Hops and Cannabis

Happy Easter to everyone out there, hope you are spending the holiday with the people that you love, enjoying a few lovely beverages. I am not enjoying any beer today due to no beer in April, 20 days down and only 10 left to go. Today is also another holiday that is celebrated by plenty of people out there, it is 4/20. For those that don’t know this is a holiday that is celebrated by the Cannabis connoisseurs of our society. 

Did you know that Hops and Cannabis are very closely related to each other? They both are part of the same botanical family, Cannabaceae. The Hop plant is referred to as Humulus lupulus, and the Cannabis plant is known as Cannabis sativa. Hemp is also included in this botanical family. Both Hops and Cannabis produce Terpenes, which are organic compounds that help create the aromas and flavor profiles of the plant. In addition, the Terpenes produce many of the essential oils that are found in both versions of the plant. Hops are known for their high concentration of Myrcene which is a Terpene that is known for its peppery, fruity and earthy aromas. Whereas Cannabis has varying levels of Myrcene and tends to have a more diverse Terpene profile. 

This is where the similarities start to turn to differences, first off Hops are known for having Lupulin glands which contain their active compounds including Terpenes, Alpha and Beta acids. Cannabis is known for having Trichomes which contain their active Cannabinoids and Terpenes. Hops do not produce Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, like the Cannabis plant does. Hops lack the necessary enzymes and DNA to convert precursors into cannabinoid acids, which is a major step in Cannabis production. 

In the future there is the potential for hybridization of the two plants, where Hops could eventually be made to include the desirable characteristics that are found in the Cannabis plant. Since the two plants do share some of the same Terpenes, it leads to hops having a very dank or Cannabis like aroma. With advances in hybridization, it may not just be the smell of the Cannabis that we get in future hop varieties, we may actually get the effects of Cannabis off of different hops. If we get to this point, it will be harder for us bartenders to know when to cut someone off since both substances affect people differently.  

Whether you are celebrating your Easter with a couple of good beers, a couple of joints or both for you wild and crazy kids out there…..Just know that the Hops in your Beer and the Cannabis in your joint are closely related plants, essentially they are cousins in the same family. In the comments section, tell me about what beers you are enjoying this holiday, include pictures if you so desire. Whatever you decide to enjoy your holiday with, just please make sure to do so responsibly. Enjoy your Easter, enjoy your beer and enjoy your 4/20. Cheers! 

#cheers #beer #beerlovers #craftbeer #michiganbeer #brewery #brewerylife #drinklocal #HappyEaster #Happy420