Can Hemp Plants Pollinate Female Pot?

Hemp and marijuana are both members of the Cannabis Sativa family. However, they have quite different characteristics – hemp plants contain only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, while marijuana plants are bred to produce high levels of THC. But can hemp plants pollinate female pot?

The Short Answer

Yes, hemp plants can pollinate female marijuana plants.

Both hemp and marijuana plants are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants. If a male hemp plant is growing in close proximity to a female marijuana plant, it can release pollen that can travel through the air and fertilize the female plant.

Potential Problems

While it is possible for hemp plants to pollinate female marijuana plants, it can cause some problems for those who are growing marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes. When a female marijuana plant is pollinated by a male hemp plant, it will divert some of its energy towards producing seeds instead of producing the desired buds. This can result in smaller yields and lower potency.

Additionally, if a female marijuana plant is allowed to produce seeds, it can make it more difficult to control the growth and quality of a crop. This is because the resulting seeds can contain genetics from both the male hemp plant and the female marijuana plant, resulting in unpredictable offspring.

Preventing Pollination

To prevent hemp plants from pollinating female marijuana plants, it is important to keep the two types of plants separated. If you are growing marijuana outdoors, you should ensure that you are not planting your crop near any fields growing hemp. Similarly, if you are growing marijuana indoors, you should be careful not to introduce any hemp plants or pollen into your grow room.

If you do find that one of your female marijuana plants has been pollinated by a male hemp plant, it is important to remove any seeds as soon as possible. This can help to ensure that the plant will continue to prioritize bud production instead of seed production.

The Bottom Line

While hemp plants can pollinate female marijuana plants, it is generally best to keep the two types of plants separated to ensure the quality and potency of your marijuana crop. If you are growing marijuana, it is important to be vigilant and take steps to prevent cross-contamination from hemp plants.

By doing so, you can help to ensure that your marijuana yields are high-quality and consistent, and that you can enjoy the benefits of this remarkable plant without any unwanted surprises.