What Does Hemp Plant vs Pot Look Like?

If you're looking for a way to tell the difference between a hemp plant and a pot plant, there are a few key things to look out for. While both plants belong to the same species, Cannabis sativa, there are some significant differences in their appearance.

Hemp Plant Appearance

When you think of a hemp plant, you might picture a tall, spindly plant with thin leaves. And that's not too far from the truth! Hemp plants typically grow to be between 6 and 15 feet tall, with long, slender stalks that can be as thick as a pencil. The leaves are long and thin, with jagged edges, and they grow in a spiral pattern up the stem.

Hemp plants are also known for their ability to grow quickly - they can reach full maturity in as little as 100 days. This makes them a popular choice for farmers looking to grow a crop that can be harvested multiple times per year.

Pot Plant Appearance

Pot plants, on the other hand, look quite different from hemp plants. They tend to be shorter and bushier, with broader leaves that are more tightly packed together. While hemp plants might have a few branches here and there, pot plants are known for their abundance of thick, sticky buds.

One of the most recognizable things about pot plants is the abundance of resin that they produce. This resin, which contains THC and other cannabinoids, gives pot plants their characteristic aroma and also makes them sticky to the touch.

Other Differences

While the appearance of the plants is one of the most obvious differences between hemp and pot, there are other factors to consider as well. For one thing, the chemical makeup of the plants is different. Hemp plants are bred to have low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound that gives pot its mind-altering effects. Pot plants, on the other hand, are bred specifically for their high THC content.

Another difference is in how the plants are grown. Hemp plants are often grown in large fields, with thousands of plants growing together. Pot plants, on the other hand, are often grown in smaller batches, with more individual attention given to each plant. This is because pot plants require more specific growing conditions to produce the potent buds that are prized by users.

Final Thoughts

Overall, while hemp and pot plants might look similar at first glance, there are some key differences that make them easy to tell apart. Whether you're interested in growing your own plants or just curious about the world of cannabis, understanding these differences can be helpful in navigating this complex and varied plant species.