Hemp vs. Marijuana

The term "marijuana" typically refers to the flowers of the cannabis plant, which are grown for their high levels of THC and are harvested for either medical or recreational use. After being harvested, the flowers are usually dried and cured before being consumed, whether it is for the purpose of getting high or for the plant’s medicinal properties. The buds which are harvested off of the cannabis plant can contain up to 20-30% THC if they are grown to their full potential, and they can then be sold either at a dispensary or on the black market, depending on where you live. Hemp, on the other hand, is a different variety of the same cannabis plant. Also known as “industrial hemp,” this term refers to varieties of the cannabis plant which are harvested more for agricultural purposes, usually containing less than 1% THC. Once harvested, the industrial hemp crop can be used for a wide variety of purposes such as fabric, paper, and many others. However, even though industrial hemp lacks the chemical which gets you high, it is still illegal to grow in the United States, which means we have to import all of our hemp from other countries.

Renee Johnson wrote a report titled “Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity” which was published just last year in July of 2013. Johnson, who is a specialist in agricultural policy, published this report on behalf of the Congressional Research Service, an organization that works primarily for members of Congress. The following is an excerpt from her findings, "Hemp fibers are used in a wide range of products, including fabrics and textiles, yarns and spun fibers, paper, carpeting, home furnishings, construction and insulation materials, auto parts, and composites. Hurds are used in various applications such as animal bedding, material inputs, papermaking, and composites. Hemp seed and oilcake are used in a range of foods and beverages, and can be an alternative food protein source. Oil from the crushed hemp seed is used as an ingredient in a range of body-care products and nutritional supplements. Hemp seed is also used for industrial oils, cosmetics and personal care products, and pharmaceuticals, among other composites" (Johnson).

In conclusion, whether or not you believe that marijuana should be legalized, there is no denying that cannabis is on the rise in the world today, whether it is in the form of marijuana or industrial hemp. The fact that only one plant can be used for so many different products makes it extremely lucrative. If cannabis were legalized, it would not only bring the medical and recreational marijuana market into the U.S. economy. Legalizing cannabis would also open up our economy to the endless possibilities in the profitable world of industrial hemp. Washington and Colorado, the two states that legalized recreational marijuana this past year, have both seen significant economic growth and an increase in tourism as a direct result of the legal marijuana market. And with our country currently $17.5 trillion in debt, why not give it a try?

Johnson, Renee. "Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity." Federation of American Scientists. Congressional

                Research Service, 24 July 2013. Web. 8 Apr. 2014.

This was a report published by the Congressional Research Service on July 24, 2013 by Renee Johnson, who is a specialist in agricultural policy. This is a very detailed report which outlines the specifics of the industrial hemp crop. This report outlines the specific agricultural differences between marijuana and industrial hemp, even though they both come from the cannabis sativa plant. For example, if the two plants were to cross pollenate, the hemp would greatly decrease the THC content of the marijuana. Johnson goes into detail about how the different parts of the cannabis plant are used for different purposes in the hemp industry. She also discusses the wide variety of products that are made from industrial hemp, and provides statistics to show how profitable the hemp industry is in the world today.