WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEMP AND MARIJUANA?

With the CBD industry growing at such a rapid rate, there’s so much information and misconception out there related to the plant it’s sourced from, which is the hemp plant.

Hemp, marijuana and cannabis are often used together and it can be quite confusing to figure out which is which.

Here’s a simplified explanation of what all these terms mean!

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is the name of a specific plant family that produces flowers. This family is usually divided into three main species: cannabis sativa, cannabis indica and cannabis ruderalis.

Both, hemp and marijuana are part of the cannabis plant family.

What is Hemp?

Hemp is legally referred to as the Cannabis sativa plant that produces less than 0.3% (or 0.2% in some countries) THC by weight when the plant is dried. On the other hand, hemp contains a high concentration of CBD, the non-psychoactive compound that’s used in the health and wellness industry.

Hemp production is done under strict protocols and policies to make sure that the end product contains less than 0.3% THC, the active compound in marijuana that causes a high.

Hemp is not only produced for its high CBD content, but it’s also used to make ropes, fibers, and other materials. It has more tensile strength and is more durable than cotton.

Hemp seed oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the plant, is used in the skincare industry. It’s also considered a superfood and eaten for its rich nutrients!

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is any cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Thus, the only difference between hemp and marijuana is the content of THC produced. Biologically, these plants are of the same variant!

Marijuana is either cultivated for medical purposes or for recreational purposes. It has a high THC content that results in the “high” or euphoric state that’s experienced with its intake.

Legality Status

Hemp has been legalized across many different states and countries around the world. On the other hand, marijuana is still illegal in many parts of the world.

Medical marijuana is produced in certain countries with very strict protocols and policies.

We hope this removed any misconceptions that you may have had!