Hemp
Hemp is a variety of *Cannabis sativa* cultivated primarily for its fibre, seeds, and oil rather than for intoxicating uses.
Hemp is a variety of *Cannabis sativa* cultivated primarily for its fibre, seeds, and oil rather than for intoxicating uses. It is an annual, fast-growing crop used in food, textiles, paper, building materials, and other industrial products. Hemp is commonly distinguished from drug-type cannabis by its very low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.
Botanical characteristics
Hemp is an annual herbaceous plant in the family Cannabaceae, usually described as a tall, fast-growing crop with a taproot. It may be dioecious, with separate male and female plants, or monoecious, with both sexes on one plant.
Uses
Hemp is grown for bast fibre, grain, oil, and cannabinoids extracted from flowers. Its fibre is used in textiles, rope, paper, and construction materials, while its seeds are used for food and oil.
Distinction from marijuana
Hemp and marijuana are both forms of *Cannabis sativa*, but hemp is cultivated to have very low THC levels. In many legal systems, hemp is defined by a THC threshold of 0.3% or less by dry weight.
Cultivation and growth
Hemp is an annual crop that usually completes its life cycle in one growing season, often within about 60 to 120 days depending on variety and conditions. It is a versatile agricultural crop that can be grown for different end uses.
Key facts
- Hemp is widely cultivated for bast fibre and edible seeds and oil.
- It is generally treated as a low-THC form of *Cannabis sativa*.
- Industrial hemp can be grown as a fibre, grain, or dual-purpose crop.
- Hemp is an annual plant that typically matures in about one growing season.
- Hemp has long been used in textiles and other manufactured goods.
Hemp is relevant in Canada as an agricultural and industrial crop, and Canadian sources describe it as a regulated form of *Cannabis sativa* with low THC content. It is used by Canadian growers and processors for fibre, seed, oil, and other products.
Frequently asked questions
What is hemp?
Is hemp the same as marijuana?
What parts of the hemp plant are used?
How long does hemp take to grow?
What family does hemp belong to?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/hempSupports: Hemp is *Cannabis sativa*, cultivated for bast fibre, edible seeds and oil, and distinguished from marijuana by low THC content.
- USDA — https://www.ers.usda.gov/media/11742/plant-characteristics-and-growing-requirements.pdf?v=82574Supports: Industrial hemp is true hemp, a bast fibre crop, and can be grown for fibre, seed, or dual-purpose use.
- University of Missouri Extension — https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/mx80Supports: Industrial hemp is an annual herbaceous plant in Cannabaceae, usually defined as containing less than 0.3% THC and grown for fibre, grain, and cannabinoids.
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency — https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-varieties/plants-novel-traits/applicants/directive-94-08/biology-documents/cannabis-sativaSupports: *Cannabis sativa* is an herbaceous dioecious annual species; monoecious plants can occur or be bred.
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension — https://cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/hemp/Supports: Hemp is used for stalk, seed, and flower products and is legally defined in the U.S. by THC content.