Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant that is grown for industrial purpose. The emphasis here is placed on industrial. Unlike marijuana, a cannabis plant used for recreational and medical purposes, hemp has many—you got it—industrial uses, including paper, textiles, plastics, construction, food, and fuel.
Hemp also contains low levels of THC, the infamous psychoactive compound. Instead, hemp is bred to have high levels of CBD, a legal and non-intoxicating compound. Many people take hemp-derived CBD oil as a daily supplement to support a balanced endocannabinoid system and to target specific concerns without a high.
To better understand the versatility of the hemp plant, let’s dive into the basics of hemp: how it’s grown, where it comes from, and how it’s used.