The marijuana plant is often confused with hemp one. In fact, it can be said that hemp plants share the same roots with marijuana, although there are some differences.
Hemp and marijuana, in fact, are two different genetic species of the same mother plant, Cannabis sativa L. , belonging to the Cannabaceae botanical family.
As we will see in this article, the distinction that is made between these two plants is purely lexical and, above all, it depends on the different use that is made of each plant. If the marijuana plant is associated with a purely recreational-healing purpose, hemp plants are mainly used industrially.
Until the last century, Italy was one of the primary countries in the world in the production of hemp. Hemp plants in Italy were grown exclusively in the open field, following the seasonal cycle. The large production allowed a vast export and a wide use in the textile sector.
However, the prohibitionist policies and the ruthless war on marijuana implemented by the United States in the 1930s completely destroyed the entire productive and commercial sector in Italy as well.
After several years of mystification and persecution, with the law n. 242/14, our country has witnessed a U-turn, with a rebirth and rediscovery of the uses and potential of hemp plants, which today can be grown without risking illegal conduct.
In this guide, we will first clarify the difference between marijuana and hemp plants, and then focus on the existing varieties and how it is possible to grow them legally.
After long years of mystification and persecution, thanks to the law 242/14, our country is witnessing a U-turn, with a rebirth and rediscovery of the cultivation of hemp plants, which today it is possible to cultivate following the rules imposed by our government, without risking illegal conduct.
Marijuana and cannabis plants what are the differences
The hemp plant is a variety of Cannabis sativa that has been cultivated for centuries and used for a multitude of purposes, from fabrics to cosmetics, from paper to building materials.
Although it is also a species of Cannabis Sativa, it has elements that differentiate it from other cannabis plants, especially in relation to:
- Amount of THC;
- I wait.
The main difference between marijuana and hemp plants is precisely the negligible amount of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) that the latter contains, less than 0.2%, which is the threshold that classifies this plant as a legal industrial compound.
The confusion between cannabis and hemp derives above all from the fact that the term "cannabis" is used indiscriminately for any plant or plant product that falls within the genus Cannabis.
Thus, just as hemp is a type of cannabis, so is the marijuana plant, although this term is used interchangeably with cannabis, mainly to describe the different types of marijuana and their psychoactive effects.
To clear up the confusion, the term "recreational cannabis" (relating to the psychoactive effect of a variety of marijuana) is often used to distinguish it from that of cannabis or legal hemp.
In terms of appearance, the marijuana plant is bushy, with dense and resinous buds and wider leaves, while the hemp plants are short and characterized by fibrous stems, long and thin leaves, and small and less compact buds.
Hemp plant variety with EU certificate: how to choose the plants legal to grow
Therefore, the law allows the cultivation and sale of hemp, provided that the THC limit of 0.2% is respected, with a tolerability value of up to 0.6%.
But another indispensable requirement is that the cultivated plants come from certified seeds and contained in the list of industrial hemp varieties permitted by the European Community.
In the list there are about 68 species that are divided into two groups, monoecious and dioecious. The dioecious varieties produce both male and female plants and are expressly indicated to produce fiber, biomass, shives and inflorescences.
The monoecious ones , on the other hand, produce inflorescences of both sexes but on the same plant. This type of seed is used for the production of other seeds, from which to obtain flour or hemp oil.
Here are some of the best-known certified varieties:
- Eletta Campana : much sought after and almost impossible to find, it produces large plants, with many ramifications and very compact and perfumed flowers. Often used for CBD extractions;
- Carmagnola : historic autochthonous Piedmontese variety, famous for its use in the production of fibers, ropes and shives. It has considerable dimensions and high levels of CBD which make it suitable for both industrial use and for the production of inflorescences;
- Tisza : Hungarian variety with typical indica structure, large and compact buds, and good CBD levels. Excellent producer of seeds if pollinated, but also of very high quality inflorescences;
- kc virtus : another Hungarian variety with an impressive structure with an excellent spectrum of terpenes and moderate levels of CBD per extraction. It ensures a good production of both flowers and seeds;
- Finola : variety with fast growth phases as an autoflowering marijuana plant with very small dimensions. Finola is easy to harvest and clean and it is possible to make 2 harvests in one season. Fair levels of cbd, excellent perfumes and aromas.
From these certified varieties it is possible to obtain legal cannabis inflorescences , which can then be sold to enthusiasts or collectors. All certified varieties have an EU certification tag.
Tips to grow a legal cannabis plant
In order to create and grow a healthy and resistant marijuana plant or cutting, intended for field production or for ornamental use, it is necessary - right from the first stages of germination - of healthy conditions suitable for the first vital phase of the plant.
Before starting a cultivation, it is necessary to know how long a marijuana plant lives , or what are the stages of growth it goes through, in order to give it the care it deserves.
It's not difficult to learn how to grow a marijuana plant . However, you need to be prepared because each stage of growth requires different attention, as the needs of the plant in terms of light, nutrients and water are different for each stage.
For example, in the first and most delicate phase, that of the germination of hemp plants , mini greenhouses or grow rooms heated with heat pumps and artificially lit are needed first of all, but
