WHAT IS THE HEMP?

“Hemp is the miracle plant of our time! Everyone should know how it will affect not only our lives but our pets.”

- Drishti Brahmania*

Hemp for pets is a fascinating topic, especially considering its incalculable benefits. But even though it has such an impressive array of advantages, pet owners are often oblivious to this amazing natural herb… and fair enough, it’s been illegal and misportrayed for so long! But this is no longer the case, so we want to help spread the word of how everything on this planet can benefit from hemp – not just humans.

Let’s start by answering the million-dollar question upfront. Is hemp marijuana? No! Hemp is not marijuana.

HEMP VS MARIJUANA

Hemp and marijuana are different varieties of the same plant species Cannabis Sativa L. It’s like how dogs and wolves are different breeds of Canis Lupis. They are related but differ in scientific make-up and how they are cultivated or bred. For example, hemp is made to grow upward like bamboo (10-15’ high) specifically for its stalks and seeds which are used for textiles, food, paper, body care products, plastics and building materials. That’s why it’s most often referred to as “industrial hemp”.

Marijuana, on the other hand, is grown out like a bush to cultivate the leaves and cannabis flowers used for medicinal and recreational purposes.

The unique molecular compounds contained in the two plants differentiate them. Both contain cannabinoids (used for medical purposes) and THC (a psychoactive ingredient used for recreational drugs). Marijuana is low in CBD and high in THC (5-10%) the compound used in drugs. Hemp, on the other hand, is high in CBD and low in THC (3-1.5%).

WHY IS HEMP GOOD FOR YOU AND YOUR PET?