The Hemp Plant – Everything you should know
Not only are hemp plants one of the most useful plants in existence, but it has a long and rich history of being cultivated by people for centuries. While hemp was once mostly associated with narcotics, but this versatile plant has so much more to offer. Some of the most popular hemp products are CBD oil, hemp fibre, various food products like hemp seed milk and other hemp oils.
What is the Hemp Plant?
The hemp is part of the Cannabaceae family and is originally from Central Asia and east Asia. Because it has deep roots that help clean pollution from the soil and make it looser, this crop is very tough and often used as a covering crop for other plants.
The growing height of hemp varies, but as a general rule, it grows 1.5 to 3 meters tall. In extremely rare cases, the hemp may grow up to 4 meters in height.
Sowing takes place between April and May; after that point, initial growth is slow compared to later stages of development. By early July or mid-August (depending on the climate), flowering begins and longitudinal growth stops–the hemp reaches its full potential height at this time.
What is Industrial Hemp?
Hemp cultivation for large scale product production like CBD oil, paper and textiles is termed industrial hemp. It is the gathering of large amounts of hemp crops for industrial purposes.
Industrial hemp dates back centuries because of its many uses which we will explain later in this article. But largely hemp was deemed a useful crop by many farmers who used it not only for various products, but because it was environmentally friendly.
Federal law in the USA changed in the twentieth century to ban hemp because of a fear people would cultivate cash lucrative marijuana. That law was later changed in 2018 by the United States Department of Agriculture with the Farm Bill, which removed hemp from a being a banned substance.
The law states that the hemp industry must adhere to a maximum of .3% THC level in all crops. This in turn lead to the rise of non psychoactive CBD by the way! The EU followed suit and allow for industrial hemp to have a max THC level of 0.2%.
Industrial hemp may have other cannabinoids like CBD, CBC, CBG and in some countries CBN.
The Male and Female Hemp Plant
Hemp plants are divided into two genders; male and female. You can tell the difference by the number of extensions on the leaves with male hemp plants having 5 and females 7 (refer to the image above). Typically male hemp is called a hen.
When growing hemp, it is crucial to determine the genders of your plants. This is because only female hemp plants produce buds with high levels of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Male plants generally contain barely any traces of these substances. At Pure Organic CBD, all of our oils are derived from female plants.
The male hemp produces small pollen sacs to pollinate the female flower. Since a single male hemp plant can pollinate all the female plants, they are sorted out in the early flowering stage, otherwise the plants produce too many seeds.
The female hemp plant normally produces an even amount of male seeds and female seeds. This can be attributed to centuries of evolution and for the species to procreate into the future.
Other Ways Can We Identify Male and Female Hemp Plants
To tell if a cannabis plant is female, examine the flowers. You’ll know by the thin white hairs and resin-coated trichomes on both the petals and small leaves.
Male hemp plants are characterized by the pollen sac that hangs down from their branches. They also grow faster than female plants, and often shoot up taller as well.
What are hermaphroditic hemp plants?
Hermaphroditic hemp plants are those with both male and female characteristics. They’re often removed during cultivation to prevent undesired budding. They may be self-pollinating and can procreate largely on their own although there is a small chance for more hermaphroditic plants to yield from them.
In our hemp production, we are very careful to “weed” out unwanted plants like males and hermaphrodites. This ensures our hemp cultivation produces high quality cbd products.
If you grow hemp for industrial reasons, your more likely to want males and even hermaphrodites because you’re using hemp stalks and roots and by using these types you be making the hemp cheaper for your commercial production.
What is Cannabis and is it different to Hemp?
Though both words describe hemp, many people refer to “cannabis” when talking about the plant as medicine or an intoxicant. This is because it contains a high level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gets users high.
Hemp is known to contain higher concentrations of CBD and lower THC levels. You can not use it as a recreational drug because it lacks psychoactive thc making this type of hemp legal.
To better segment the different types of hemp and their pros and cons, please use the list below.
The Three Main Types of Hemp
Hemp can be classed into 3 main categories:
Cannabis Sativa-L: Is one of the most common types of cannabis plant. This variety comes from tropical regions that sit close to the equator, such as Jamaica, Colombia, and Mexico.
Outdoors, these plants can grow up to three meters high. However, when indoors, cultivars only reach two to three meters in length. The leaves are finger-like with a narrow and long shape. Female plants contain high levels of THC but low levels of CBD and other cannabinoids.
The female flowers are of high value because of their thc content. Typical hemp crops exclude these types of cannabis plants because of their legality.
People normally smoke Cannabis Sativa-L for the desired “stoned” effect. While being stoned may help some people with pain and sleep, it is not legal in the UK or most of Europe.
Cannabis Indica: Cannabis Indica is another common cannabis plant grown for industrial use. It originates from humid climates, for example, India, Morocco or Afghanistan.
