How Can You Tell Hemp Plant from Pot Plant?

Hemp and pot plants are two different varieties of the cannabis plant. They may look similar, but they have different characteristics and uses. Knowing how to tell them apart is crucial, especially if you want to use them for different purposes.

1. Appearance

The first and most obvious way to differentiate between a hemp plant and a pot plant is by their appearance. Hemp plants have a taller and skinnier stalk, with fewer branches and leaves compared to pot plants. They grow up to 20 feet tall and have a very dense root system.

On the other hand, pot plants are shorter and bushier, with more leaves and branches compared to hemp plants. They grow up to 5 feet tall and have less dense roots. Pot plants also have a thicker stem compared to the hemp plant.

2. THC Content

THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. Hemp plants have a very low THC content, usually less than 0.3 percent. This makes them unsuitable for recreational or medicinal use as they do not produce the "high" effect associated with cannabis.

Pot plants, on the other hand, have a higher THC content, usually between 5 to 30 percent, depending on the strain. Pot plants are grown for their psychoactive properties and are used for recreational or medicinal purposes.

3. Fiber Content

Hemp plants are grown for their fiber content, which is used to make a wide range of products such as textiles, paper, and ropes. Hemp fibers are stronger and have a higher tensile strength compared to other natural fibers.

Pot plants, on the other hand, are not grown for their fiber content. They are grown for their high THC content, which is used for recreational or medicinal purposes.

4. Legal Status

The legal status of hemp and pot plants also differs. Hemp plants are legal to grow in most countries, including the US, as long as the THC content is less than 0.3 percent. Hemp is also used for industrial purposes such as biofuels and building materials, which makes it commercially viable.

Pot plants are still illegal under federal law in most countries, including the US, except in states that have legalized their use for medicinal or recreational purposes. The high THC content of pot plants makes them a controlled substance, and growing them without a license can lead to legal consequences.

Conclusion

Knowing how to differentiate between a hemp plant and a pot plant is crucial, especially if you are planning to use them for different purposes. While they may look similar, they have different characteristics and uses, and understanding these differences can help you make better decisions when choosing between the two.