Sown cannabis: What are its effects and uses?
What is hemp seed?
Cannabis sativa is a typical representative of annual plants. Originally native to Central America, the plant soon spread to other parts of the world. Some cannabis plants can reach a height of up to 5.5 metres, but the standard height is around three metres less.
Types of cannabis
The first references to hemp date back to the Babylonian period and are therefore up to seven thousand years old. Cannabis was subsequently used extensively in China and, according to surviving records, many rulers there used it for pain or rheumatism. Soon, however, cannabis spread to Africa and, around the year 500, to Europe.
In practice, there are three main types of cannabis. Firstly, there is Indian hemp (indica), then there is cannabis ruderalis and cannabis sativa, which is the subject of this article.
All these hemp species differ from each other in many ways. They have different origins, appearances and effects on the body or mind. Indian hemp has relatively dense foliage, firm and resin-rich flowers. The effects of Indian hemp are subduing, but relaxing and soothing at the same time.
In contrast, the cannabis plant is a very small plant that grows freely in the northern parts of the world. This variety has only very weak psychoactive effects
Another variety is the technical hemp. It differs from marijuana mainly in the amount of THC, which, according to contemporary Czech legislation, must not exceed 1 %. It is an excellent plant for organic farming. It prevents the growth of weeds and, according to farmers, it does not usually need to be treated with problematic herbicides.
Industrial hemp also has a wide range of uses. For example, it has a role in:
- Food
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Alternative energy
- Cosmetics
In this article, we will discuss hemp seed, which, thanks to dozens of cannabinoids, can have beneficial effects on human health. It also contains a high proportion of the cannabinoids CBD, CBN, CBG and others.
Basic information on hemp seed
Cannabis has a straight and phyllate stem with five to seven lanceolate leaves with serrated edges. The foliage is rather sparse, the leaves have long thin blades and are light green in colour. The fruit is a grey-brown achenes enclosed by a leaf. The seeds are generally smooth, without marbling or spots.
Hemp requires plenty of light and moisture to thrive. Neutral or slightly acidic loamy soil is suitable, especially in warmer areas. Female plants are usually dark green and larger than male plants. The latter are more leafy, darker and more yellow in colour. The male inflorescence is panicled, the female inflorescence is glabrous. The flowering period usually lasts from early May to late September.
Normally, about 53 % of the plants produced are male and the remaining 47 % are female. Male plants generally mature four to six weeks faster.
Cultivation
Cannabis needs a lot of light, so a balcony or garden is a good choice for outdoor growing. However, a greenhouse can also be used.
The quality and fertility of the soil is also important. Ideally, the pH value of the soil should be between 7 and 7,3. Then you just have to choose the right variety according to your specific preferences. For example, feminised seeds that have been modified so that only female plants develop are suitable.
If the plan is to grow cannabis outdoors, it is ideal to start at the end of April. If the cannabis is to be grown indoors, then early March is suggested.
The seeds are sown 2 to 3 centimetres deep and about 2 centimetres apart. The seed should be moist and the temperature should be kept to a maximum of 25 °C.
During cultivation, it is advisable to water regularly and to ensure that the cannabis plant has enough room for root growth. The plants should be trimmed regularly. The growth phase usually ends in August and by the end of October the cannabis plant is flowering.
It should be recalled that, under current Czech legislation, only hemp with a THC content of up to 1 % can be grown for industrial, technical or horticultural purposes up to 100 m2 of sown area.
Use of hemp sown
Over time, the plant has undergone various genetic modifications and breeding. However, the effects of hemp seed are usually stimulating.
At the same time, hemp has a relatively versatile use. In recent years it has been used most frequently in the following sectors:
- Food
- Papermaking
- Textiles
- Construction
- Medical
Hemp fibre is known for its typical strength and durability. It is therefore used to produce textiles, paper, ropes and many other similar products. It is environmentally friendly as it does not require as much pesticides or fertilisers as other crops and therefore has great potential for application in the 21st century.
Hemp seeds are also a very rich source of nutrients. They contain essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and various minerals. This is why hemp seeds are used in the kitchen as an ingredient in cereals, yoghurts and baked goods. The seeds are also pressed into hemp oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Benefits of hemp seeds
Over time, it has been discovered that hemp is a plant that contains over a hundred different chemical compounds - cannabinoids. Some of these may have beneficial effects on human health, as confirmed by some scientific studies.
One of these is the cannabinoid CBD, a compound that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. CBD has no psychoactive effects and its sale and use are legal in this country. CBD oils and drops, CBD flowers, CBD vapes or CBD patches are available.
The cannabinoid CBD can have the following positive effects according to some scientific studies:
- pain and inflammation relief
- improving the quality of sleep
- mood regulation
- relieving stress and anxiety
- boosting the immune system
- recovery after physical stress
- alleviating skin problems
Summary
Cannabis is a versatile plant with exceptional properties. Recently, more and more people have become interested in its potential in the medical, food and construction sectors. Thanks to the growing awareness of the benefits of this plant, hemp can play a key role in the future as a sustainable and useful resource for global society.
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