What is hemp?
Hemp , or industrial hemp , is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products. Although cannabis as a drug and industrial hemp both derive from the species Cannabis sativa and contain the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol THC , they are distinct strains with unique phytochemical compositions and uses. Some governments regulate the concentration of THC and permit only hemp that is bred with an especially low THC content. In those languages "hemp" can refer to either industrial fiber hemp or narcotic cannabis strains.
Hemp vs Marijuana: Is There a Difference?
Hemp , Cannabis sativa , also called industrial hemp , plant of the family Cannabaceae cultivated for its fibre bast fibre or its edible seeds. Hemp is sometimes confused with the cannabis plants that serve as sources of the drug marijuana and the drug preparation hashish. Although all three products—hemp, marijuana, and hashish—contain tetrahydrocannabinol THC , a compound that produces psychoactive effects in humans, the variety of cannabis cultivated for hemp has only small amounts of THC relative to that grown for the production of marijuana or hashish.
The hemp plant is a stout, aromatic, erect annual herb. The slender canelike stalks are hollow except at the tip and base.
The leaves are compound with palmate shape, and the flowers are small and greenish yellow. Seed-producing flowers form elongate, spikelike clusters growing on the pistillate, or female, plants. Pollen-producing flowers form many-branched clusters on staminate, or male, plants. Hemp originated in Central Asia. Hemp cultivation for fibre was recorded in China as early as bce and was practiced in the Mediterranean countries of Europe early in the Christian era, spreading throughout the rest of Europe during the Middle Ages.
It was planted in Chile in the s and a century later in North America. Hemp is grown in temperate zones as an annual cultivated from seed and can reach a height of up to 5 metres 16 feet. Crops grow best in sandy loam with good drainage and require average monthly rainfall of at least 65 mm 2. Crops cultivated for fibre are densely sowed and produce plants averaging 2—3 metres 6—10 feet tall with almost no branching.
Plants grown for oilseed are planted farther apart and are shorter and many-branched. In fibre production, maximum yield and quality are obtained by harvesting soon after the plants reach maturity, indicated by the full blossoms and freely shedding pollen of the male plants.
Although sometimes pulled up by hand, plants are more often cut off about 2. Fibres are obtained by subjecting the stalks to a series of operations—including retting , drying, and crushing—and a shaking process that completes separation from the woody portion, releasing the long, fairly straight fibre, or line.
The fibre strands, usually over 1. The fibre, longer and less flexible than flax , is usually yellowish, greenish, or a dark brown or gray and, because it is not easily bleached to sufficiently light shades, is rarely dyed. It is strong and durable and is used for cordage —e. In Italy some hemp receives special processing, producing whitish colour and attractive lustre, and is used to make fabric similar to linen.
Hemp fibre is also used to make bioplastics that can be recyclable and biodegradable, depending on the formulation. The edible seeds contain about 30 percent oil and are a source of protein , fibre , and magnesium. Shelled hemp seeds, sometimes called hemp hearts, are sold as a health food and may be eaten raw; they are commonly sprinkled on salads or blended with fruit smoothies. Hemp seed milk is used as an alternative to dairy milk in drinks and recipes.
The oil obtained from hemp seed can be used to make paints, varnishes, soaps, and edible oil with a low smoke point. Article Media. Info Print Print. Table Of Contents. Submit Feedback. Thank you for your feedback. Introduction Physical description Cultivation and processing Products and uses Other hemps. Hemp plant.
See Article History. Alternative Titles: Cannabis sativa, Indian hemp, industrial hemp. Read More on This Topic. Probably the most widespread plant having psychedelic properties and used in cults is Indian hemp, Cannabis sativa, which grows all….
Get exclusive access to content from our First Edition with your subscription. Subscribe today. Learn More in these related Britannica articles: drug cult: Hemp, mushrooms, cacti, and their derivatives.
Probably the most widespread plant having psychedelic properties and used in cults is Indian hemp, Cannabis sativa , which grows all over the world except in very cold climates.
It is used in religious practices in India and Africa and…. Flax, hemp, jute, and kenaf are characterized by a high proportion of long, flexible bast fibres that are readily separated and purified from the other materials in the plant.
Consequently, such fibres have long been used for textiles and rope making. Most of this fibre reaching…. Hemp , one of the most ancient plants domesticated in India, is an example of a multipurpose plant: oil is obtained from its seeds, fibres from its stalk, and the narcotic hashish from its flowers and leaves. History at your fingertips. Sign up here to see what happened On This Day , every day in your inbox!
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Industrial Hemp. Hemp, or industrial hemp, is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products. It is one of the fastest growing plants and was one of the first plants to be spun into usable.
You might know that the Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp, which effectively legalized CBD, too. Although cannabis the drug and industrial hemp both derive from cannabis sativa and contain the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol THC , they are distinct strains with unique compositions and uses. In short, neither hemp nor CBD will get you high. Hemp has been grown for thousands of years in Asia and the Middle East, but it also has a history in the U. For example, hemp was used by the U.
