By Luke Sumpter


Cannabis and hops seem like an unlikely duo. However, these two plants share much more in common than you might realise. Both of them belong to the same botanical family and both feature trichomes that churn out similar chemicals. On top of this, cannabis remains one of the most widely used recreational drugs, whereas hops appear in practically every single beer currently available; whether you’re a drinker or a smoker, you’re consuming at least one of these plants every time you fancy tinkering with your brain chemistry.

Recently, new evidence has emerged that placed hops even closer to cannabis on the botanical stage: The presence of cannabinoids. At first, these findings placed hops in a new light. Hopeful entrepreneurs started eyeing up the plant as a non-cannabis source of CBD and other valuable compounds. However, it didn’t take long for this dream—manufactured in part by an unrealistic mastermind—to start unravelling.

Trichomes

Hemp and Hops: Cousins of the Cannabaceae

There are a surprising amount of plants that look like cannabis. However, despite their appearances, very few are related to the herb. Plant taxonomists categorise species into larger groups based on several factors, including morphological and genetic traits. Some plant families are large in number; the bean family (Fabaceae) contains around 765 genera and roughly 20,000 species; the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) contains 95 genera consisting of 965 species. In contrast, the hemp family, known as the Cannabaceae[1], contains only 11 genera consisting of 170 species in total.

Both cannabis and hops are the most well-known members of the Cannabacea family. The Cannabis genus consists of a single species divided into several subspecies: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The Humulus (hops) genus features eight unique species, with Humulus lupulus remaining the most widely used in brewing and apothecary products.

Similarities Between Cannabis and Hops

Cannabis and hops certainly possess wildly different growing habits and morphological characteristics. However, they also share a number of physical traits that contribute to their union under the Cannabacea umbrella. These include:

  • Dioecious nature: Both cannabis and hops are dioecious. As opposed to monoecious plants that possess both male and female sexual organs, dioecious species possess only male or female organs on separate plants.
  • Wind pollination: Cannabis and hops release large amounts of pollen during gusts of wind, which fertilise nearby female flowers when it makes contact with them. In comparison to other plants, wind-pollinated species rely much less on pollinating insects such as bees.
  • Glandular trichomes: Cannabis flowers feature a thick coating of glandular trichomes. These small structures produce many of the secondary metabolites that make the plant valuable, including cannabinoids and terpenes. Likewise, hops also possess glandular trichomes in the form of lupulin glands[2].
  • Biosynthesis of terpenophenolic compounds: The cannabinoids found in cannabis, such as THC and CBD are terpenophenolic in structure—part terpene and part phenol. Some of the compounds[3] produced by the lupulin glands of hops plants also fall into this category of secondary metabolites.
Trichomes

Hops and Cannabinoids: An Analysis

Hops produce compounds that are structurally similar to those found in cannabis, and they also achieve this through biosynthetic pathways in glandular trichomes. But do hops produce cannabinoids such as CBD? To put it bluntly: No.

The genetic code and therefore biosynthetic pathways within cannabis and hops differ. Cannabis possess cellular machinery, namely enzymes and the DNA that codes for them, that are capable of converting precursors into cannabinoid acids. Environmental factors, such as heat, then turn these precursors into cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.

Hops simply lack the DNA necessary to create the enzymes, known as cannabinoid synthases, to convert specific chemicals into cannabinoid precursors. However, hops do synthesise several of the terpenes that appear in cannabis, and some of these compounds impact the endocannabinoid system—the network that THC and other cannabinoids activate. Before we get into this fascinating topic, let’s first discover how hops quickly rose and fell as a promising source of cannabinoids.

Hops Unveiled: Unmasking a Deception

A United States Plant Patent filed in 2020 almost changed the world of cannabinoid manufacturing forever. The authors of the document[4] disclosed the properties of a new species of hops named Humulus Kriya originating from the cross-hybridization of feral Humulus yunnanensis varieties found in Pekong, India.

The patent contains chromatography data for several Humulus Kriya samples and claims that the method of molecular analysis uncovered the presence of cannabinoids previously found in cannabis. These include cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabielsoin (CBE), and cannabidivarin (CBDV).

Even before the filing of this patent, the researcher behind these findings—Dr. Bomi Joseph—had entered into agreements with CBD companies and even started working on specific hops-CBD products. The idea that hops contained CBD and other cannabinoids had the industry abuzz. A plant containing CBD, lacking THC, and without the regulatory stigma of cannabis, could have proved a botanical goldmine. However, this house of cards quickly came tumbling down.

