Cannabaceae Family Secrets: Why Cannabis and Hops Are Closer Than You Think
How Are Cannabis and Hops Related?
Have you ever wondered what ties together your favorite IPA from Old Planters in Beverly and that top-shelf cannabis strain from Starbird in Salem?
At first glance, they may seem worlds apart, but dig a little deeper, and you'll uncover a fascinating connection rooted in science, history, and even cultural evolution. Both plants come from the same family—Cannabaceae. Join us as we peel back the layers of this family tree to explore how cannabis and hops are more alike than you might have imagined!
A Quick Science Refresher: What is Plant Classification?
Before diving into the juicy details of cannabis and hops, let’s refresh our understanding of plant classification. Just like humans have family trees, so do plants. From broad groupings like Kingdom and Phylum, where all plants gather, down to the intimate Genus and Species, plants are grouped based on their shared traits.
The Cannabaceae family sits in the Order Rosales, alongside roses and mulberries. Once we arrive at the Family level, we find our beloved Cannabis and Humulus (hops), nestled closely together like siblings at a family reunion. But what does that mean for you and your next trip to a recreational dispensary in Salem, MA?
More than you might expect.
Who Are the Members of the Cannabaceae Family?
So, who are the key players in the Cannabaceae family, and what do they offer? Let's break it down:
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa, indica, ruderalis): The most famous member of the family, cannabis, is celebrated for its medicinal and recreational uses. Whether you're looking to spark creativity or manage chronic pain, cannabis has made its way into the cultural mainstream and your favorite Salem marijuana dispensary.
Humulus (Hops): Hops are the secret behind the bitter, floral notes in your favorite IPAs, but they also have medicinal properties. Known to promote sleep and relaxation, hops are more than just a brewer's best friend.
Celtis (Hackberry trees): While not as glamorous as cannabis or hops, hackberry trees are the silent giants of the family, offering fruit to birds and providing shelter to wildlife. They remind us that even the quieter members of a family play a crucial role.
The Stars of the Family: How Are Cannabis and Hops Similar?
When we zoom in, we find that cannabis and hops share more than just a common lineage—they share 70% of their genetic makeup. Think of them as siblings who chose different career paths: one ended up at Starbird, while the other became the darling of craft brewers across the bridge, Old Planters. But these two plants are much closer than you might think.
Shared Traits:
Terpenes: Both cannabis and hops produce terpenes, which are aromatic compounds responsible for their distinctive scents. Ever noticed how the citrusy notes in your IPA resemble those in your favorite cannabis strain? That’s thanks to terpenes like myrcene and humulene, which play a role in both the effects of cannabis and the bitterness of hops.
Growth Patterns: Both cannabis and hops are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants. Their fast-growing nature makes them ideal for quick cultivation cycles, whether you're brewing the next best IPA or growing a high-THC strain.
Key Differences:
Purpose: Cannabis is prized for its psychoactive and therapeutic properties, while hops have found their niche in beer brewing. Despite their shared ancestry, each plant has carved out a unique role in human culture.
Cultural Role: Cannabis has long been associated with relaxation, wellness, and creativity, while hops are tied to social gatherings around craft beer. Both bring people together, just in different settings—whether at a cannabis dispensary in Salem, MA, or a local brewery.
The Science of Terpenes: What Are They and How Do They Connect Cannabis and Hops?
What are terpenes, and why do they matter in both cannabis and hops? Terpenes are organic compounds that give plants their unique aromas. In cannabis, terpenes like myrcene promote calming effects, while in hops, the same terpene adds earthy flavors to beer. In fact, the smell of certain cannabis strains might remind you of a cold IPA—both are products of the same chemical family!
Myrcene: This musky terpene is found in both cannabis and hops, offering calming, sedative effects.
Humulene: Spicy and woody, humulene adds complexity to both your beer and your cannabis, showing that even these family members share more than just genetics.
Caryophyllene & Limonene: These terpenes bring spiciness and citrus notes to the mix, enhancing your experience, whether you're lighting up a joint or cracking open a craft beer.
Beyond Genetics: What Happens When Cannabis and Hops Are Combined?
The genetic closeness of cannabis and hops has inspired brewers and cultivators alike to experiment with these two plants in novel ways. Some craft brewers have begun infusing beer with cannabis-derived terpenes, creating new beverages that boast the aromatic punch of your favorite strain—without the THC. Imagine sipping a non-alcoholic beer that smells like Sour Diesel or Super Lemon Haze. It's a whole new way to experience the best of both worlds.
While THC-infused beers are still largely prohibited, there are promising signs that the future may hold more cannabis-hops collaborations. In fact, some craft brewers are already experimenting with cannabis terpenes to bring a new sensory experience to beer lovers.
A Brief History: Have Cannabis and Hops Crossed Paths Before?
Interestingly, both cannabis and hops have played key roles in human history for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that cannabis was cultivated as early as 10,000 years ago for its medicinal and industrial uses. Hops, on the other hand, only entered the brewing scene around the 8th century, revolutionizing beer as we know it. Despite their separate cultural journeys, both plants have always been intertwined with human wellbeing.
Famous historical figures have even spoken about their virtues. In the 17th century, the naturalist John Gerard praised hops for their calming qualities, while cannabis was extolled for its medicinal properties by figures like William O’Shaughnessy in the 19th century. It’s clear that humanity’s fascination with both plants goes back centuries—and it’s not going away anytime soon.
Conclusion: Why Should You Care About the Cannabis-Hops Connection?
At first glance, cannabis and hops might seem like distant relatives, but in reality, they're more like siblings. Their shared history, genetic ties, and ongoing experiments in blending their effects are proof of how interconnected the natural world is. Whether you're browsing our pot shop, Starbird or enjoying a cold IPA, take a moment to appreciate the shared secrets of these Cannabaceae family members. You might just see your favorite plant in a whole new light.
Want to Learn More About the Cannabaceae Family?
Share these fascinating connections with friends over a smoke session or your next craft beer tasting. Whether you're visiting a Salem recreational dispensary or picking up a local brew, knowing the deep-rooted bond between cannabis and hops adds a new layer of appreciation to your experience.
Let’s keep exploring these natural wonders—because who knows what other Cannabaceae family secrets we’ll uncover next?