Hemp vs. Marijuana: What’s the Difference?
Both hemp and marijuana come from the same species, Cannabis sativa, yet they are often seen as distinct. The primary difference between the two lies in their chemical makeup, particularly the concentration of a specific cannabinoid called THC.
Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana
A common misconception is that hemp and marijuana are separate plant species. In reality, they are simply different varieties of the cannabis plant. Scientifically, there’s no difference between “hemp” and “marijuana” as they belong to the same species of the Cannabaceae family.
However, from a legal standpoint, the key distinction between hemp and marijuana is their THC content. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a chemical found in cannabis that produces the "high" associated with marijuana use.
Similar to other plants like a tomato plant, there are several varieties of tomatoes for the purpose of large "meaty" tomatoes to small "juicy" sweet tomatoes. These plants are both still tomato plants but produce the needs of the farmer/ planter. So as it goes between hemp and marijuana, people selected fast tall plants for fiber based growth that turned into what is today's Hemp, while people after a high, preferred plants that put most their energy into their flowers (the bud) instead of fiber, and is defined now as Marijuana.
What Is Hemp?
The term “hemp” refers to cannabis that contains 0.3% or less THC by dry weight. This definition originated in a 1979 book titled "The Species Problem in Cannabis: Science & Semantics" by Ernest Small. Small acknowledged that the 0.3% THC limit was somewhat arbitrary but suggested it as a way to distinguish between hemp and marijuana. This limit was later adopted in U.S. law, notably in the 2018 Agricultural Act (Farm Bill).
Due to its low THC content, hemp is not psychoactive and will not produce a "high." Hemp is primarily cultivated for industrial and agricultural uses.
What Is Marijuana?
When people refer to “marijuana,” they’re typically talking about cannabis that can cause a psychoactive effect or "high." Marijuana contains more than 0.3% THC by dry weight, with some strains specifically bred to contain much higher concentrations of THC. These higher-THC cannabis plants can be Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, or hybrid strains.
It’s important to note that the term "marijuana" has controversial roots. During the early 20th century, the word became associated with Mexican immigrants who were stereotyped as frequent cannabis users. Anti-cannabis propaganda during this time fueled racist sentiments and led to the demonization of cannabis under the name "marijuana," which became widely used in public discourse to separate it from medicinal or industrial hemp. As a result, many people in the industry today prefer the term "cannabis" over "marijuana" to avoid perpetuating these associations.
Uses of Hemp and Marijuana
Both hemp and marijuana are used for different purposes due to their differing chemical compositions.
Hemp:
- Industrial Applications: Hemp is grown for its fibers, which are used to produce products like paper, clothing, textiles, and even biodegradable plastics. Because hemp plants grow quickly, they are often seen as a sustainable alternative to other raw materials.
- Food and Nutrition: Hemp seeds are highly nutritious, packed with protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids. Products such as hemp seed oil, hemp protein powder, and hemp milk are popular dietary choices.
Marijuana:
- Recreational and Medical Uses: Marijuana is consumed primarily for its THC content, which can induce a psychoactive "high." However, it is also widely used in medicinal contexts, such as for pain relief, stress reduction, or the treatment of chronic conditions. Marijuana can be consumed in various forms, including smoking, vaping, edibles, and extracts like oils and tinctures.
- Therapeutic Cannabinoids: While THC is the most well-known cannabinoid in marijuana, strains lower in THC but higher in cannabidiol (CBD) are gaining popularity for their potential health benefits without causing intoxication.
Legality of Hemp vs. Marijuana
In the United States, the legal distinction between hemp and marijuana is primarily based on THC content. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation of hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) and the production of hemp-derived CBD products.
Marijuana, on the other hand, remains federally illegal, although many states have passed laws allowing its medical and/or recreational use. In some states, marijuana is fully legal, while in others it may only be allowed for medical use or remain completely illegal.
The legal landscape for both hemp and marijuana continues to evolve, especially as more states consider reforming their cannabis laws.
CBD: The Common Factor
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in both hemp and marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and is widely used for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety, managing pain, and promoting sleep.
Hemp-derived CBD, with less than 0.3% THC, is federally legal, while marijuana-derived CBD is subject to state regulations. Regardless of the source, CBD products are growing in popularity as people look for natural alternatives for health and wellness.
Takeaway
Hemp and marijuana are both varieties of the same cannabis species, but their legal status, uses, and THC content set them apart.
- Hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, is non-intoxicating, and is primarily used for industrial, agricultural, and nutritional purposes.
- Marijuana contains more than 0.3% THC and is used both recreationally and medically for its psychoactive effects.
Understanding these distinctions can help you make informed decisions about which cannabis products may be right for you.