Hops (Humulus lupulus) and cannabis (Cannabis sativa) may seem like very different plants, but they share a surprising genetic connection. Both belong to the same botanical family, Cannabaceae, and trace their origins back to a common ancestor that lived millions of years ago. This article delves into the genetic relationship between hops and cannabis, exploring their shared origins, their divergent paths over time, and how cannabis is now being used in beer production alongside hops.

The Common Ancestor: Cannabaceae

Hops and cannabis both originated from a common ancestor in the Cannabaceae family, which dates back approximately 27 million years. This ancestor was part of an ancient group of plants that eventually evolved into the species we recognize today. Over time, hops and cannabis diverged significantly, each adapting to its specific environment. While hops evolved to thrive in temperate climates, primarily for their role in beer production, cannabis took a different path, evolving to produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which became central to its medicinal and recreational use.

Divergence and Development

As the two plants evolved, they developed traits that were specifically suited to their environments. Hops, native to temperate regions of Europe, North America, and Asia, are known for their role in brewing. Their flowers contain bittering compounds and aromatic terpenes that help protect the plants in their native habitats and contribute to the flavor profile of beer. Hops require sunny days and well-drained soil, making them ideal for cultivation in regions with a Mediterranean-like climate.

Cannabis, on the other hand, has a broader native range, growing in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions. It has long been used for medicinal, recreational, and industrial purposes. Cannabis plants are rich in cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which contribute to its therapeutic and psychoactive effects. Cannabis also contains terpenes, but in higher concentrations than hops, which contribute to its distinctive aroma and flavor. While both plants are aromatic, cannabis contains more potent compounds, leading to its varied and powerful effects.

Cannabis in Beer: A New Frontier in Brewing

In recent years, cannabis has found its way into beer production, offering a novel alternative to traditional hop-based brewing. When cannabis is used during the brewing process, particularly in the boil to make wort, it imparts unique flavors and compounds that differ from those of hops. Cannabis flowers contain a variety of terpenes, such as myrcene, limonene, and pinene, which are also found in hops but in different proportions. These terpenes contribute earthy, citrusy, piney, and floral notes to the beer, and their chemical profiles can mimic or complement those of hops.

The process of adding cannabis to the wort differs slightly from adding hops. Cannabis is often decarboxylated first, activating its terpenes and cannabinoids, before being added to the boil. The terpenes extracted during this process are more aromatic and complex compared to those of hops. For example, myrcene, a terpene found in both hops and cannabis, can impart herbal, musky, and spicy flavors, while limonene adds a citrusy brightness. However, unlike hops, cannabis can also introduce more varied notes, including earthy, piney, and skunky flavors that are not typically associated with hops.

While hops impart bitterness and a resinous quality to beer, cannabis does not contribute the same degree of bitterness. Instead, cannabis can enhance the aromatic profile of the beer, adding depth and complexity without overwhelming the taste with bitterness. This is why cannabis-infused beers are often described as more fragrant and full-bodied, with a more varied flavor spectrum.

Why Add Cannabis Towards the End?

When adding cannabis to the boil during the brewing process, it’s generally best to add it towards the end of the boil rather than at the beginning. Cannabis contains volatile compounds, particularly terpenes, which are highly sensitive to heat. If cannabis is added at the beginning of the boil, the high temperatures will cause many of these terpenes to evaporate, potentially resulting in a loss of the distinctive aromas and flavors that cannabis can contribute. By adding cannabis later in the boil—usually within the last 10 to 15 minutes—you give the terpenes a chance to infuse into the wort without excessive heat exposure, preserving their potency and aroma.

Can Cannabis and Hops Be Used Together?

When both cannabis and hops are used in the same beer, they create a dynamic and complex flavor profile that combines the best characteristics of each plant. The terpenes in hops, such as myrcene, humulene, and caryophyllene, bring earthy, citrusy, and piney notes, contributing bitterness and a resinous, floral aroma that is characteristic of many craft beers. When paired with cannabis, additional terpenes like limonene, pinene, and terpinolene introduce layers of bright citrus, herbal, and even skunky flavors, enhancing the beer’s aromatic complexity. The cannabis’s distinctive earthy and pine-like qualities can complement the traditional hop bitterness while adding new dimensions of flavor. The result is a beer with a rich, multi-layered aroma, balanced bitterness, and a unique combination of herbal, citrus, and floral notes that provides a refreshing twist on the traditional hop-forward brew.

Comparative Properties

Despite their shared genetic ancestry, hops and cannabis differ in their chemical composition and properties. Hops are rich in bittering acids like alpha acids, which contribute to the characteristic bitterness of beer. Their terpenes provide a wide range of aromas but are generally more subdued than those found in cannabis. Cannabis, on the other hand, contains potent cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which have a range of psychoactive and therapeutic effects. The terpenes in cannabis are more concentrated, which is why cannabis-infused beers often have a more intense aroma.

Visually, hops and cannabis plants are similar, both producing cone-shaped flowers. However, while hops are harvested and used primarily for brewing, cannabis flowers are prized for their cannabinoid content, which can be consumed in various forms. Cannabis flowers used in brewing are often carefully selected for their terpene profiles, rather than their cannabinoid content.

Conclusion

Though hops and cannabis belong to the same family and share a common ancestor, their evolutionary paths have led them to serve very different purposes. Hops have been cultivated for centuries for their role in beer production, while cannabis has developed into a plant with a variety of uses, from recreational to medicinal. The use of cannabis in brewing is a relatively new development, offering brewers an opportunity to experiment with unique flavors and aromas that complement or contrast with those provided by hops. The genetic link between the two plants provides fascinating insights into how plants evolve and adapt to their environments, shaping the flavors and properties that make them both so valuable.

 

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