Hops and cannabis share a connection deeper than many realize. While they serve different purposes today, their relationship stems from a common evolutionary past. Their shared botanical lineage and the presence of similar aromatic compounds hint at an underlying kinship, even as their primary active constituents lead to vastly different effects on the human body.
Botanical Kinship
Hops (Humulus lupulus) and cannabis (Cannabis sativa) are direct botanical relatives, both belonging to the same plant family, Cannabaceae. This family encompasses several genera, including Humulus and Cannabis. Their shared family classification indicates a common evolutionary ancestor that existed approximately 25 million years ago.
Plants within the Cannabaceae family share certain general characteristics, such as being herbaceous or woody, and often having small, petal-less flowers that are wind-pollinated. Many species in this family are also dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants. Despite their divergence over millions of years, these shared fundamental traits underscore their close genetic relationship.
Shared Aromatic Compounds
Both hops and cannabis produce a class of chemical compounds called terpenes, which are responsible for their distinct aromas and flavors. Terpenes are volatile organic compounds that contribute significantly to the sensory profiles of both plants.
Several terpenes are commonly found in both hops and cannabis, illustrating another layer of their connection. For instance, myrcene, humulene, and beta-caryophyllene are present in both species. While these shared terpenes create similar aromatic profiles, their presence alone does not mean the plants will have similar effects on the body.
Primary Active Compounds and Their Distinct Effects
Cannabis is notable for its cannabinoids, primarily tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and is being researched for potential benefits such as reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
Hops, conversely, contain bitter acids like humulones (alpha acids) and lupulones (beta acids), along with essential oils and flavonoids. These compounds are primarily known for contributing bitterness and aroma to beer, and they also possess mild sedative properties. The sedative effect of hops is mainly attributed to its bitter acids, which help to induce relaxation and can aid sleep, which is a distinctly different mechanism and outcome compared to the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Key Distinctions and Common Misconceptions
The relationship between hops and cannabis is nuanced; while they share a family tree and some aromatic components, their primary active compounds and their effects on the human body are fundamentally different. Hops, with their bitter acids and essential oils, are recognized for their role in brewing and for their mild sedative qualities. These sedative effects are not psychoactive and do not lead to a “high.”
A common misconception is that hops can produce psychoactive effects similar to cannabis due to their botanical relationship. However, hops lack the enzymes necessary to produce cannabinoids like THC or CBD. Conversely, while some cannabis strains might induce relaxation, it is through the action of cannabinoids, not the same sedative compounds found in hops. The shared lineage highlights a common ancestry, but the evolutionary paths of Humulus and Cannabis led to the development of unique chemical profiles, resulting in distinct properties and uses for each plant.