Do you know what is the difference between Hemp and Marijuana? They are the same plant - Cannabis (Cannabis Sativa L), the difference is what they are composed of and how they are used.
History of Cannabis
For centuries cannabis was used by our ancestors as a source of food (seeds), and the fibers of its stalks for creating materials, mainly rope and clothing. More so, the flower of the plant was also smoked and consumed as a medicine and in spiritual ceremonies, but it was much less potent than today’s THC levels we modern humans would laugh at. Ancient information largely refers to this incredibly useful plant as hemp, and the distinction between the different terms did not come about until the last century. Today, we divide this plant into categories according to its use and level of THC.
Structure of Cannabis
Cannabis contains over 500 distinct compounds, which include cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and omega-fatty acids. Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant that can interact with the endocannabinoid system. The main cannabinoids are THC and CBD, but there are hundreds plus others as well (CBN, CBG, THC-V, etc). Cannabis also contains more than 150 types of terpenes. They are the aromatic compounds that determine the scent of many flowers and herbs.
Is Cannabis legal?
In the United States, the federal prohibition against growing hemp ended when Congress passed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (also known as the 2018 Farm Bill). Based on that Bill when the product is under 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis it is called Hemp and when is above that limit it’s called Marijuana. Hemp can be divided into 2 subcategories based on its use: Consumable (Edibles, Tinctures, Seeds, Vapes) and Industrial (Fiber, Materials). Marijuana can also be subdivided into Medical and Recreational based on its purposes. The % is subject to your country of residence, for example in USA is 0.3%, Switzerland is 1%, Italy 0.6%.
How does Cannabis affect us?
The combination of all these parts of the plant and the amount consumed is responsible for the effects based on the interaction with each person’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps to maintain equilibrium in bodily processes such as sleep, memory, mood, appetite, and pain. In simple terms, the ECS is a signaling network that extends throughout the body and it is different for each individual. The effects delivered are individual and diverse, but can include euphoria, paranoia, pain relief, increased appetite, sleepiness, reduced inflammation, and even enhanced creativity.
Cannabis (un)explained
Cannabis is a complex plant with a perplexing history, legality, structure, and effects we are still trying to figure out. Because of the legal restrictions in the last century, there is limited research and studies and some of them are contradicting, but we are living in a time of change and innovation that would make things more clear.
In the next articles, we will dive into some of the misconceptions and complexity of this truly magical plant and the products we create.