{"id":1629,"date":"2019-01-02T21:04:47","date_gmt":"2019-01-02T21:04:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.medicalmarijuanainc.com\/?p=29729"},"modified":"2019-01-02T21:04:47","modified_gmt":"2019-01-02T21:04:47","slug":"hemp-vs-weed-plant-different-chemical-structure-uses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medicalmarijuanainc.com\/2019\/01\/02\/hemp-vs-weed-plant-different-chemical-structure-uses\/","title":{"rendered":"Hemp vs Weed: Same Plant, Different Chemical Structure and Uses"},"content":{"rendered":"

Learn the genetic, practical, and legal differences between the two types of cannabis plants.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

If you find that you\u2019re confused about the differences between hemp and marijuana (\u201cweed\u201d), you\u2019re not alone. The two plants do share some physical similarities, and historically they\u2019ve been incorrectly lumped together as one-in-the-same.
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While at first it can seem a little daunting to understand what distinguishes hemp from weed, once you dig a little deeper, you\u2019ll find the two plants are contrastingly different in both purpose and chemical makeup.<\/span><\/p>\n

To better compare the two plants, it helps to first know that both <\/span>hemp<\/span><\/a> and weed are members of the Cannabis plant species. When the term \u201ccannabis\u201d is used, it can refer to either hemp or marijuana \u2013 two plants that have been cultivated throughout recorded history for natural health and industrial purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n

With that said, hemp is not weed and weed is not hemp. Here\u2019s a look at how the two plants differ:<\/span><\/p>\n

Dissimilar Physical Characteristics<\/b><\/h2>\n

While weed and hemp share some physical characteristic similarities, the two have several striking differences.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hemp grows hardy and tall, up to<\/span> 16 feet in height<\/span><\/a>. The plant\u2019s stem, which ranges in diameter from \u00bc\u201d to \u00be\u201d, features little to no branches. Its leaves, which have a distinct diagnostic venation pattern with multi-divided leaflets, are typically more concentrated toward the top of the plant and are skinnier compared to those of marijuana.<\/span><\/p>\n

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While weed can reach taller heights when grown outside, growers often autoflower the plant once it\u2019s between 7 and 20 inches (meaning that the plant will switch from a vegetative state to a flowering one without needing light). The marijuana plant is short and bushy, allowing it to produce lots of branches and flowers. Marijuana leaves feature a similar diagnostic venation pattern, but its leaflets are in general wider than hemp\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Varying Growing Conditions and Practices<\/b><\/h2>\n

In general, weed and hemp also vary in how they\u2019re cultivated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hemp is a fast-growing plant, allowing farmers to harvest multiple crops in a season. Hemp is typically grown outside because it thrives under natural conditions. Because hemp is naturally resistant to most pests, the plants can grow heartily without the need for pesticides. Both male and female hemp plants are commonly planted close together to encourage seed production through wind pollination.<\/span><\/p>\n

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A marijuana plant at an outdoor cannabis farm field<\/p><\/div>\n

Marijuana grows more slowly, typically taking a full 3-5 months to grow before being ready for harvest. While weed growers have<\/span> historically used pesticides<\/span><\/a> to protect the plants from pests, many have tried to incorporate more natural solutions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Because weed needs to be closely monitored, it is typically grown indoors and under stable lighting, temperature, and humidity conditions. Male plants are removed to prevent the female plants from becoming fertilized, which lowers the plant\u2019s concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Different Practical Uses<\/b><\/h2>\n

In general, weed is a horticultural crop grown for its THC content, while hemp is an agricultural one grown for seed, fiber, and oil. In fact, hemp is an extremely versatile plant that can be used to produce thousands of products, including: <\/span><\/p>\n