When it comes to the hemp plant, like any other plant, there is a range of species.
Hemp is made of varieties of cannabis Sativa which has less than 0.3% of the THC. Comparatively marijuana contacts around 30 to 40% THC, hence the feeling of being ‘high’.
While there are plenty of names and terms used, it can be confusing to understand the hemp species.
Types of hemp plants
A quick research and you will find the varieties of hemp including cannabis Sativa L, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis.
Each of the species varies slightly and have characteristics that make them suitable for CBD, hemp or flowers.
First, the cannabis Sativa L is the hemp we all know and love that is used for hemp. This variety contains less than 0.3% of THC. That said, it is super useful for a wide variety of uses including in clothing, fibers, grain, and foods. This variety will not cause the consumer to get ‘high’ and is used for plenty of industrial uses.
In the case of cannabis indica, this plant is used to create the CBD oil used to treat inflammation and pain. This clever variety of hemp is amazing in that is can be used to create drugs and medicine that is naturally beneficial to the consumer. The plant is slightly different from the Sativa L variety and has a higher THC level and a lower cannabidiol content.
Finally, cannabis ruderalis is used for its flowers. This plant is not as popular as the other two varieties however is someone to keep in mind when you are comparing all the species.
Why are hemp plants unique?
Hemp is unique thanks to its ability to grow deep into soil and hemp regenerate soil that has been contaminated.
The hemp plant will grow just about anywhere and is good in warm climates and also dry areas as well.
Hemp can survive in adverse conditions and doesn’t require the sort of attention that marijuana plants need.
You can tell the difference between the hemp plant varieties and even marijuana due to the leaves and this is something that differentiates the plants.
As well as this, the hemp plant varieties will be slightly different in the height of the plant, thanks to the time of the year grown, and the sunlight available.
Industrial hemp species – cannabis Sativa L
The plant is indigenous to the area of eastern Asia however it is grown all over the world these days.
The hemp variety is popular for thousands of items including seed, food, oil, animal bedding, hempcrete, and much more.
With plenty of benefits including a powerful and efficient insulation, hemp from the cannabis Sativa L plant is a popular choice as an ethical and sustainable hemp variety.
Cultivated to be used for industrial purposes, the plant has been used for hundreds of years and continues to grow in popularity thanks to its strength and durability.
The plant produces lots of seeds which can be used to create oil for food and use in drinks and beauty products. The hemp seeds from this variety of plant are well known to help with dry skin and eczema.
CBD oil – Cannabis indica
This variety of hemp is a powerful ingredient used in CBD oil. This wonderfully natural product is a popular choice for chronic pain sufferers and is fast becoming a medicine of choice for individuals with arthritis and discomfort.
The plant creates an effective solution for pain support thanks to its natural properties. Growing slightly different from the Sativa variety, indica has higher levels of THC which can help with pain, anxiety and much more.
Hemp flowers – cannabis ruderalis
This final variety in the hemp world is all about the flowers.
The plant is different from the other hemp varieties and grows around 2 feet high.
Looking more like a weed than a plant, the variety is used to create auto-flowering cannabis strains.
This auto-flowering means that the plant can be used for multiple harvests in the same growing season.
Cannabis ruderalis is often blended with other varieties of cannabis to create a plant that is power powerful for medicinal uses based on the requirement.
At the end of the day, there is a wide range of plants and varieties in the world of hemp – some say up to 170 species. The plants can be either male or female and they are widely used for a variety of purposes.
Hemp is a durable and sustainable plant, no matter the variety
On the whole, hemp can grow up to 5 meters tall and the seeds are used for a broad application of uses, making it a particularly useful plant that packs a punch. Whether you want to use the hemp plant for your health or you are looking to source clothing or materials that are durable and strong, hemp is the answer.
Whether you like to embrace a plant or a lifestyle that is ethical, or you are passionate about the benefits of hemp for medicinal purposes, there is a variety to suit your needs.
Cannabis sativa can grow the tallest in the varieties and is well known for use in fiber, oil, and seeds.
The indica variety of cannabis is slightly shorter and is well knows for its use in CBD oil thanks to its powerful components and natural makeup.
The Cannabis ruderalis, on the other hand, is often wild and not cultivated, which allows for a bushy and short variety that you will be able to differentiate from the rest.
As well as the three main varieties well know above there is also a variety named cannabis afghanica that is used for hashish and this is slightly different in variety as well. This plant is under 1.5 meters tall and has different branches and leaf characteristics.
No matter what variety of hemp you need and its use, this ethical, sustainable and environmentally friendly plant is taking the world by storm.
Naturally sourced and packed with plenty of benefits, the hemp plant is globally renowned for its amazing set of uses and natural applications. Individuals have been using hemp for hundreds of years and it makes sense why this plant is popular and well-known across the globe.