Understanding Hemp
Hemp, often referred to as ‘industrial hemp,’ is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for industrial and medicinal uses. Unlike its psychoactive relative, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for the ‘high’ associated with cannabis. Hemp has been utilized for thousands of years, dating back to its use as one of the first plants spun into usable fiber around 50,000 years ago. In the United States, early colonists cultivated hemp, with notable figures like Thomas Jefferson growing it.
Understanding Cannabis
Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant. Cannabis plants are classified into three species: Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis, although there’s some debate among scientists regarding their classification. Native to the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia, cannabis has been used for ceremonial, religious, medicinal, and recreational purposes for centuries. Marijuana refers specifically to the parts of the cannabis plant used for these purposes, including the buds, flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds.
Legal Definitions and Differences
The legal definition of marijuana, according to the U.S. Code, encompasses all parts of the cannabis plant, its seeds, resin, and any derivatives. However, it excludes mature stalks, fiber, oil, and sterilized seeds. Hemp is defined separately, under U.S. federal law, as Cannabis sativa plants with less than 0.3% THC, cultivated for industrial purposes.
Primary Differences
The main difference between hemp and cannabis is their THC content. Hemp is cultivated to produce less than 0.3% THC, making it non-psychoactive, whereas cannabis plants are grown for higher THC content for medicinal and recreational use.
Physical Characteristics
- Hemp: Hemp plants are tall (up to 18.5 feet), with long, hollow stalks and skinny, palmate leaves concentrated near the top. They produce trichome-dense buds and small yellow-green flowers.
- Cannabis: Cannabis plants are shorter, bushier, and have broad leaves spread along the stalk. They exhibit a unique leaf venation pattern and have serrated leaflets.
Chemical Composition
Both hemp and cannabis contain cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals. However:
- Hemp: Contains higher concentrations of CBD (cannabidiol) and lower THC levels.
- Cannabis: Contains higher levels of THC and lower concentrations of CBD. The predominant cannabinoid in cannabis is THCA, with CBDA and CBNA present in lesser amounts.
Cultivation Practices
- Hemp: Grows well in temperate climates, prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and is typically drought-tolerant after the initial growth phase. Cultivated for fiber, oil, and seeds, with different spacing and density based on the intended use.
- Cannabis: Prefers nutrient-rich soil with a balanced pH, can be grown in soil or hydroponically, and requires specific nutrient profiles during different growth phases. Optimal growing conditions include controlled temperatures and humidity levels, with careful attention to light cycles to encourage vegetative growth or flowering.
Conclusion
While hemp and cannabis both derive from the Cannabis sativa plant, their uses, cultivation methods, and chemical compositions set them apart. Hemp is primarily used for industrial purposes and contains minimal THC, whereas cannabis is cultivated for its psychoactive properties and medicinal applications. Understanding these differences helps clarify their distinct roles and contributions to various industries and cultures worldwide.
Introduction
Hemp’s history is rich and varied, stretching from ancient religious and ceremonial uses to its current role in the booming CBD market. The global industrial hemp industry is rapidly expanding, now valued at nearly $4 billion USD, and its future looks promising in areas such as science, health, wellness, and daily life. Understanding hemp’s past is crucial to appreciating its significance today.
Origins of Hemp Cultivation
The precise origins of hemp are debated, but it is widely believed to have originated in temperate central Asia. Early theories by DeCandolle (1886) placed its origin between the Caspian Sea and Lake Baikal. Vavilov (1926) suggested the Altai Mountains, while McPartland et al. (2000) proposed the southern Tien Shan Mountains. China and India also claim hemp’s origins, citing the Himalayas and the Yellow or Yangtze rivers, respectively. Archaeological evidence supports the cultivation of hemp around 4500 BC in China, where hemp fibers were widely used. By around 1000 BC, hemp had spread westward through Asia Minor, India, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Regional Histories of Hemp
Egypt
Mummies from around 1000 BC were found with hashish in their tissues, indicating hemp’s use in medicine, religion, and recreation.
Greece and Rome
Hemp was used for fabrics, clothing, sacks, and ropes.
Persia and Arabia
Hemp, referred to as “hashish,” was used recreationally.
Iran
The Scythians used hemp medicinally and for textiles around 10,000 years ago.
Europe
From the 1500s-1600s, hemp was essential for sails and ropes in the shipping industry.
Middle East
Hemp was used similarly to Europe, particularly in the shipping industry.
Australia and Western Africa
From the 16th to 18th centuries, hemp was vital for building materials and clothing.
Taiwan
Hemp fibers were used in pottery around 10,000 years ago.
China
Hemp replaced animal skins for clothing, and by the second century BC, the Chinese perfected spinning hemp fiber.
India
Hemp is sacred in Hindu texts and was used to make bhang, a drink for religious and social occasions.
Hemp in the United States
Hemp has been cultivated in the U.S. since before European settlement. Founding Fathers like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp. In the 1600s, laws required farmers to grow hemp, and by the 1700s, subsidies encouraged its cultivation. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. In the 19th century, hemp was a major crop in several states, but demand declined with the rise of steamships. However, World War I saw a resurgence in hemp production, particularly in Kentucky.
Prohibition and Modern Legal Status
The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 severely restricted hemp production by imposing heavy taxes. However, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp, spurring a resurgence. Today, hemp is grown in numerous states, with significant contributions from Kentucky, Colorado, Oregon, North Dakota, Minnesota, and New York.
Global Hemp Production
China
The largest producer, with 164,819 acres of hemp in 2019, primarily for fiber.
Canada
In 2018, Canada had 77,800 acres of industrial hemp.
USA
As of 2020, the U.S. had 465,787 acres of licensed hemp production.
France
France has over 43,000 acres of hemp fields as of 2017.
Columbia
Recent legal changes have favored hemp cultivation, allowing multiple annual harvests.
Lithuania
In 2020, Lithuania outpaced Germany with 22,680 acres of hemp.
Germany
Since legalizing hemp in 1996, Germany has reached 6,444 hectares of hemp farms.
North Korea
North Korea cultivates hemp for industrial use, with significant land dedicated to hemp textiles.
History of Smoking Hemp
Hemp and cannabis have been smoked for medicinal, ritual, and recreational purposes since at least the 5th century BC. Herodotos’ The Histories documents such practices, supported by archaeological findings of carbonized hemp seeds in Eurasia. Evidence from burial sites in western China suggests hemp was used in religious and ritual activities 2500 years ago.
Rise of CBD in the United States
Despite being discovered in 1940, CBD gained popularity in the mid-2000s, notably due to Charlotte Figi’s story. Charlotte’s use of CBD oil for Dravet Syndrome brought national attention to its potential benefits. The 2018 Farm Bill’s legalization of industrial hemp further propelled the CBD market, which is projected to reach nearly $20 billion globally by 2025.
Conclusion
Hemp has a rich history and a promising future. From its ancient origins and diverse uses across cultures to its resurgence in the modern CBD market, hemp continues to be a valuable and versatile crop. As the global hemp and CBD markets expand, understanding hemp’s past helps us appreciate its role in today’s world and its potential for future innovation.
