Hey there, folks! Are you ready for a wild ride through the wacky world of cannabis and hops? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to blow your mind with the fact that these two seemingly unrelated plants are actually from the same botanical family!
First things first, let’s talk about what the heck a botanical family is. Essentially, it’s a classification system for plants based on their genetic similarities. It’s kind of like how humans are all part of the same family, but we have different sub-families like the Kardashians and the Hemsworths (you know, the important stuff).
Now, let’s get to the juicy stuff. Cannabis and hops are both members of the Cannabaceae family. That’s right, your favorite herb and your favorite beer ingredient are actually related! It’s like finding out that your weird cousin is actually a secret millionaire – unexpected, but kind of cool.
But wait, there’s more! Not only are cannabis and hops from the same family, but they also share some common traits. For example, they both produce compounds called terpenes, which are responsible for their distinct smells and flavors. This means that your favorite IPA and your favorite strain of weed might have more in common than you thought – they both might smell like pine or citrus or earthy goodness.
And speaking of terpenes, did you know that hops and cannabis share some of the same ones? Humulene, for example, is a terpene that’s found in both plants and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. So next time you’re nursing a hangover with a joint and a cold beer, you can feel good knowing that you’re getting some extra anti-inflammatory benefits from both.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But John, if hops and cannabis are related, does that mean that I can get high from drinking beer?” Sorry to disappoint, but the answer is no. While both plants contain compounds called cannabinoids, which are responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana, hops only contain trace amounts of them. So go ahead and enjoy that cold brew without worrying about any unexpected side effects.
But just because you can’t get high from beer doesn’t mean that cannabis and hops can’t work together in other ways. In fact, there’s a growing trend of using hops to enhance the flavor and effects of cannabis-infused drinks. By combining the terpenes and other compounds found in both plants, you can create a drink that’s both delicious and potentially more effective than traditional edibles.
And if you’re not into drinking your cannabis, you can always try smoking a strain that’s high in humulene to get a similar flavor profile to your favorite IPA. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can try brewing your own cannabis-infused beer using hops and a cannabis tincture. Just be sure to invite me over for a taste test, okay?
So there you have it, folks – cannabis and hops are from the same botanical family, and they’re way more similar than you might have thought. Whether you’re a fan of smoking weed or drinking beer (or both), it’s pretty cool to know that these two things are related. And who knows, maybe someday we’ll see a world where every bar has a cannabis-infused IPA on tap or simply order a doobie with their brewski. A girl can dream, right?
The next time you’re sipping on a cold one and/or puffing on a joint, take a moment to appreciate the fact that these two things are distant cousins. And if anyone ever tries to tell you that cannabis and hops have nothing in common, just tell them to hop off (pun totally intended).
