The term “kemp plant” is a common misspelling of “hemp plant.” Hemp is a remarkably versatile and historically significant crop, cultivated for thousands of years across various civilizations for its wide array of industrial and nutritional applications.
What is the Hemp Plant?
The hemp plant is botanically identified as a variety of Cannabis sativa L., cultivated for industrial purposes. It is characterized by very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound. The plant grows up to 16 feet (5 meters) tall.
Its stalks contain two types of fibers: strong outer bast fibers and inner woody hurd fibers. Hemp originated in Central Asia and has been cultivated for fiber since at least 2800 BCE. It undergoes a rapid growth cycle, maturing within 3 to 4 months.
Common Uses of Hemp
Hemp offers a wide range of applications across various industries due to its robust fibers, nutritious seeds, and unique chemical compounds. Its industrial uses include the production of textiles, paper, and rope from its strong bast fibers. The woody inner hurd fibers are utilized in construction materials like “hempcrete” and as insulation. Hemp fibers also reinforce structures and are used in bioplastics.
Hemp seeds are rich in omega fatty acids and protein. These seeds can be consumed directly, pressed for oil, or processed into protein powders. Beyond its fiber and nutritional benefits, hemp is a source for cannabinoid extraction, particularly cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is recognized for its non-psychoactive properties and is extracted primarily from the plant’s flowers and leaves.
Hemp and Marijuana: Understanding the Differences
Hemp and marijuana are both varieties of the same plant species, Cannabis sativa. The primary distinction between them lies in their tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, which is the compound responsible for psychoactive effects. Hemp is legally defined as Cannabis sativa plants containing no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. This low THC level means that hemp-derived products do not produce the “high” associated with marijuana.
In contrast, marijuana varieties of Cannabis contain significantly higher levels of THC, ranging from 2% to over 20%. While hemp is cultivated primarily for its fiber, seeds, and non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD, marijuana is grown for its psychoactive cannabinoid content. Despite their shared botanical origin, their cultivation purposes and chemical compositions lead to distinct practical and legal classifications.
Legal Status of Hemp
In the United States, the legal landscape surrounding hemp underwent a significant transformation with the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill. This legislation removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act. This change effectively legalized the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp at the federal level, distinguishing it from marijuana.
Before the 2018 Farm Bill, all cannabis, including hemp, was treated as an illegal Schedule I substance under federal law. While federally legal now, the cultivation, processing, and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products remain subject to state and tribal regulations. These state-specific rules must adhere to the federal THC limits.