The Anatomy of a Hemp Plant in Today’s Day & Age

Written by Cathy Rozyczko — Edited by Jason Brett on September 23, 2021

For decades, people have been raving about the endless benefits of the hemp plant. Surprisingly though, some people may still be unsure what exactly hemp plants are.

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the hemp plant. For instance, many people assume that hemp plants used to make CBD oil and other legal supplements share the same psychoactive attributes as marijuana, but that is not the case at all.

The restrictions that surrounded hemp plants for so long may have prevented people from learning about the incredibly beneficial plant.

However, that all changed in 2018 when hemp products containing 0.3% THC or less were officially legalized by the US Farm Bill. The hemp plant is becoming increasingly popular in today's times, and now is a better time than ever to jump on board.

Understanding the anatomy of the hemp plant can be helpful for CBD consumers, CBD sellers, and anyone just looking to educate themselves about hemp as a therapeutic herbal remedy.

A Closer Look at the Anatomy of a Hemp Plant

Hemp plants can survive in almost every environment. When looking at the anatomy of a hemp plant, there are four main parts that come into play. The seed, stalk, leaves, and roots are all important components of the hemp plant and its correlating industry. Looking at an illustration is a helpful tool to view when breaking it down.

Starting at the top, the seeds sit at the upper base of the hemp, while the stalk runs through the center of the plant. The leaves and flowers decorate the plant, and the roots, as many could imagine, hold the hemp firmly with its natural powers and purposes.

Knowing the different parts of the hemp plant will allow people to better discern the specific functions of each section of the plant. Find out everything the CBD community will want to know about this anatomy lesson.

How Can Each Part of the Hemp Plant Be Used?

Hemp Seeds

Hemp plants are extremely advantageous, and that is partly due to the wide range in which the plant can be used. Hemp farmers probably understand this better than most. The seeds of a hemp plant are actually considered a superfood. Omega-3, Omega-6, vitamin B, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, and iron are just a few of the amazing supplementary sources found in the seeds of the plant.

The number of consumable goods that can be made with hemp seeds is just yet another reason these seeds have been making a splash in the marketing world. Hemp seed milk and hemp seed coffee beans are two tasty and resourceful examples.

Hemp Stalks

Traditionally speaking, people refrain from consuming the stalk of the hemp plant. Hemp stalks initially were used to provide an alternative to things like fiberboard, mulch, and animal bedding. However, more recently, the stalk of hemp has been used as a replacement for cotton in the clothing industry. By incorporating the stalk into the clothing, the products are able to better hold the shape as well as endure the washing process.

Hemp Leaves

In many ways, the hemp leaves are one of the most impactful components of the plant. After all, there are over 80 beneficial compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes that exist naturally within the leaves of hemp plants. Cannabidiol, CBD, is one of those profitable compounds.

There are two different pathways in which the leaves of a hemp plant can be utilized. Using steam to distill the leaves and flowers of the plant will result in hemp essential oils. The highly concentrated product has a reputation for its pungent aroma. Since it takes 50 pounds to make an ounce, this essential oil doesn't come cheaply.

Aside from the hemp essential oils, hemp leaves have been used as a nutrition supplement. As the Hemp Foundation outlined, “Raw hemp leaves are a source of nutrition as well. They are full of powerful antioxidants like polyphenols that help delay aging skin. The leaves are also rich in digestible globular proteins as well as Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.” And it doesn't quite end there.

Hemp Roots

The usage of hemp roots can be traced back to ancient Chinese history. The hemp root contains glycoside, which is what makes this specific part of the plant so valuable. Glycoside is an organic molecule that is best known for clearing the body of detrimental toxins. For this reason, many ancestors used the root of the hemp plant to treat fevers and extreme bleeding. In the past, people have also used hemp roots to relieve arthritis and cramps. On top of that, the roots have been proven helpful in aiding eczema and all sorts of digestive problems. These are just a few of the reasons the hemp plant is known as the “miracle healer”.

How to Grow Your Own Industrial Hemp for CBD

After reading about all of the pros of the hemp plant, chances are you might be interested in learning more about the product and the CBD industry. Understanding how hemp is harvested will definitely be an asset for people who begin the journey of learning to grow their own hemp. This news story provides viewers with a fun and informative perspective on the intricate process involving the production of the hemp plant.

There are many steps that can be taken during the harvest process to ensure the quality of the CBD. People who are new to the industry want to be sure to keep a close eye out for the presence of any mold or mildew. This could be harmful to the process. Doctor George Place, a trusted hemp plant professional, cautions of this possibility and encourages creating individual branches during the drying stage. This photograph is a great example of the “umbrella shape” that hemp harvesters will want to avoid.

Testing the levels of CBD content on a weekly basis is also a smart move. This will be crucial to the timeline of a harvest. Once the harvest is nearing or ready, be prepared to sell and market products accordingly. Unfortunately, there will also be some things that are simply out of your control. Though you might not be able to change the weather, by being mindful of it and trying to predict forecasts and weather patterns, the hemp plants' chances of success and survival will hopefully increase.

There is no arguing that hemp plants are complex and multi-dimensional. By having an understanding of the anatomy of the plant anyone can see why it is such an amazing resource.

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