This week, Congress agreed to the final version of the Farm Bill, and President Trump is expected to sign the legislation within days. But this is not your typical farm bill.
To save this word, you'll need to log in. Send us feedback. See more words from the same century Dictionary Entries near hemp hemostat hemostatic hemozoon hemp hemp agrimony hemp-brake hemp dogbane.
What is hemp
Since the Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp in the U. Hemp seed oil, also called hemp oil, has been around for decades, often sold at health food stores and used in cooking and skincare. The oil is made by pressing hemp seeds and has a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids. Refined hemp seed oil is clear and colorless, with little flavor, and is primarily used for body and skincare, while industrial hemp seed oil is used in lubricants, paints, inks, fuel and plastics. The easiest way to check which is which is to check the ingredient list.
What is hemp
Hemp , Cannabis sativa , also called industrial hemp , plant of the family Cannabaceae cultivated for its fibre bast fibre or its edible seeds. Hemp is sometimes confused with the cannabis plants that serve as sources of the drug marijuana and the drug preparation hashish. Although all three products—hemp, marijuana, and hashish—contain tetrahydrocannabinol THC , a compound that produces psychoactive effects in humans, the variety of cannabis cultivated for hemp has only small amounts of THC relative to that grown for the production of marijuana or hashish. The hemp plant is a stout, aromatic, erect annual herb. The slender canelike stalks are hollow except at the tip and base. The leaves are compound with palmate shape, and the flowers are small and greenish yellow. Seed-producing flowers form elongate, spikelike clusters growing on the pistillate, or female, plants. Pollen-producing flowers form many-branched clusters on staminate, or male, plants. Hemp originated in Central Asia.
The marijuana plant has many uses apart from drug use. Hemp has as low as 0.
In the wake of cannabis legalization across many US states, hemp is getting a lot of attention. And rightfully so! Despite the controversy over legality due to its psychoactive cousin, hemp has many practical uses and benefits to society. Hemp is the common name for a strain of the fiber plant Cannabis sativa.
What is hemp?
Hemp actually refers to the industrial variant which is cultivated for its fiber, hurd, and seeds, as well as the other natural healing compounds found in its leaves. The seed is mainly used in dietary products. Hemp seeds are typically hulled and use in variety of ways. Seeds can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, made into milk, and are even used to make protein powder. Hemp seeds can also be pressed and made into oil. Canada is the biggest producer of hemp seeds with over 84, acres licensed for cultivation in Most of the hemp strains grown in Canada are called Finola. Over time, more farmers are experimenting with dual use varities which can be used for both seeds and stalks. When harvested correctly, the fiber is actually stronger than steel. The stalk and its fiber are used mainly in clothing, construction materials, paper, and more.
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a plant in the Cannabis sativa plant species, which grows in stalks and is harvested for different purposes and uses, such as creating fabric out of its fibers or extracting the hemp oil to take advantage of its cannabinoids. For over 10, years, hemp has been a part of human society as a source of food and fiber. Hemp originated in Asia and is now a crop in many parts of the northern hemisphere. In addition to hemp having various uses, hemp is a sustainable crop that produces a wide range of biodegradable materials. Hemp is considered a weed because of its fast-growing and sustainable properties. Although hemp has been used for thousands of years, there are still some controversial aspects of this versatile plant. Some strains of the Cannabis sativa species contain the psychoactive component called tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, but there are other strains of cannabis that contain only trace amounts of THC. Hemp contains very low amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol and high amounts of cannabidiol, which counteracts the effects of THC. Since hemp contains no more than 0.
Hemp vs Marijuana: Is There a Difference?
Get the latest information from CDC Coronavirus. Our third president grew weed? This same species of plant is also called marijuana. Yes and no. Hemp and marijuana are both names for the Cannabis sativa plant, but people usually use these terms to talk about two different varieties of the plant. Varieties grown to make hemp rope and other products you see on the shelves including the varieties Jefferson and others grew during the s have a whole lot less of the chemical that makes marijuana users feel high. Varieties grown for use as a drug have been specifically bred to have lots of THC , or deltatetrahydrocannabinol , which is the chemical that makes users feel high. Sterilized hemp seeds can be made into oil for shampoo, soap, or body lotion.
We've updated our Privacy Policy to make it clearer how we use your personal data. We use cookies to provide you with a better experience, read our Cookie Policy. Article Sep 02, by Nicole Gleichmann. Over the last couple of years, CBD has hit the mainstream. You hear about from your health-savvy friends, the nightly news, and in magazine ads. This is in stark contrast to marijuana-based products. Unless you reside in a state where recreational or medical marijuana is legal, you are still unable to buy, sell, or possess anything derived from marijuana legally. Even if you live in a state with legal cannabis, you still must go to a licensed dispensary to access it. Why are hemp and marijuana treated in such different ways? With such an obvious distinction between marijuana and hemp, many people mistakenly assume that they are separate species.
