Myths and Truth About Cannabis
None of the plants has been as mysterious as hemp. For many years, global policy on this plant has been based not on facts, but emotions. There has never been such a heated debate as to the one on the distinction between marijuana and industrial hemp. This article is intended for farmers, politicians, manufacturers, and individuals, the purpose of which is to dispel some common myths about industrial cannabis.
Key Differences Between Marijuana and Industrial Hemp
Cannabis is the only plant that contains a unique content of molecular components called cannabinoids. Most cannabinoids have been identified, but there are two that stand out: THC, which is psychoactive, and CBD, which is an antipsychotic ingredient. Marijuana contains a large number of psychoactive cannabinoids (THC), and a small amount of CBD. The THC molecule can exist in different forms, depending on where the double carbon bond is located, so it also causes disputes about the danger of the delta-8 or delta-10 THC variety. As of today, one can buy delta 10 THC easily because the law doesn’t prohibit it. On the contrary, industrial hemp is low in THC and high in CBD, making it completely legal.
In the United States, the debate about the link between industrial hemp and marijuana has been postponed due to the lack of scientific arguments. This article dispels some of the most common myths.
Common Myths about Cannabis
Myth 1: The United States has always treated cannabis and marijuana as the same thing. The history of federal laws on this plant clearly shows that the US authorities identified and accepted the distinction between hemp and marijuana.
Myth 2: Smoking industrial hemp leads to drug intoxication. The levels of THC in industrial cannabis are so low that no one can get high from smoking it. In addition, hemp has a rather high percentage of CBD, which actually blocks the harmful effects of marijuana. Hemp is not the same as marijuana, it could be even called “anti-marijuana.”
Myth 3: Even though the THC content is very low in hemp, it can be extracted and concentrated to the point of a powerful drug. Extracting THC from industrial hemp and then purifying it of excess CBD is such a costly, time-consuming, and useless process that it is extremely unlikely that a sane person would do this instead of simply getting high-THC marijuana from nature.
Myth 4: Hemp fields would be used to hide marijuana plants. The methods of growing hemp and marijuana are different. In addition, they are collected at different times. Finally, cross-pollination between cannabis and marijuana would greatly reduce the effects of marijuana.
Myth 5: Hemp oil is a source of THC. Washed seeds do not contain any THC at all. The tiny amount of THC found in industrial hemp is found directly in the plant glands. Sometimes, during the oil production process, a resin containing CBD and THC is attached to the seeds, which can lead to the detection of traces of THC in the finished oil. The concentration of these cannabinoids in the oil is negligible.
