Do Hemp and Pot Plants Look the Same?

When it comes to hemp and pot plants, it is easy to confuse them as they both belong to the same family of Cannabis. Often, people tend to assume that both are the same, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. While they may look similar, there are some significant differences between the two plants.

Hemp

Hemp is a type of cannabis plant with a high concentration of CBD and low THC level. Unlike marijuana, which is primarily grown for its psychoactive effects, hemp is grown for industrial use. Hemp is used for making various products like clothing, paper, fuel, and food. It grows tall and skinny, with long leaves that have a spikey appearance. The plant can reach up to 20ft in height and has skinny leaves that are concentrated at the top.

Pot

Pot, or marijuana, is cultivated for its high THC content, which gives it its psychoactive properties. The plant is characterized by a dense cluster of bright green flowers at the top of the plant. Marijuana plants generally have a shorter and broader shape compared to hemp plants. The leaves of a marijuana plant are wider and denser, making it easy to differentiate from hemp.

Similarities

While there are some apparent differences between hemp and marijuana, there are also a few similarities that make it difficult to tell them apart. For instance, both plants have similar smells and physical appearances, which can lead to a lot of confusion. Also, the plants are known for their therapeutic properties, thanks to the high content of CBD in hemp plants and THC in marijuana.

The Legality of Hemp and Pot

One of the most significant differences between hemp and marijuana is the legality of the plants. Hemp is legal across the United States thanks to the 2018 Farm bill that legalized the production and sale of hemp-derived products. Pot, on the other hand, is still illegal on a federal level under the Controlled Substances Act.

Conclusion

When it comes to distinguishing between hemp and pot, it all boils down to the THC and CBD content. The plant with a high content of THC, which is marijuana, will have a dense cluster of flowers and wider, denser leaves. The plant with a high CBD content, which is hemp, will have skinny leaves concentrated at the top. It is crucial to understand these differences, especially when it comes to legality, as it can help to avoid any legal issues.