make paper. 

Humans have evolved since the first uses of hemp, but hemp is something we’ve continued to use and cultivate. Even King Henry the VIII loved hemp and would fine those who didn’t grow it. While Abraham Lincoln used hemp seed oil to keep the lamps in house lite. Even the early drafts of The Declaration of Independence were written on paper made from hemp. 

So why do we vilify the hemp plant, despite its numerous uses that have nothing to do with weed? That’s a pretty easy question to answer. 

Marijuana Tax Act of 1937

This is where the hemp plant was hurt the most in terms of long-lasting biases and unfair judgment. This act places significant and unfair taxes on the production and sale of the hemp plant as a whole, with no distinction made between hemp with low thc and marijuana with higher THC. This highly discouraged farmers from growing hemp and growing it for industrial purposes quickly died off in the United States. 

Unfortunately,, the Controlled Substance Act was signed into law,, placing the cannabis plant as a whole on the Schedule 1 list. This made it extremely dangerous and kept scientists and others from researching developing our knowledge around the plant. Another way to keep the production of this environmentally friendly plant in the closet. 

2018 Farm Bill

In 2018 the hemp plant finally got a legal definition thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill made the production and sale of the plant and its derivates as long as it tested at or lower than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. While marijuana is any plant that tests over that amount, growers are typically trying to get at least 5% Delta 9 THC in their final produc,t, if not considerably more. 

This officially took the hemp plant as a whole off the controlled substance list. Still, marijuana as we know it (Delta 9 THC) remains federally illegal. Some states like Colorado, Michigan, and California have legalized Delta 9 THC but criminalized Delta 8 THC in its place. For the most part, the hits that hemp has taken legally resulted from greed and manipulation, not because the plant itself is harmful. 

Hemps Derivatives and Uses

Hemp is full of uses. I’ve mentioned how popular clothing and paper products made from hemp have been over human history. Due to its ability to regrow in abundance quickly, hemp is an excellent alternative to traditionally made paper products because it doesn’t contribute to deforestation and the extinction of animals. It’d also be a great plant to be familiar within the event of an apocalypse. It can produce clothing, paper products, medication and allow you to relax at the end of the day! 

BioFuel

Biofuel, like biodiesel, is a renewable energy source for cars and other machines. The hemp stalk and seeds can be processed to make biofuel. Unfortunately, it requires a large amount of hemp to produce a substantial biofuel. As of now, it isn’t a viable alternative, but this could change as technology changes. 

Beauty Products

Hemp and CBD have been taking on a new life within the beauty industry. From body wash to makeup, you can find just about any beauty product infused with hemp. I particularly enjoy the Hempz brand for body wash; it can be found in most drug stores and online. However, I haven’t had good luck with shampoo or conditioners due to my hair type. 

Medicinally

Outside of practical uses like clothing, the federal definition of hemp is extremely high CBD. CBD is a helpful cannabinoid that people have been raving about for quite some time. Thanks to the Farm Bill, CBD can finally have a day to shine. CBD is a beneficial component of hemp. Unlike the THC components in the hemp plant, it’s not psychoactive. However, it can help with anxiety and other mental health issues. 

Its shining capabilities really come in its versatility. It’s useful for several issues like seizures, eczema and psoriasis, inflammation, pain relief, gastrointestinal problems, and even relief for PMS symptoms or Endometritis and PCOS. When combined with other cannabinoids, you can achieve various effects for different issues. 

CBD Products

There are a ton of CBD products available for purchase. My favorite is a tincture; I typically add a dose or two to my morning protein drink to give me a boost in my day and help me tackle that first task with ease and confidence. If I need a quick boost to stop an anxiety attack, I’ll hold it under my tongue for about a minute before taking a drink of something to get the oil residue out of my mouth. 

CBD gummies, edibles, pet products, hemp flower, vapes, and topicals are incredibly popular. Between my dog and I, we use two different kinds of tinctures, pain cream, and hemp flower, to aid in naturally treating and enhancing our lives. I’m also a fan of mixing CBD products with Delta 8 products for a lovely relaxing high. 

