Hemp vs. Hops: How Similar Are They Really?

If you’ve ever cracked open a hemp-infused IPA and thought, “Wait, is this weed in my beer?” — you’re not alone. The rise of hemp beer has sparked curiosity, confusion, and a lot of myths. Are hemp and hops basically the same plant? Do they affect your buzz the same way? And how does hemp even belong in a pint glass?

It’s time to clear the haze and dig into what connects — and separates — these two botanical heavyweights.

The Botanical Truth: They’re Family — But Not Identical
Here’s where the confusion starts: hemp and hops are both members of the Cannabaceae family. Yes, that’s the same plant family that includes cannabis (marijuana) and hemp (its non-psychoactive sibling). But hops — the stuff that gives beer its bitterness and aroma — isn’t just a beer ingredient; it’s a close botanical relative of cannabis.
👉 In a nutshell:

• Hops (Humulus lupulus) = Flowering plant used in beer for flavor and preservation.
• Hemp (Cannabis sativa, low-THC) = Cultivated for fiber, seeds, and non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD.

They grow similarly. They climb. They’re aromatic. But chemically and legally, they walk very different paths.

Chemistry Class: What’s Inside Matters
While both plants produce terpenes — the aromatic compounds that give beer and weed their distinct scents — they don’t produce the same active effects.

• THC
  • Hops: ❌ None
  • Hemp: ✅ Trace to none (legally <0.3%)
• CBD
  • Hops: ❌ None
  • Hemp: ✅ Present (non-intoxicating)
• Terpenes
  • Hops: ✅ Yes
  • Hemp: ✅ Yes
• Alpha Acids
  • Hops: ✅ Yes (key to beer’s bitterness)
  • Hemp: ❌ None

So while hemp and hops can smell similar, only hemp has compounds like CBD (and THC, if it’s illegal weed). Hops, despite the dank aroma, won’t mellow you out — unless you’re talking about flavor.

In the Brew: What They Do in Your Beer

• Hops are beer’s workhorse: bittering agent, flavor backbone, and aroma bomb.
• Hemp, when used in beer, is all about aroma and novelty. Some brewers infuse hemp seed, oil, or terpenes for a funky twist — but hemp doesn’t contribute bitterness like hops do.

Hemp beers often taste earthy, herbal, sometimes grassy — especially if the brewer uses actual hemp plant material. It's more about complementing the hops than replacing them.

Will Hemp Beer Get You High?
Let’s be clear: no. Hemp used in beer is non-psychoactive. It contains virtually no THC, and even if it did, the brewing process and dilution mean it won’t make you feel anything but maybe… calm? If that.
But the idea of hemp beer has an edge. It suggests relaxation, rebellion, and craft experimentation — even if the buzz is all alcohol-based.

So, How Similar Are They Really?

Similarities:

• Belong to the same plant family (Cannabaceae)
• Aromatic, terpene-rich, resinous
• Used in experimental brewing
• Natural climbers with similar physical growth

Differences:

• Only hemp contains cannabinoids (CBD, trace THC)
• Only hops bring bitterness and foam-stabilizing acids
• Hops are a brewing staple; hemp is a creative add-on
• Hemp beer won’t get you high, and hop beer won’t relax your muscles

Final Thought: The Best of Both Worlds?
As hemp beer grows in popularity, more brewers are embracing the shared genetics of hemp and hops to push boundaries. But don’t confuse relation with replication. Hemp isn’t the new hop — it’s something new entirely. And when balanced right, the two can create beers that are bold, botanical, and just a little rebellious.
Next time you sip something labeled hemp-infused, don’t expect a contact high — but do expect a ride into a new flavor frontier.