How to distinguish Cananbis indica (marihuana) from Cannabis sativa (hemp)? We as hemp experts already have a trained eye and extensive knowledge of the subject and can easily distinguish one from the other. However, we realize that hemp is still quite a controversial topic, and in addition both varieties are very similar to each other – especially in appearance. When comparing both plants, not everyone can tell at first glance which one is sativa and which is indica. That is why today we will tell you a little about the differences between sativa and indica cannabis, as well as what common features they have.
We encourage you to read the article.
Cannabis family
Hemp is commonly divided into two groups: hemp, also called fibrous or industrial hemp, and cannabis, or marijuana.
Biologically, they are two species of the same Cannabis plant.
The hemp family has as many as 3 varieties of hemp and 700 different strains, the composition of which is dominated by THC or CBD.
The third variety of hemp that is not very well known and is not talked about much is wild hemp, or Cannabis ruderalis.
Wild hemp has a much lower amount of THC or CBD than its cousins, which makes it of little use in medicine and pharmacology. They are usually considered weeds, and growing in the vicinity of plantations are removed due to legal regulations.
Wild hemp is a very resistant plant that can grow even in the least favorable conditions.
Hemp (Cananbis sativa)
Hemp, i.e. also fibrous, by many called industrial hemp, is a plant that is widespread in many regions of the world.
It has a number of properties, mainly due to the high CBD content in its inflorescences.
Fiber hemp and products made from it do not contain more than 0.2% THC, thanks to which they are legally cultivated in Poland.
Fiber hemp is primarily widely used in various industries. Most often, hemp can be found in the form of dietary supplements, CBD oils or food – hemp seeds play the main role here.
The very name of hemp did not come out of nowhere. This variety of hemp has very strong and flexible fibers, making it an ideal material for making clothes, fabrics or even paper.
In addition, hemp is used in the energy sector as a biofuel, and even in construction for the production of hemp concrete, which is a more durable and ecological alternative to traditional bricks and concrete.
Cannabis sativa versus Cannabis indica
The differences in the appearance of hemp and cannabis/marijuana can be seen with the naked eye. However, distinguishing which variety is which can be a real nut to crack for many.
In addition to the appearance, hemp and cannabis/marijuana also differ in the content of active ingredients and the cultivation itself.
In cannabis, i.e. marijuana, there is primarily a high content of THC, which causes psychoactive effects, a state of euphoria, as well as mood swings. In hemp, as we have already mentioned, there is CBD cannabidiol, which is the main component of hemp oils or CBD crystal.
Hemp as a plant is practically completely suitable for further processing.
You can use its leaves, inflorescences, stems, seeds and even roots.
Hemp:
grow up to 5 m,
have long, strong, though relatively thin stems, (threadlike plants)
they have thin and long fan leaves,
most of the inflorescences grow at the top of the plant (the buds are light, long and thin),
they can be grown very close to each other.
Cannabis/marijuana:
grow to a height of 1.5 m,
have wide and thick fan leaves,
they are stocky and bushy,
inflorescences are covered with a thicker layer of resin and their structure is more compact than that of fibrous hemp (buds are compact and firm),
they must be cultivated at appropriate intervals.
Artykuł Cannabis sativa vs. indica – differences pochodzi z serwisu Alba Hemp.