These plants are shorter than Cannabis Sativa-L and only reach a maximum height of around two meters. The leaves on these plants are also darker and fuller green in color. Lastly, because this strain has less THC but more CBD, people consuming it tend to feel more relaxed instead anxious.
If you are looking to grow hemp but want to remain on the good side of the law, many EU, UK and USA jurisdictions allow it making this hemp legal.
The female flowers contain high levels of CBD and other cannabinoids making this type a popular strain for hemp production.
Fun Fact: after World War II cannabis and hemp along with other crops were used to recycle the soil after years of war. It was also in a medicinal way to boost cardiovascular health in soldiers; what a plant!
Cannabis Ruderalis:Â Ruderal cannabis plants autoflower and only grow well in colder climates like in Russia or the Himalayas.
Ruderal plants do not branch and have strong, fibrous stems with narrow leaves. They only grow up to one meter tall and have high CBD levels but low THC levels, similar to Cannabis Indica.
What is the difference between cannabis and hashish?
When we say cannabis or marijuana, remember, we are referring to a type of hemp that makes a user high. Please don’t associate it with hemp that is used for CBD! But, if you were to use cannabis to get high, what is the difference between it and hash?
Both come from the Cannabis Sativa-L which is high in THC as discussed above. Both marijuana and hash are smoked to make a user high, but people sometimes use them as a food ingredient. Both are considered to be a controlled substance
The term cannabis refers to the dried, resinous flower clusters and leaves near the flower of the marijuana plant.
The term hashish refers to the resin extracted from the flowers, which is pressed into slabs or blocks. These then have a golden yellow to brown color. Hash generally has a very high level of THC and is a more potent way to get high for users.
We do not recommend using cannabis or hash to get high as it could endanger your health. It is not legal to use THC products in the UK and most parts of the EU. Please do not try to fly with hashish as it is illegal and you will go to jail.
A Brief History About Hemp
Hemp has been around for a very long time. According to archaeological findings in Georgia, hemp was used for fiber production as early as 30,000 years ago. In a ceramic vessel excavated in China, scientists found hemp seeds which date back to 4500-5500 years ago.
Hemp fibers were popular among the ancients Greeks and Egyptians for use in paper and textile production. In 812 AD, hemp was so commonplace that it was used as currency by farmers.
The hemp plant was mentioned by Charlemagne in the Landgüterverordnung, and Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of letterpress printing, printed his writings on hemp paper in 1455. Hemp paper was also used for the first drafts of well-known documents such as the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence.
Hemp as a raw industrial material for the future
Because hemp grows so rapidly, it is being rediscovered as an attractive and sustainable medium to work with. Its strong fibrous composition has nemours applications in today’s world just like it did for thousands of years.
The textile industry has been using increased amounts of hemp as a replacement for cotton textiles. Hemp fibers have been used for sail and rope making as well as paper, canvas and farm equipment.
Hemp clothing is even popular and can be crafted to quality levels that far exceed cotton.
Hemp in the Medical Field
Humans discovered the therapeutic benefits of hemp over 5000 years ago in ancient China. According to the Chinese, emperor Shennong thought that the resin of the flowers had a positive effect on gout, rheumatism, neuritis and other diseases. Funny thing, that’s what we say CBD oil has an effect on!
Turning to ancient India, people used hemp as offerings in good health and for meditation. Ayurvedic medicine also found benefits from hemp like the relief of anxiety, hysteria, pain and migraines.
Eventually, the medicinal plant found its way to Europe. One of the first Europeans to recognize its potential was Hildegard of Bingen. She recommended hemp extracts, tinctures and oily solutions as treatments for pain, nausea, stomach ailments and bronchitis; in addition, she advocated that cannabis be used as a replacement for opium in treating pain and even anesthesia.
In the 1800s, cannabis-based extracts and tinctures were some of the most popular medicines sold in Europe and America.
The prohibition of cannabis began in the 20th century in America. This ensured that cannabis would be declared a dangerous drug by the governments around the world.
Today, hemp is being studied for its long history of medical benefits found across history. Namely, CBD has shown great potential in alleviating pain, anxiety, depression and nerve pain. More studies are being conducted daily and we hope the world learns to fully embrace the cannabis plants’ useful benefits.
Products from hemp
The plant parts of commercial hemp can be used to make a wide variety of products. In particular, the oil from hemp seeds is popular in the food and cosmetics industries because it contains numerous ingredients that can have a positive effect on health.
For example, hemp seeds are rich in antioxidants, minerals, amino acids and other natural substances. Additionally, hemp oil has an ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. We are starting to see other forms of food applications as well like hemp infused drinks.
Hemp oil is increasingly being used in the cosmetics industry thanks to its valuable ingredients. There are numerous ointments, creams, soaps and shampoos containing hemp oil available on the market.
But oils and salves are not the only thing hemp is good for. As described above in the history of hemp, its fibre is widely used in the textile industry because it is strong yet workable and can be used in place of cotton. This just goes to show how incredible versatile the whole plant is.
What is the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD?
Unlike hemp seed oil, cannabidiol (CBD) is extracted from the female hemp plant’s flowers and leaves. After extraction, CBD is usually dissolved in a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil, sunflower seed oil or MCT oil. CBD extract is loaded with cannabinoids and terpenes that are beneficial to the body.
Hemp seed products like oils do not contain any medicinal benefits other than topical applications and a boost in omega fatty acids. Many CBD brands use seed oil as a carrier for CBD products, but we find it to be inferior as it tastes bitter. We suggest you stay away from seed oils as much as possible as usually they are used to mask the flavour of the actual extract.
Some Words about Companies Selling Hemp oil as Cannabidiol
If you are buying CBD online, be extra careful of people selling seed oil. Many products on Amazon in the UK and EU are not actually what they say they are. Amazon has very very strict guidelines on the sale of cannabis sativa products containing ANY cannabinoids like CBD. This means that most venders there are selling seed oils.
Amazon is concerned about people selling and controlled substance on its marketplace and thus making hemp products virtually impossible to list on their platform.
Quick FAQs
Can I legally have a hemp plant?
It depends on where you live as some EU countries are more lenient than others. Here is a breakdown of some areas.
The UK
It is technically legal to have a hemp plant in the UK, but you need to get a license to grow it. Licenses are usually good for 3 growing seasons and you may only use the hemp fibre, seeds, stems and hemp roots. If licensed to grow hemp you may not use the hemp flowers for any products. That requires a completely different license. Growing hemp in the UK can be a headache, but it is possible if you are willing to jump through a few hoops.
Spain
It is legal to grow hemp for personal use in Spain as long as the plant(s) are not visible to the public. It is also legal to possess hemp seeds for any reason. It is also legal to grow a marijuana plant for personal use.
If you are going to plant hemp in Spain, the best option is to grow indoors. There are so many hydroponics shops in the country and you will find all kinds of equipment like air circulation machines and carbon dioxide monitors. If you are going to plant hemp, just be sure to check all regulations so you remain compliant.
Italy
Hemp production in Italy has been legal since the 1950s. After World War II, Italy was one of the world’s leading hemp cultivators along with other crops. Today, it is legal to grow hemp as long as the THC level is below 0.6%. Way to go Italy for recognising the hemp plant and its many uses!
Switzerland
It is legal to grow hemp in Switzerland without a license as long as the THC is under 1%. All of our products are made with hemp exclusively from one family farm in Switzerland. Yet, to be able to ship to the UK and the EU, we turn the THC down to under 0.2%. We hope that one day, THC is bumped up to 1% across the EU and UK.
Canada
The Canadian hemp industry is totally unregulated as of a 1998 law decriminalizing hemp in the country. It is safe to say you can grow as much of it as you’d like. The Canadian hemp industry is massive with a market cap of 12 billion dollars in 2022.
Which hemp plants are allowed in the EU?
Although cannabis cultivation is legal in some form or another across most of Europe, private individuals are generally prohibited from growing hemp. In Switzerland and the EU, however, commercial growers with low THC content can cultivate hemp plants in rural areas. Only certified seeds from the EU’s variety catalog can be used though, of which there are approximately 50 different types.
Where does hemp grow best?
The hemp plant can grow in almost any location, but thrives best in medium-heavy soils with a pH between 6 and 7.5. It also needs enough water; however, it does not do well when the ground is too wet or compacted.
People also grow hemp indoors using hydroponic systems which the plant responds well to. There are load of articles online about each strain of hemp plant and what conditions are optimised for it.
Conclusion
Hemp has been used for ages as a textile in clothing, shipping and other industrial applications. Ancient peoples discovered medicinal applications for it as a food when eaten raw or pressed for oils and resins. The plant has especially strong fibre that is handy in making paper goods and clothing and may be more sustainable than other raw goods.
We fell in love with the hemp plant because of the promise it shows to help reduce pain, restore sleep patterns and even calm anxiety. As a company (and personally myself) I’ve witnessed quality CBD made from hemp changes lives for the better. We know it can help you too.
At Pure Organic CBD, we do not like to refer to our hemp crops as industrial hemp. To us they are cannabis plants that we love dearly. Our hemp production is the crux of our business and it is designed to produce one thing; the best cbd oil on Earth. Why would you shop anywhere else if you can have the best here and at the best price.
If you are looking to buy CBD, why not save 20% with us. We’ve been growing hemp organically for over 10 years. Every plant is looked after and our crops yield the highest quality cbd on the market. When we grow hemp, we do it with love. As we like to say here “every bottle is sent with the hope of changing a life for the better”.