Biological source, chemical nature and uses of hemp MCQs With Answer

Introduction: Hemp, derived from Cannabis sativa L., is an important plant in pharmaceutics and industrial applications. B.Pharm students should understand its biological source, distinguishing features from marijuana, and phytochemistry—especially key cannabinoids like CBD, THC, CBG, as well as terpenes and flavonoids. Knowledge of industrial hemp uses such as fiber, seed oil, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical CBD formulations is essential for quality control, regulatory compliance, and therapeutic considerations. This overview links taxonomy, chemical nature, pharmacology, and practical applications to clinical and industrial contexts for pharmacy practice. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. What is the botanical name of hemp commonly used in industry?

• Cannabis indica
• Cannabis sativa
• Nicotiana tabacum
• Humulus lupulus

Correct Answer: Cannabis sativa

Q2. Which family does hemp belong to?

• Solanaceae
• Rosaceae
• Cannabaceae
• Fabaceae

Correct Answer: Cannabaceae

Q3. Which compound is the primary non-intoxicating cannabinoid of interest in many pharmaceutical products?

• Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
• Cannabigerol (CBG)
• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Cannabinol (CBN)

Correct Answer: Cannabidiol (CBD)

Q4. What legal THC content threshold commonly distinguishes industrial hemp from marijuana in many jurisdictions?

• Less than 0.3% THC (dry weight)
• Less than 3% THC (dry weight)
• Less than 10% THC (dry weight)
• No legal threshold exists

Correct Answer: Less than 0.3% THC (dry weight)

Q5. Which phytochemical is the universal cannabinoid precursor in Cannabis biosynthesis?

• Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA)
• Olivetolic acid
• Geranyl pyrophosphate
• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

Correct Answer: Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA)

Q6. Which part of the hemp plant is richest in cannabinoids?

• Roots
• Seeds
• Flowering tops (inflorescences)
• Stem pith

Correct Answer: Flowering tops (inflorescences)

Q7. Which class of secondary metabolites contributes to hemp aroma and may modulate cannabinoid effects?

• Alkaloids
• Terpenes
• Saponins
• Tannins

Correct Answer: Terpenes

Q8. Hemp seed oil is especially rich in which nutritional components?

• Saturated fatty acids exclusively
• Omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids
• High levels of THC
• Steroid hormones

Correct Answer: Omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids

Q9. Which pharmaceutical application is CBD most commonly investigated for?

• Antibiotic therapy
• Anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic use
• Direct insulin replacement
• Proton pump inhibition

Correct Answer: Anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic use

Q10. Industrial hemp fiber is primarily obtained from which tissue?

• Bast (phloem) fibers of the stem
• Xylem vessels
• Leaf mesophyll
• Root cortex

Correct Answer: Bast (phloem) fibers of the stem

Q11. Which analytical method is standard for quantifying THC and CBD in hemp products?

• Thin-layer chromatography only
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or GC-MS with appropriate sample prep
• Simple pH testing
• Optical microscopy

Correct Answer: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or GC-MS with appropriate sample prep

Q12. Which compound is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana?

• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
• Cannabichromene (CBC)
• Cannabidivarin (CBDV)

Correct Answer: Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Q13. Which regulatory consideration is essential for marketing hemp-derived CBD as a pharmaceutical?

• Proving identity, purity, potency, and safety through clinical trials and GMP
• Only labeling as “natural” is sufficient
• No regulations apply to hemp-derived pharmaceuticals
• Only agricultural certificates are required

Correct Answer: Proving identity, purity, potency, and safety through clinical trials and GMP

Q14. Which flavonoids are commonly found in hemp and may contribute to pharmacological effects?

• Quercetin and kaempferol
• Atropine and scopolamine
• Cocaine and morphine
• Resveratrol and curcumin

Correct Answer: Quercetin and kaempferol

Q15. Hemp-derived CBD products claiming medical benefits must primarily demonstrate which property?

• GMO-free status
• Clinical efficacy and safety for the claimed indication
• Low production cost
• High fiber content

Correct Answer: Clinical efficacy and safety for the claimed indication

Q16. What is a common non-pharmaceutical industrial use of hemp hurds (shiv)?

