Hemp vs cannabis
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Hemp vs. Cannabis: Understanding the Differences and Uses
Chemical and Genetic Composition of Hemp and Cannabis
Hemp and cannabis, though derived from the same species, Cannabis sativa, differ significantly in their chemical and genetic makeup. Hemp is characterized by low levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" associated with cannabis use, while cannabis (often referred to as marijuana) contains high levels of THC1 4. This distinction is crucial as it influences their legal status, cultivation practices, and applications.
Nutritional and Therapeutic Uses of Hemp
Hemp is a versatile crop with significant nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil are rich in essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making them valuable as food and nutritional supplements3. Additionally, hemp contains cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with potential therapeutic effects, including anxiolytic, spasmolytic, and anticonvulsant properties3 5. These properties have led to the development of hemp-derived products aimed at promoting health and wellness.
Industrial and Economic Value of Hemp
Beyond its nutritional and therapeutic uses, hemp has substantial industrial and economic value. It can be used to produce a wide range of products, including textiles, biodegradable plastics, paper, biofuel, and animal feed3 5. The resurgence of hemp cultivation in recent years has prompted extensive research into its potential as a source of value-added functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals5.
Medical and Recreational Uses of Cannabis
In contrast, cannabis is primarily cultivated for its high THC content, which is used both recreationally and medicinally. THC-dominant cannabis has been shown to have therapeutic potential for conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and depression2. However, due to its psychoactive effects, cannabis remains a controlled substance in many regions, with varying regulations governing its use1.
Advances in Differentiation Techniques
The ability to differentiate between hemp and cannabis is essential for regulatory and quality control purposes. Techniques such as thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography, and liquid chromatography have been developed to accurately quantify cannabinoids in plant extracts1. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a non-invasive and non-destructive method for distinguishing between hemp, CBD-rich hemp, and cannabis, providing a valuable tool for confirmatory diagnostics2.
Genetic Insights and Evolutionary History
Genetic studies have revealed significant differences between hemp and cannabis at the genome-wide level. Despite their shared ancestry, hemp is genetically more similar to Cannabis indica type marijuana than to Cannabis sativa strains4. This genetic differentiation underscores the importance of precise classification and breeding practices to optimize the desired traits in each type of plant.
Conclusion
Hemp and cannabis, while originating from the same species, serve distinct purposes due to their differing chemical compositions and genetic structures. Hemp's low THC content and rich nutritional profile make it valuable for industrial, nutritional, and therapeutic applications. In contrast, cannabis's high THC content lends itself to medical and recreational use. Advances in differentiation techniques and genetic research continue to enhance our understanding and utilization of these versatile plants. As regulations evolve, the potential applications of hemp and cannabis are likely to expand, offering new opportunities for innovation and development.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Differentiating Cannabis Products: Drugs, Food, and Supplements
Differentiating between hemp and marijuana in the laboratory is now easy, enabling informed applications of this versatile plant.
Raman-Based Differentiation of Hemp, Canabdiol-Rich Hemp and Cannabis.
Raman spectroscopy can effectively differentiate between hemp, CBD-rich hemp, and cannabis, providing a non-invasive, non-destructive method for detecting cannabinoids in plant material.
A Review of Hemp as Food and Nutritional Supplement.
Hemp, a valuable crop with numerous uses, offers health benefits and nutritional benefits when consumed as food or supplements, with CBD showing potent anxiolytic, spasmolytic, and anticonvulsant effects.
Literature Review
Highly CitedThe Genetic Structure of Marijuana and Hemp
Marijuana and hemp are significantly differentiated at a genome-wide level, with hemp being genetically more similar to C. indica type marijuana than C. sativa strains.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedIndustrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa) as an Emerging Source for Value-Added Functional Food Ingredients and Nutraceuticals
Industrial hemp shows potential as a valuable source for value-added functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals, with potential health benefits and current research gaps.
Highly CitedCannabis sativa subsp. sativa’s pharmacological properties and health effects: A scoping review of current evidence
Hempseed pills show potential benefits for constipation, cannabis dependence, epilepsy, and anxiety disorders, but current evidence on their effectiveness is limited due to variation in test item formulation and experimental designs.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalPhytochemical and Ecological Analysis of Two Varieties of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Grown in a Mountain Environment of Italian Alps
Finola hemp variety has a unique cannabinoid profile and higher stress tolerance, while Futura 75 has a more common terpene composition and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Highly CitedIndustrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Agronomy and Utilization: A Review
Hemp has the potential to be a sustainable, ecologically benign crop, absorbing and storing harmful substances, and serving as a carbon trap and biofuel, with potential for multiple uses.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedHemp in Veterinary Medicine: From Feed to Drug
Hemp and its derivatives show excellent nutritional and health-promoting properties in animal nutrition and therapeutics, with potential benefits for conditions like pain, inflammation, epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and nausea.
The Seed of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Nutritional Quality and Potential Functionality for Human Health and Nutrition
Hempseeds have high nutritional value and potential as dietary supplements for inflammatory and chronic-degenerative diseases, as well as for livestock feed and fortifying daily foods.
Literature Review
Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited