In the cannabis industry, people use many types of terminologies, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinoids. You might have read about these terms somewhere, but not know what they exactly mean. Today, we are going elucidate the matter.
Moreover, we will be looking at some of the incredible ways the cannabis industry can benefit humankind. Some of these facts are unknown to the public.
Today’s article is majorly going to focus on hemp biomass. However, we need to understand hemp before going deeper into the subject.
Hemp – What Is It?
Once you understand what hemp is, you will be able to get your head around the concept of hemp biomass.
Hemp, also called industrial hemp, is a type of ‘Cannabis Sativa’, which belongs to the cannabis family. Sativa plants are known for having high concentrations of CBD, which does not result in mind-altering effects, but can offer many incredible benefits.
Hemp is also a part of the same species as marijuana, but they are different genetically because of the chemical makeup. The cultivation methods, as well as uses of hemp, is substantially different from marijuana.
Both the plants also look quite different from one another. Hemp plants are tall and skinny with narrow leaves that are mostly concentrated on the plant’s top portion. Below the top portion, only a few branches will be visible. These plants do not require extensive care and can adapt quickly to different climates, making them pretty versatile.
Hemp plants have to be grown in large plots, where they have to be grown at least four inches apart from one another. The plants are known to reach maturity somewhere around 108-120 days.
Hemp and Marijuana – The Difference
What makes hemp different from marijuana is the fact that it contains a negligible amount of THC, which is lesser than 1%. THC is the psychoactive component found in cannabis plants, which is present in hemp in tiny quantities. On the other hand, marijuana contains THC in abundance, ranging between 15% and 40%.
Because of the lack of THC in hemp, its cultivation is legal entire in most countries. The same thing cannot be said for marijuana, which is only legal in some countries. In Asia, cultivation and sale of marijuana are entirely illegal. However, it is legal for recreational and medical purposed in Canada and Uruguay. In the United States of America, several states have made marijuana legal because it has to offer medical benefits. However, it may not be legal for recreational purposes. Nine states in the US have made recreational marijuana legal. There is also a legal ambiguity existing with regards to the use of marijuana because of the presence of THC, which is considered to be a mind-altering element.
Hemp and Cannabidiol (CBD)
As hemp is a part of the cannabis family, it contains cannabidiol in abundance. Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a useful component that offers plenty of health benefits. Because of this compound, hemp can provide relaxation and many other health benefits that are similar to marijuana without altering the mind.
Because of this reason, you will find many CBD products in the market that are free of THC and claims to offer many health benefits. If you are looking for hemp-products online, WeedCenter is one of the well-known websites that sell a variety of products. Take a look today!
Benefits of Hemp
Let’s look at some of the benefits that hemp has to offer in terms of nutrition.
- Vitamins and mineral
- Fibre
- Unsaturated fats (polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids)
- Protein (including all the nine essential amino acids)
It is evident that health is extremely beneficial to the body. Apart from that, it is also great for industrial purposes as it is used as a raw material for many other items, including food products, oils, building materials, clothing, paper, and biofuel.
Hemp Biomass – What Is It?
Biomass is a type of organic material that is derived from animals and plants, which is also a renewable energy source. And yes, hemp has the potential to be a natural material.
As hemp is a plant, it has stored energy that has been taken from the sun. Every plant has to undergo the process of photosynthesis that absorbs the energy of the sun for using it as a resource. Therefore, hemp biomass has a decent amount of stored energy. When the biomass is burned, the chemical energy present in it releases in the form of heat.
Growing hemp is considered to be a sustainable fuel alternative, particularly for small farmers. It is not only good for the environment but also a renewable source of energy.
Hemp is also known to grow pretty fast, reaching maturity in four months only. Therefore, hemp will offer a large yield in a significantly short period of time.
Hemp Biomass as a Fuel
Hemp biomass could be burned as a fuel. Otherwise, it could be converted into biogas or liquid biofuels for using it as another form of fuel.
One of the common types of biomass fuel would be wood. Wood gets burned in heavy industry for producing heat and also generating electricity.
Closing Thoughts
As you can see, hemp biomass is a real thing and can be used for a variety of purposes. It is because hemp is so rich in health benefits and versatile in nature. Therefore, we should encourage everybody around us to use hemp for its many benefits, including hemp biomass which is a renewable and sustainable form of energy.