What is hemp? This guide by Jona Decker takes a factual look at the hemp plant: as a botanical species from the genus Cannabis, as a raw material plant and as a topic with clear legal boundaries. The focus is on plant science, typical characteristics of the plant and the question of how industrial hemp is distinguished from other forms of cannabis. To see which strains CBDÍA stocks, visit our CBD Flowers category.
It also covers hemp ingredients such as cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, proteins and fatty acids. Terms such as CBD are explained and classified without deriving any health-related effect claims. The article shows which lab values are relevant, why THC limits matter for the legal classification, and what industrial hemp can be used for, for example in food, textiles, building materials or cosmetics.
What is hemp?
Hemp is a plant from the genus Cannabis. The hemp plant has been used for centuries as a fibre, oil and seed plant and today occurs mainly as industrial hemp in agriculture and industry. Cannabis is the botanical umbrella term; in everyday use, however, a distinction is often made between industrial hemp and other cannabis types. What matters most is the approved variety and the THC content.
Industrial hemp is defined as hemp from certified seed of varieties listed in the EU variety catalogue, or with a maximum THC content of 0.3%, in each case only for commercial or scientific purposes without misuse for intoxicating purposes (Section 1 No. 9 KCanG, German Consumer Cannabis Act). THC is the intoxicating component of certain cannabis plants. Industrial hemp is therefore not the same as recreational cannabis. In addition to THC, other cannabinoids can occur in the plant, including CBD. When hemp effects are discussed, this can refer to very different aspects depending on the context: for example, the nutritional properties of hemp seeds, technical uses of the fibres, or the ingredients of hemp products. Legally relevant products made from cannabis or containing certain active substances may only be supplied to adults aged 18 and over.
The hemp plant explained botanically
The hemp plant belongs to the genus Cannabis, for example as Cannabis Sativa, and is described botanically mainly in terms of growth form, leaf structure, inflorescences and seeds. Depending on the variety, different characteristics appear, for example in height, branching or fibre content. These very characteristics are also relevant for the classification of industrial hemp and for analyses. Many hemp ingredients are not distributed evenly throughout the whole plant but are concentrated mainly in resin-forming structures.
Cannabis structure: leaves, flowers and seeds
Typical features of the hemp plant include palmately compound leaves, an upright stem and fibre-rich shoot axes. The inflorescences of cannabis carry small resin glands, in which cannabinoids such as THC and other lab values can, among other things, be detected. Seeds form after pollination and are botanically small nut fruits. The plant parts are of varying importance for agriculture, research and processing: fibres come mainly from the stem, seeds from mature fruiting structures, while flowers are examined particularly closely when cannabis is analysed.
Male and female plants
The hemp plant can form male and female flowers, often on separate plants. Male specimens mainly produce pollen, while female plants develop seeds after successful pollination. Some varieties also show monoecious characteristics, in which both flower types occur on a single plant. This distinction plays an important role in the botanical description, because it influences flower formation, seed production and genetic diversity within the genus.
What ingredients does hemp contain?
The hemp plant contains various groups of substances that are distributed differently depending on the plant part. Important hemp ingredients include cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, as well as, mainly in the seeds, fatty acids and proteins. Seeds also provide dietary fibre and minerals. Lab values show which substances are detectable in a sample; however, they do not explain the effect as a general rule.
THC, CBD and other cannabinoids
Well-known cannabinoids include THC and CBD. CBD stands for cannabidiol and is often listed as a separate measured value in analyses; the CBD content, too, can vary depending on the variety and the sample. THC is likewise a naturally occurring component of the plant. For industrial hemp, the legal limit is particularly relevant: for approved varieties, the THC content may only be very low, in the EU usually a maximum of 0.3%. Such values serve to classify the hemp ingredients, not to assess the effect.
Terpenes and profiles as lab values
Terpenes in cannabis are scent and aroma substances found in many plants, including hemp. Laboratories examine which terpenes are present and in what quantities they occur. This results in a terpene profile, i.e. a measurable composition of individual compounds. Depending on the variety, cultivation, harvest time and processing, such profiles can vary and influence lab values. No functional claims can be derived from this.
Industrial hemp or recreational cannabis: what is the difference?
