The cannabis plant is one of the most characteristic of the entire plant panorama and has, possibly, the most recognized leaves in the world of botany. However, that does not mean that it is the only species that has leaves with multiple-toothed and pointed leaflets. There are many plants that look like marijuana. In fact, it is quite common to find in the news police raids on establishments or homes to confiscate a plantation, only to later realize that they had made a mistake and that the crop was not cannabis, but other types of plants that were grown. They look like marijuana.
Plants that look like marijuana
Throughout the planet, many species have aesthetic features very similar to the cannabis plant. In general, what relates the following plants to marijuana are their leaves, the most characteristic element of our favorite plant.
Although, once in flower, their fruits are completely different, in the growth stage anyone could get confused looking at the following species.
Coral plant
- Scientific name: Jatropha multifida.
- Family: Euphorbiaceae.
- Origin: Central America and the Caribbean.
This tropical plant has leaves very similar to those of marijuana, although most have more serrated teeth. Its main difference with cannabis is the beautiful red fruit that emanates from this plant and that begins to be created six months after germination. Therefore, confusion between species usually occurs in the growth stage.
Finally, it should be noted that this plant is toxic, like most individuals in its family, so it is advisable to use gloves when interacting with it.
![Coral plant](https://blogmarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-23-120620-1024x720.jpg)
Chasteberry
- Scientific name: Vitex Agnus Castus.
- Family: Lamiaceae.
- Origin: It grows around Mediterranean rivers and in some parts of Asia.
Chasteberry is a plant whose leaves are very similar to those of cannabis. However, its flower is white, horned, elongated, and contains seeds inside.
This plant is widely used in certain gynecological medications, especially to balance estrogen and progesterone levels in women suffering from hyperestrogenism. On the other hand, it is also used in bodybuilding and other competitive strength activities, as it increases men’s testosterone.
![Chasteberry](https://blogmarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-23-120752-1024x565.jpg)
Kenaf
- Scientific name: Hibiscus Cannabinus.
- Family: Malvaceae.
- Origin: It grows in the tropical environments of Asia and Africa.
Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus) shares much more with marijuana than its name, since its leaves are very similar.
This plant has been used throughout history in cooking (its leaves and seeds are edible and work very well to flavor certain recipes or cook sweets), in medicine (relieving pain or heartburn through infusions), or in the paper industry (its fiber is very resistant and compact).
![Kenaf](https://blogmarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-23-120944-1024x630.jpg)
False Aralia
- Scientific name : Schefflera Elegantissima.
- Family : Araliaceae.
- Origin: It grows in certain parts of the Pacific Ocean, such as Oceania and New Caledonia.
The False Aralia is a plant that is widely used to decorate both outdoor balconies and interior areas of the home. As its name indicates, it is an elegant specimen and very suitable for ornamental purposes.
It does not have flowers, but its toothed leaves with elongated leaflets are very reminiscent of those of cannabis sativa.
Palmed Japanese Maple
- Scientific name: Acer Palmatum.
- Family: Sapindaceae.
- Origin: It grows in Asia Pacific, specifically in places like Japan or South Korea.
The Acer Palmatum is one of the most valued trees in terms of decoration since it is not too large (between 5 and 8 meters) and has very elegant leaves (similar to those of cannabis) that can be green, red, or purple, depending on the species in question.
![Palmed Japanese Maple](https://blogmarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-23-121217-1024x650.jpg)
Straight Potentilla
- Scientific name: Quinquefolio.
- Family: Rosaceae.
- Origin: Central and Northern Europe.
The Potentilla Recta (also known as Quinquefolio) is a plant that has evolved a lot over the last decades, as it has traveled from Finland to Russia, enduring cold temperatures and varying its flora.
Its leaves, extremely similar to those of indica cannabis, are distributed between the root and the top, covering the stem. Its flowers emerge from the upper part of the plant, where its characteristic leaves, reminiscent of those of marijuana, are no longer found.
On the other hand, it has been used throughout history as a method to cut and prevent diarrhea, as well as to reduce hemorrhoids.
![Straight Potentilla](https://blogmarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-23-121453-1024x708.jpg)
Fake Hemp
- Scientific name: Datisca Cannabina.
- Family: Datiscaceae.
- Origin: Southern Europe, in areas such as Greece or Turkey, and in Asia.
Datisca Cannabina is a plant very similar to cannabis, which is why it is colloquially known as ‘ False Hemp ‘. It is part of a very small family of plants, with only two species, and has certain medical uses as a purgative and diuretic.
Finally, hemp could be included as another species that confuses law enforcement since, despite being the same plant, its cultivation is legal as long as it has less than 0.3% THC (depending on the country). being used especially in the textile and cosmetic industry.
These are some of the plants that look like marijuana but everyone has different features.