Delta 8

The Farm Bill inadvertently made a minor cannabinoid that behaves very similar to legal weed. While the bill doesn’t call Delta 8 out by name, it states that any derivatives that come solely from the hemp plant are permitted, even if synthesized from CBD itself. The kicker is that some states have made it illegal either due to biases surrounding the plant in general or because they have a booming legal weed business. They don’t want Delta 8 to ruin that because it’s cheaper. 

Delta 8 behaves similarly to Delta 9 THC in that it creates a psychoactive high. This high can feel different for everyone, but most consider it weed-lite or a less potent version of weed. In my experience, the feeling is very similar, and so is the cough. 

Delta 8 typically relaxes me, but mainly it slows my brain down and quiets the raving squirrels so I can focus better. Studies have shown that Delta 8 is more potent on the uptake and release of Dopamine and Neuropenphrine than Delta 9 THC. I have ADHD, so this is likely why I experience these effects. 

It also kills nausea within a matter of minutes after inhalation, which has been really beneficial for me. While I choose to dab my Delta 8, you can also get tinctures, gummies, other edibles, and pre-filled vape carts. 

Other Cannabinoids

The hemp doesn’t just produce high amounts of CBD, but it’s also home to several other valuable cannabinoids. We’ve only scratched the service scientifically, but here’s a list of some of the most talked-about minor cannabinoids in this plant. 

• CBG- Cannabigerol, which has the potential to help neurological and skin disorders. 
• CBDV- Cannabidivarin is similar to CBD and may help with epilepsy and inflammation disorders. 
• CBC- Cannabichromene may help block plain and increases the effects of other noids
• CBN- Cannabinol- Great for promoting appetite sleep and helping with psoriasis and pain.
• THCA- Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid may help with inflammation; it is not psychoactive like D8 and D9 THC. 
• THCV- A mostly non-psychoactive noid that shows promise in helping with weight loss primarily. 

FAQ

Question: Can Hemp Save the Planet?

Answer: It might not save the planet, but it can help reduce carbon emissions. 1.63 tons of carbon is removed from the air for every ton of hemp grown. 

Question: Will CBD Show up on a Drug Test?

Answer: This depends; broad spectrum CBD will not show up on a test for marijuana because it does not contain any THC. Full spectrum has the potential to show up on a drug test because it still contains a minimal amount. 

Question: Where is Hemp Commonly Grown?

Answer: In the United States, hemp is commonly grown in Colorado, Northern California, Kentucky, Tennessee, Vermont, and Oregon. However, hemp is grown worldwide, especially in European and Asian countries. 

Question: What Does Cannabis Ruderalis Grow?

Answer: Cannabis Ruderalis doesn’t grow or produce much fiber and bud, so it’s not cultivated for any specific reason. It is, however, very peculiar in that the plant itself doesn’t seem to notice day and night cycles, unlike cannabis Sativa and Indica. 

The Future of Hemp

The Hemp plant, as we know, is part of the cannabis family, which is broken up into three varieties and male and female genders. Most people think about the hemp plant and think about marijuana and stoners. In reality, marijuana is just one version of this beautiful plant. Industrial Hemp can help reduce carbon emissions, reduce deforestation and contribute to a nature-friendly environment.

While the female version of this plant has been demonized in the past, I hope with new advances, its medicinal benefits will be studied and bring hope to those suffering from a wide variety of ailments. 

The Hemp plant, as we know, is part of the cannabis family, which is broken up into three varieties and male and female genders. Most people think about the hemp plant and think about marijuana and stoners. In reality, marijuana is just one version of this beautiful plant. Industrial Hemp can help reduce carbon emissions, reduce deforestation and contribute to a nature-friendly environment. 

While the female version of this plant has been demonized in the past, I hope with new advances, its medicinal benefits will be studied and bring hope to those suffering from a wide variety of ailments.