Are Hops and Marijuana Related? A Scientific Comparison

Many people wonder if hops, a key ingredient in beer, and marijuana are related. While these two plants share a surprising biological connection, their functional effects on the human body are distinctly different. This relationship is rooted in their shared botanical ancestry, which accounts for common characteristics in their plant structure and aromatic compounds.

Botanical Family Ties

Hops (Humulus lupulus) and marijuana (Cannabis sativa) both belong to the same plant family, Cannabaceae. Their botanical classification indicates a common evolutionary lineage, diverging from a shared ancestor approximately 25 to 27 million years ago. The Cannabaceae family includes other genera, such as Celtis (hackberries). Members of this family often exhibit structural similarities, such as palmately lobed or divided leaves, and many are dioecious, producing separate male and female plants.

Common Aromatic Compounds

Beyond their shared family tree, hops and marijuana also produce similar aromatic compounds called terpenes. These volatile organic compounds are responsible for the distinct scents and flavors found in many plants. Terpenes like myrcene and humulene are prevalent in both hops and cannabis.

Myrcene contributes an earthy, musky aroma with hints of spice and fruit, influencing the fragrance of many cannabis varieties and certain beers. Humulene is another terpene found in both species. It imparts woody, spicy, and earthy notes, which are particularly noticeable in the bitter taste of hoppy beers.

While both plants share these terpenes, their concentrations and overall terpene profiles can vary, contributing to their unique sensory experiences.

Distinct Effects and Chemical Makeup

Despite these botanical and aromatic commonalities, hops and marijuana differ significantly in their primary active compounds and their effects on the human body. Marijuana contains a variety of cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which are responsible for its psychoactive and therapeutic properties. These cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, leading to effects like the “high” associated with marijuana.

In contrast, hops do not contain psychoactive cannabinoids like THC or CBD. While hops possess compounds that may induce mild sedative effects, they do not produce a psychoactive “high” similar to marijuana. Hops’ genetic makeup lacks the enzymes necessary to convert precursor compounds into cannabinoids like THC and CBD, fundamentally distinguishing their effects.