Hemp vs Marijuana

When you hear the word hemp you probably think marijuana, but there is a difference. While both are part of the cannabis family the difference is one is used for industrial purposes, and the other for medicinal/recreational purposes.

The word hemp is derived from the English meaning cannabis, and is known as cannabis sativa sativa (no that is not a typo.) Hemp contains a very low amount of THC (Delta-9  tetrahydrocannabinol) and has been used through out history to make rope. However, it has been noted that hemp is also a great source for paper, and may be recycled up to seven times, other papers may only be recycled up to three. It can also be used to make clothes, fuel, beauty care product, and so much more. Hemp is also called ditch weed, and often mowed down at tax payers expense. In order to have the effect of smoking marijuana a person would need to smoke 11-12 hemp cigarettes, and even then chances are slim of getting high.

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The word marijuana comes from the Mexican/Spanish which is known as cannabis sativa indica.This is what has been used for medical and recreational uses for years. Records date back as early as 2900 B.C. to china, and from go on from there to show how various countries through out history used the herb for medicinal purposes. Unlike hemp marijuana plants can not be used for industrial purposes the stalk is not even strong enough to make a good strong rope, and this plant has a much higher THC level.

So, you see hemp and marijuana, while related are two different plants. Think how much better off our country would be if we were allowed to grow and use hemp. By the way hemp is very easy to grow, grows fast, and does not require the use of chemicals of any type. However, a lot of big industries would be out of business if it were legal to grow and use hemp.

Currently hemp is grown in over 30 nations for industrial use some include; China, France, Germany, Australia, Russia, Austria, Canada, England, and Spain. 

More on hemp coming soon. 

This post was shared on Wildcrafting Wednesday 

Do you use hemp?