• Food additive
• Construction material such as hempcrete and insulation
• Substitute for gasoline
• Direct injection drug

Correct Answer: Construction material such as hempcrete and insulation

Q17. Which cannabinoid is known as the “mother cannabinoid” because it is a biosynthetic precursor?

• Cannabigerol (CBG)
• Cannabichromene (CBC)
• Delta-8-THC
• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

Correct Answer: Cannabigerol (CBG)

Q18. Which statement about hemp seeds is correct?

• Hemp seeds contain high levels of cannabinoids in unprocessed form
• Hemp seeds are a rich source of protein and essential fatty acids with minimal cannabinoids
• Hemp seeds are toxic and unsuitable for food
• Hemp seeds are used primarily for fiber extraction

Correct Answer: Hemp seeds are a rich source of protein and essential fatty acids with minimal cannabinoids

Q19. Which enzyme class catalyzes the conversion of CBGA to CBDA or THCA in the plant?

• Decarboxylases only
• Synthases (cannabinoid synthases)
• Proteases
• Kinases

Correct Answer: Synthases (cannabinoid synthases)

Q20. At a pharmacological level, CBD primarily interacts with which system?

• Renin-angiotensin system only
• Endocannabinoid system modulatory pathways
• Direct adrenergic receptor agonism
• Vitamin D metabolic pathway

Correct Answer: Endocannabinoid system modulatory pathways

Q21. Which term best describes hemp varieties bred for low THC and high fiber or seed yield?

• Drug-type cannabis
• Industrial hemp cultivars
• Wild cannabis
• Ornamental cannabis

Correct Answer: Industrial hemp cultivars

Q22. What is the significance of decarboxylation in cannabis chemistry?

• It converts carboxylated cannabinoid acids into their neutral, often pharmacologically active forms
• It increases fiber strength
• It sterilizes seeds for planting
• It removes terpenes from the plant

Correct Answer: It converts carboxylated cannabinoid acids into their neutral, often pharmacologically active forms

Q23. Which quality parameter is critical for hemp seed oil intended for human consumption?

• High THC concentration
• Low peroxide value and appropriate fatty acid profile
• Presence of stems and leaves
• High moisture content

Correct Answer: Low peroxide value and appropriate fatty acid profile

Q24. Which regulatory document is most relevant for pharmaceutical-grade hemp/CBD production?

• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines
• Organic farming brochure
• Building codes
• Food menu labeling laws

Correct Answer: Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines

Q25. Which terpene commonly found in hemp may have anti-inflammatory properties?

• Limonene
• Methane
• Benzene
• Acetone

Correct Answer: Limonene

Q26. Which analytical parameter helps confirm the absence of significant psychoactive risk in hemp products?

• Total protein content
• THC concentration below legal limit
• Color of the oil
• Seed size uniformity

Correct Answer: THC concentration below legal limit

Q27. In pharmacy practice, hemp-derived topical products are primarily used for:

• Systemic chemotherapy
• Local symptomatic relief such as analgesia or anti-inflammatory effects
• Replacing vaccines
• Intravenous nutrition

Correct Answer: Local symptomatic relief such as analgesia or anti-inflammatory effects

Q28. Which cultivation trait is typically selected for in hemp grown for fiber rather than seed?

• Short, branching plants with many seeds
• Tall, unbranched stalks with long bast fibers
• High flower density for cannabinoid extraction
• Underground tuber development

Correct Answer: Tall, unbranched stalks with long bast fibers

Q29. Which safety issue must pharmacists consider when dispensing hemp-derived products?

• Potential drug–drug interactions, especially via CYP enzymes
• Guaranteed absence of contaminants without testing
• No potential for adverse effects
• Universal dosing across all patients

Correct Answer: Potential drug–drug interactions, especially via CYP enzymes

Q30. Which statement best describes the “entourage effect” concept in hemp pharmacology?

• Isolated pure THC is always superior to combinations
• Synergistic interactions among cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds may modulate overall effects
• Terpenes negate all cannabinoid activity
• Only synthetic drugs produce entourage effects

Correct Answer: Synergistic interactions among cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds may modulate overall effects

Download