Anyone asking, “What is hemp?”, will quickly encounter the distinction between industrial hemp and other cannabis plants. Botanically, they belong to the same plant group, but legally they are assessed differently. Cannabis is not automatically equivalent to a prohibited use. What matters most are the variety, the THC content, the purpose of cultivation and a traceable, controlled supply chain.
THC limit and EU variety catalogue
For the agricultural use of industrial hemp, only certain varieties are relevant in the EU. They must be listed in the EU variety catalogue and may have a THC content of no more than 0.3%. This value relates to the legal framework for cultivation and marketability, not to individual product claims. Even at the stage of choosing a variety, it is therefore checked whether cannabis may be grown as a crop plant. This allows for regulated cultivation, for example for fibres, seeds or technical raw materials.
Why the term cannabis matters in law
Cannabis is a botanical umbrella term for a plant genus. Within cannabis, however, the law distinguishes according to approved variety, THC content and purpose of cultivation. Industrial hemp is therefore classified differently from other forms of cannabis that do not fall under the relevant exemptions. This distinction helps to clearly separate legal agricultural use from other areas.
What is industrial hemp used for?
In agriculture and industry, the hemp plant is used mainly as a raw material crop. Depending on the variety, cultivation goal and processing, various materials and by-products result. The uses of industrial hemp range from fibres to seeds to bedding and technical applications. Many areas of use have been known for many years; at the same time, processes are being further developed to make the most complete use of raw materials possible. Sustainability aspects depend on cultivation, transport, processing and the comparison with other materials.
Fibres: textiles, paper and building materials
For industrial hemp use, it is mainly the stalks that are processed. Long bast fibres and woody shives can be obtained from them. The fibres are used in textiles, ropes, yarns, nonwovens and speciality papers. In the construction industry, they are processed into insulation mats or as a component of lightweight building materials and composite materials. The shives also serve as animal bedding or as an aggregate. In each case, what matters is how the raw material is broken down, cleaned and prepared for the intended industrial sector.
Seeds: food, oil and agriculture
The seeds are also part of the use of industrial hemp. They are used, hulled or unhulled, as a food ingredient, for example in baked goods, muesli or plant-based products. Pressing produces hemp oil from the seeds; depending on quality and legal requirements, the remaining press cake can be used further as a raw material in animal feed or technical applications. In this context, hemp ingredients refer neutrally to components such as oil, protein and fibre content, not to health assessments.
Which sources are reliable for hemp?
Reliable information on hemp comes mainly from traceable, verifiable sources. These include the EU variety catalogue for approved industrial hemp varieties, information from authorities, and transparent product documentation. Anyone wanting to clarify “What is hemp?” should pay attention to origin, variety and legal classification. For products, lab analyses that have examined hemp ingredients, THC content and possible residues are important. Reputable suppliers provide batch numbers, certificates and, ideally, a “Certificate of Analysis”. Studies on effects are not the central benchmark for this source check; what matters is verifiable data on composition, cultivation and processing. Terms such as “state of the art” do not replace clear documentation.
Conclusion: classifying hemp objectively
What is hemp? Botanically, the hemp plant belongs to the genus Cannabis and should therefore be neither idealised across the board nor hastily equated with intoxicants. What matters is the classification: industrial hemp is defined as hemp from certified seed of varieties listed in the EU variety catalogue, or with a maximum THC content of 0.3%, in each case only for commercial or scientific purposes without misuse for intoxicating purposes. Hemp ingredients such as cannabinoids, terpenes, fatty acids or dietary fibre are, first of all, lab values; statements about effects on people cannot be derived from such lab values.
The use of industrial hemp lies mainly in agriculture and industry, for example in fibres, seeds, oils, building materials or animal feed. CBD products also come from cannabis but must be assessed separately. Anyone interested in CBD flowers should pay attention to transparent information and, before their first purchase, take the time to try CBD flowers for free; supply is exclusively to adults aged 18 and over.
Note on legal and professional advice
This article is for general information purposes only and does not replace legal advice or medical advice. The legal classification of hemp and cannabis can change and may vary depending on the country or region. All information reflects the status as of August 2026. For binding information, people should contact the relevant authorities, qualified lawyers or medical professionals.
