Marijuana vs Hemp: History, Differences and Similarities

Cannabis is a herbaceous plant whose history dates back thousands of years. Some view it as a drug that causes intoxication. Some of them are fun toys for young people and artists to help them relax and get inspired. But at the same time, it is a wonderful herb that has helped many people save themselves from chronic diseases.

Around 4700 years ago, the world witnessed the first recorded use of cannabis by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung. This remarkable plant was utilized as a medicinal remedy for arthritis, malaria, and rheumatism. However, approximately 2500 years ago, the perception towards cannabis began to shift in China, leading to its prohibition.

Thailand has been using cannabis to treat illnesses since the time of Ayutthaya, during the reign of King Narai the Great. It is used as an important ingredient in 98 recipes of traditional Thai medicine. Most of them are used to treat insomnia, pain, bleeding, improve appetite, relieve redness, expel gas and tonic.

In 1961, marijuana was banned. It is no longer a herb or a fun toy for young people. Because after the UN announced the signing of a joint agreement to eradicate drugs from this world. Leaders of various countries, including US President Richard Nixon. So he declared war on drugs. By making marijuana a Class 1 addictive substance as powerful as heroin. along with an invitation to the world to join the war on drugs

Regarding the suppression of marijuana in Thailand, it began during the reign of Phraya Pakhon Phonphayuhasena. The country’s second Prime Minister at the time passed the Cannabis Act 1934, which strictly prohibited anyone from growing, importing, selling or consuming cannabis. Otherwise, they will be punished with both imprisonment and heavy fines. Until 1979, the Thai government issued a Narcotics Law, which is still in effect today. Marijuana is classified as a category five drug.

Once cannabis was prescribed, it became a hard drug. This has drawn criticism from doctors and scientists around the world. Because even though marijuana is intoxicating and has a risk of addiction. But they are very useful from a treatment point of view. In 1972, the Dutch government decided to reclassify the drugs. They chose marijuana as a non-serious drug. and can be used for relaxation in “coffee shops”

Cannabis treatment is gaining more and more attention in the Western world. Because medical teams across America were able to use marijuana to treat people suffering from cancer and AIDS, California was declared the first state in the US to legally use medical marijuana in 1996. plant. But there are still different rules.

In Thailand, on July 2, 2018, the Cabinet of Ministers approved in principle the draft of a new drug code, which includes a chapter allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes or research on humans. It is expected that this will actually happen on May 1, 2019, as part of the work of 4 working groups: the working group on the development of planting and improving species. Working group on development of extraction The working group will consider the possibility of using marijuana for medical purposes and the working group on creating a control system.

What is the difference between marijuana and hemp?

Hemp is a herbaceous plant of the Cannabaceae family. Belongs to the genus Cannabis. There are 3 types, each of which differs in both physical characteristics and action.

• Cannabis sativa. The stem is erect. The leaves are hand-shaped with 5-8 leaflets. The leaves are thin, the edges are sawtooth. Flowers bloom on individual plants. Male flowers appear in branched panicles in the leaf axils and at the tips of branches. Female flowers appear in clusters at the tips of the shoots and in the axils of the leaves. The plant is tall but produces fewer flowers than other types of marijuana. Acts as a stimulant to increase appetite Reduce symptoms of depression and helps relieve migraines But side effect May be nausea.
• Cannabis indica has hand-shaped leaves with 5-8 leaflets that are wider and darker than Sativa and are commonly used to symbolize cannabis leaves. The tree is not tall, but blooms profusely. Commonly used in medicine Helps relax Pain relief Treats insomnia, depression, muscle spasms, etc. with relatively few side effects.
• Cannabis Ruderalis is characterized by three-lobed leaves and is smaller in size than other species. Has a variety of effects But it was not popular, so it is rarely recorded.

Regarding the differences between marijuana (marijuana) and hemp (hemp), the administrator of the Cannabis Revolution page provides information that both marijuana and hemp are the same plant. The difference in appearance is very small. But initially you can notice that hemp has narrow, thin leaves of a light green color. It has a tall trunk and fewer branches. The inflorescences are less resinous than those of hemp. Therefore, hemp is used as a fiber to make clothing and paper pulp.

If you want to go deeper into the classification, consider the compounds called cannabinoids. (Cannabinoid), especially the psychoactive substance THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), as well as another important substance, CBD (cannabidiol), which helps inhibit the effects of THC if the plant contains less than 0.3 percent THC by weight. is considered hemp or hemp, but if it has a higher THC value, it is considered marijuana or marijuana. In the case of medical use, THC, CBD and other cannabinoid compounds must be extracted from the plant, which is different from marijuana consumption, which uses the direct parts of the plant