Hemp Vs. Marijuana: What’s the Difference?

Hemp Vs. Marijuana

Hemp and marijuana are two distinct varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant, each with its own unique characteristics. Botanically, hemp typically features tall, slender stalks and thin foliage, while marijuana tends to have shorter, bushier plants with more abundant leaves and dense flowering buds. One of the primary factors distinguishing the two is their THC content: hemp contains minimal levels of THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana, while marijuana contains higher concentrations.

Furthermore, hemp and marijuana are cultivated for different purposes. Hemp is grown primarily for its industrial applications, including textiles, paper, biodegradable plastics, and CBD extraction. On the other hand, marijuana is cultivated mainly for its medicinal or recreational use due to its higher THC content. These botanical and usage differences underscore the distinct identities of hemp and marijuana within the Cannabis sativa species, despite their shared genetic heritage.¹

What Is Marijuana (Weed)?

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. It contains compounds known as cannabinoids, most notably THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for its intoxicating effects. When marijuana is consumed, typically through smoking, vaporizing, or ingesting, THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, specifically targeting receptors in the brain and nervous system. This interaction leads to various psychoactive effects, including euphoria, relaxation, altered perception of time and space, heightened sensory perception, and increased appetite. The method of consumption can vary, with smoking being the most common, but it can also be consumed orally through edibles, tinctures, or capsules, or through methods such as vaping or dabbing.

What Is Hemp?

Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that is primarily cultivated for industrial purposes and contains very low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Unlike marijuana, hemp does not produce intoxicating effects when consumed because its THC content is typically less than 0.3%.² Instead, hemp is valued for its versatile applications, including producing textiles, paper, biodegradable plastics, construction materials, biofuels, and nutritional supplements like CBD (cannabidiol) oil. Hemp can be consumed in various forms, such as seeds, oil, flour, or protein powder, and is also utilized in non-consumable products like clothing, rope, and building materials. Due to its low THC content, hemp is not used recreationally like marijuana but instead serves as a sustainable resource for a wide range of industrial and commercial purposes.

Common products that might contain hemp include:

• Textiles
• Concrete
• Paper
• Biodegradable plastics
• Biofuels
• Nutritional supplements (CBD oil)
• Cosmetics and skincare products
• Food and beverages (seeds, oil, flour, protein powder)
• Animal bedding and litter
• Rope and twine

THC Levels in Hemp Vs Marijuana

The legal levels found in marijuana and hemp primarily revolve around THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content. In many jurisdictions, marijuana is considered illegal or heavily regulated due to its higher THC levels, which can induce psychoactive effects. The legal threshold for THC content in hemp is typically set at or below 0.3%, distinguishing it from marijuana and allowing for its cultivation and use in various industries. This distinction is crucial for regulatory purposes, as hemp-derived products with low THC levels are considered non-intoxicating and are legal to produce, sell, and consume in many regions, while marijuana with higher THC concentrations remains subject to strict legal controls.³

CBD in Hemp & Marijuana

CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system in both hemp and marijuana plants. While hemp is cultivated primarily for industrial use and CBD extraction, marijuana is grown for its psychoactive THC content. Hemp-derived CBD products contain minimal THC (<0.3%), making them non-intoxicating, whereas marijuana-derived CBD may have higher THC levels, leading to psychoactive effects. Concentrations of CBD and THC vary depending on the strain and cultivation methods.

Are Hemp & Marijuana Addictive?

Hemp and marijuana’s addictive potential varies due to THC and CBD content. THC in marijuana can lead to psychological dependence, but addiction risk is generally lower than with nicotine or opioids. CBD, which is prevalent in both, might mitigate THC’s effects, potentially reducing addiction risk. Hemp-derived CBD, which is low in THC, isn’t associated with addiction, while CBD itself isn’t addictive, potentially aiding addiction management.

Hemp-derived CBD products, with minimal THC (<0.3%), lack the addictive properties of marijuana. CBD, which is non-euphoric and non-addictive, shows promise in addiction management. Though hemp and marijuana addiction is less common than with other substances, individual responses vary, and problematic usage can occur.

Industrial Uses of Hemp & Marijuana

Hemp and marijuana serve a range of industrial purposes. Hemp’s robust fibers are used in textiles, ropes, construction materials, and seeds for food, oil, and biofuel. While marijuana isn’t commonly grown for industrial use due to its psychoactive nature, its cannabinoids hold potential in pharmaceuticals for conditions such as pain, epilepsy, and mental health disorders, as well as in various research applications.

Medicinal Uses of Hemp & Marijuana

Hemp and marijuana each provide unique medicinal advantages. Hemp-derived CBD products are renowned for their non-intoxicating properties and are utilized to alleviate chronic pain, anxiety, and inflammation. Marijuana, containing both THC and CBD, is effective in treating conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea, glaucoma, and muscle spasms linked to multiple sclerosis. Both plants’ compounds hold the potential to address various health issues, although ongoing research is essential to ascertain their efficacy and safety.

Mental Health Uses of Hemp & Marijuana

Hemp and marijuana have distinct applications in mental health. Hemp-derived CBD oil and Marijuana products are increasingly studied for their potential in managing anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders due to their calming effects on the nervous system. Conversely, marijuana’s psychoactive properties, particularly its THC content, can exacerbate anxiety and psychosis in some individuals. However, some strains with higher CBD levels may offer therapeutic benefits for certain mental health conditions.

Moreover, research suggests that cannabinoids in both hemp and marijuana may modulate neurotransmitter systems involved in mood regulation, offering potential therapeutic avenues for conditions like ADHD, PTSD and schizophrenia. However, the variability in individual responses to THC and CBD highlights the importance of tailored treatment approaches and further investigation into the precise mechanisms underlying their effects on mental health.

Are Hemp & Marijuana Legal?

Hemp and marijuana face diverse legal standings worldwide. While hemp, low in THC, often gains legality for industrial purposes, marijuana’s psychoactive nature leads to stringent regulations. In the U.S., the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp, sparking a CBD industry surge. Despite state-level marijuana legalization, federal prohibition complicates the legal framework.