A review article[5] published in Sage Journals in 2022 called this scheme “..a remarkable example of forgery and fraud, worth recapping to give an idea on how commercial interests and a largely unregulated market like the one of ‘dietary’ phytocannabinoids can foster pseudoscience”. This scathing response came about following the discovery that Joseph’s work was little more than a sham. The original research appeared in a conveniently newly created scientific journal, the article plagiarised existing CBD literature, and Joseph himself turned out to be a con artist already known to law enforcement.

Hops and Cannabimimetics

Hops don’t contain CBD, but that doesn’t mean they don’t work in a similar way to cannabis in the body. Species of hops produce large quantities of aromatic terpenes—the reason why brewers use them in beers. Of all of the terpenes found in hops, the molecule humulene is one of the most dominant. A 2021 paper[6] published in the journal Scientific Reports found that humulene, alongside pinene, linalool, and geraniol, all activated the CB1 receptor in cell studies–the same site that THC activates to produce some of its effects. Because of the way they interact with endocannabinoid system receptors, researchers have given the title “cannabimimetics” to these non-cannabinoid compounds.

Do Weed and Hops Work Together?

Hops contain plenty of terpenes, and emerging research suggests that cannabinoids and terpenes work side-by-side to amplify each other’s beneficial effects. Following this logic, it makes sense that weed and hops hold promise as a therapeutic combination. Keep reading to take a look at what the research says.

  • A Synergy in Theory

Until relatively recently, cannabis and THC remained synonymous—a fact made evident by breeding efforts focused almost solely on higher concentrations of the cannabinoid. However, recent research has driven a wedge between the compound and the plant, revealing that many other factors contribute to the overall effects of each strain.

The developing theory of the entourage effect posits that many different constituents found in cannabis work in harmony to produce different outcomes. Think about this: Almost every modern hybrid contains high levels of THC, but many of them exert a different subjective effect. Why? Because they possess varying levels of other phytochemicals, including terpenes.

Early research suggests that different terpenes amplify the effects of different cannabinoids. There are over 150 terpenes and 100 cannabinoids present in cannabis, all expressed in varying concentrations in different strains. The recognition of the entourage effect has caused many consumers to move away from a THC-centric preference when growing weed and isolate products in general, towards an awareness of molecular synergy and a consumption of full-spectrum products.

  • A Pairing in Practice

So, we know that hops don’t contain cannabinoids, but do produce terpenes. We also know that terpenes and cannabinoids share a synergistic relationship that equates to a modulation of the subjective effects of the herb. In theory, when combining hops and cannabis, we should expect some kind of interplay between the chemical constituents of each plant.

The research remains early in this area and leaves many questions unanswered. To get a better understanding of their dual potential, a team of German researchers co-administered[7] CBD and a terpene-enriched hops extract and applied it to a cellular model of inflammation. Compared to CBD applied in isolation, the dual treatment exerts an additive anti-inflammatory effect, leading the researchers to conclude that pairings of CBD and other phytomolecules could serve as a future treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Granted, this study uses isolated CBD alongside a terpene extract. Although helpful in trying to understand and quantify the effects of specific molecules, it doesn’t reveal the potential effects of full-spectrum extracts used side-by-side. Hopefully, future research will help to illuminate this area of enquiry.

Trichomes

Despite the lack of CBD and other cannabinoids in hops, the plant shares quite a few similarities with cannabis; they’re part of the same botanical family and both contain boatloads of terpenes. The presence of these chemicals creates an unlikely bridge between both cannabis and beer.

When smoking weed, THC forms the core of the experience, but terpenes help steer the overall direction of the high. When drinking beer, ethanol underpins the sensations of being drunk, but hops-derived terpenes also influence the effects, in part due to their sedative[8] action.

Hops and Weed: More Similar Than Different

Despite fraudulent attempts to popularise hops as a source of CBD, the plant contains no cannabinoids. However, they’re packed with terpenes that make them a promising weed-enhancing ingredient in botanical recipes. As more research emerges, we could see manufacturers using hops in weed-based products to capitalise on a cross-species entourage effect.

External Resources:
  1. Cannabis Systematics at the Levels of Family, Genus, and Species - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. EST Analysis of Hop Glandular Trichomes Identifies an O-Methyltransferase That Catalyzes the Biosynthesis of Xanthohumol - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/humulus
  4. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/1f/dd/c3/b986f3192c2828/USPP31477.pdf
  5. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1934578X221098843
  6. Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively enhance cannabinoid activity | Scientific Reports https://www.nature.com
  7. Effects of combined cannabidiol (CBD) and hops (Humulus lupulus) terpene extract treatment on RAW 264.7 macrophage viability and inflammatory markers - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  8. The sedative effects of hops (Humulus lupulus), a component of beer, on the activity/rest rhythm - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  9. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1934578X221098843
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: