Community Corner
Rasta Canna Bar - Hemp vs. Cannabis
Though they are part of the same plant, hemp and cannabis are two different sides of the same flower.
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Nature is a wondrous and astounding evolutionary menagerie. To think that every atom comprising every element on Earth found its way randomly across the infinitely massive and complex universe to become a part of a living and breathing rock hurtling across space and time is humbling and awe-inspiring.
A few of the more interesting ones that chose Earth as their new home constitute a robust and primarily misunderstood plant known as cannabis sativa. An ancient plant long heralded for its medicinal applications by countless civilizations, it is still one of the most maligned and stigmatized flowers ever. Primarily known as the plant that produces marijuana, the plant also contains hemp.
Until recently, most people would have never known about hemp and all the fantastic products and applications it can produce and provide. That all changed with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.
Before 2018, hemp and its "sister plant," cannabis, were listed as Schedule I Drugs on the federal government's Controlled Substances List. However, as part of the titanic Farm Spending Bill 2018, congressional lawmakers removed hemp from that list, making it legal to cultivate and sell.
So how is hemp legal, but cannabis or marijuana is not? Well, it comes down to percentages. According to the language of the legislation, any part of the cannabis sativa plant containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC is considered hemp and is now legal. The remaining portion having more than that threshold amount is classified as cannabis and is still illegal at the federal level.
Delta-9 THC is one of almost 100 cannabinoids produced by the cannabis sativa plant. It is the best-known and most popular variant, primarily due to its intoxicating quality that many users refer to as the "high" they receive when ingesting marijuana. However, the portion of the plant designated as hemp contains delta-9 as well, just in a much smaller concentration.
Much of the confusion surrounding hemp and cannabis centers mostly on misinformation and propaganda. Most of the Founding Fathers were farmers, and one of the staple crops they grew was hemp. It was used for food, making rope, clothes, paper and many other practical and valuable applications. For example, one of the first drafts of the Declaration of Independence was purportedly written on hemp paper by Thomas Jefferson.
Since the Farm Bill's passage, enterprising and innovative hemp entrepreneurs have entered the new and exciting market, bringing applications ranging from eco-friendly construction products to safer biodegradable plastics.
Along with these technological innovations, many aspiring hemp businesses began creating and selling products containing delta-9 THC derived from the hemp plant. These products include gummies and THC-infused drinks and beverages like the ones featured at Rasta Canna Bar.
Hemp can also produce other cannabinoids, like the popular delta-8 THC variant, but that's a different topic for another day.
Ultimately, the main takeaway from the hemp vs. cannabis comparison is simply a measure of degrees. Hemp and cannabis are both parts of the cannabis sativa plant. They both produce cannabinoids, most notably delta-9 THC. The only differentiator is a chemical comparison and distinction arbitrarily agreed upon by members of Congress, with some assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a few other regulatory agencies.
The plant has survived and thrived throughout the millennia because it provides healing and medicinal aid to those people who consume its potent compounds. Rasta Canna Bar understands how important hemp and its derivatives are for the body, mind and soul. That's the main reason for its existence.
In celebration of that extraordinary mission, this week's featured drink is the Laughy Daiquiri, a delicious blend of fruits sure to tantalize taste buds and enhance the drinker's mood and outlook.
Comprised of Island Oasis Strawberry, Simple Syrup, Lime Juice, and Rum Extract, this frozen blend combines intense fruity flavors with a hint of the islands. Customers are also encouraged to add their choice of Rasta Feeling derived from hemp as an added boost to this colorful and tasty treat.
Cleverly modeled after traditional popular drinks, Rasta Canna Bar cocktails and beverages include fun concoctions like the Stoner Sunset, High Cosmopolitan, and Dank Colada. However, what makes the experience unique and potentially healthier is that all offerings contain hemp-derived cannabinoids instead of alcohol. By perusing the full menu, customers will find a wide range of creative and tasty options.
Along with custom cocktails, RCB offers shots inspired by traditional spirits, such as delta-9 THC-infused versions reminiscent of tequila, fireball and cognac. The bar will also provide delta-9 THC seltzers, THC-infused N/A beers, and a variety of smoothies containing CBD, CBG, CBN and delta-8 and delta-9 THC. Finally, traditional non-alcoholic drinks are also available for those seeking a less elevated time.
Rasta Canna Bar is in the heart of Grand Central at 2531 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. Feel free to swing by and enjoy live music provided by resident DJ (DJ Aly) on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 - 10 p.m. RCB is the perfect place to begin, end or spend the entire evening. There's a new place to unwind from the grind and connect with a more elevated and enlightened community. Come and Experience a Higher Bar.
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