Hemp vs. Marijuana: What's the Difference?

 

 

 

 

People often get confused when it comes to hemp and marijuana, assuming they are the same thing. While they both come from the same plant family—Cannabis sativa—they’re quite different in many ways. These differences extend to how they’re used, their legal status, and the effects they have. Let’s break down the key differences in a way that’s easy to understand.

What Exactly Are Hemp and Marijuana?

Hemp and marijuana both come from the same plant species, Cannabis sativa, but they are grown and processed differently. You can think of them as different types of fruit from the same tree, each with its own purpose. The biggest difference between them is the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) they contain. THC is the compound that causes the "high" that people often associate with marijuana.

THC Levels: The Core Difference

The amount of THC is the key factor that sets these two apart.

Hemp: Farmers typically grow hemp for industrial purposes, and it contains very low levels of THC—usually less than 0.3%. This low THC content means it won’t get you high. People mainly use hemp to make products like clothing, food supplements, and beauty items.

  • Marijuana: In contrast, growers cultivate marijuana to have much higher levels of THC, often ranging from 5% to 30%. This high THC content makes marijuana more suitable for recreational or medical use because it produces psychoactive effects.

Different Purposes: What Are They Used For?

Because they have such distinct characteristics, hemp and marijuana are used in very different ways.

Uses of Hemp:

  1. Textiles and Accessories: The fibers from the hemp plant are incredibly strong, which makes them ideal for manufacturing clothing, ropes, and even hemp products like eco friendly backpacks.
  2. Food and Supplements: Its seeds are packed with nutrients, which is why you’ll see hemp protein powders and oils used in cooking and health supplements.
  3. Sustainable Products: From biodegradable plastics to building materials, this plant is considered an eco-friendly alternative for various products.

Uses of Marijuana:

  1. Recreational Use: Because of its high levels of THC, marijuana is often used for its psychoactive effects that lead to relaxation or euphoria.
  2. Medical Use: Marijuana is also widely used to treat different medical conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, and even multiple sclerosis. Doctors may recommend it to patients who don’t respond well to traditional treatments.

Legal Status: What the Law Says

Another significant difference between hemp and marijuana is their legal status, which varies depending on where you are.

  • Hemp: In the United States, it’s perfectly legal to grow and sell industrial hemp as long as the THC content is less than 0.3%. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also regulates its use in food and health products.
  • Marijuana: Laws concerning marijuana are more complicated. While some states in the U.S. allow it for recreational and medical use, others still consider it illegal due to its high THC content.

CBD: A Non-Psychoactive Compound

A lot of people also ask about cannabidiol (CBD), another compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects, meaning it won’t get you high. It is used for its potential health benefits, such as helping with anxiety, sleep issues, and even pain management.

  • CBD from Hemp: Because hemp has such a low THC content, most CBD products on the market are derived from it. These products are commonly used to support mental health and wellness without breaking the law.
  • CBD from Marijuana: While CBD can also come from marijuana, products derived from it may contain high doses of THC, making them less widely available and subject to stricter regulations.

Health Benefits and Risks

Both hemp and marijuana offer certain health benefits, but they also carry risks if not used properly.

  • Hemp: Its seeds and oils are rich in essential nutrients, making them a great addition to a healthy diet. Regular consumption may help with heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving overall well-being.
  • Marijuana: Though it can be helpful for people dealing with serious medical conditions, using it in high doses over time can lead to cognitive issues or addiction. That’s why it’s important to use it responsibly, especially when it comes to medical marijuana.

How They Are Grown

The growing process for these two plants is also different.

  • Hemp: Typically grown outdoors, hemp can thrive in a variety of environments with minimal care. The plants grow tall and focus on producing sturdy fibers.
  • Marijuana: Marijuana, on the other hand, is usually grown in controlled environments like greenhouses. This allows growers to carefully regulate light, temperature, and humidity to produce high-THC plants.

The Stigma and Common Confusion

One of the reasons why so many people confuse hemp and marijuana is because of the general stigma surrounding the cannabis plant. Many assume that all cannabis products are illegal or will get you high, but that’s far from the truth. Educating yourself on the differences can clear up much of the confusion.

Why Hemp Is Eco-Friendly

Besides the difference in usage and THC content, industrial hemp is often praised for its positive impact on the environment. Here are some reasons why:

  1. Fast Growth: It grows much quicker than many other crops, making it a renewable resource.
  2. Low Water Consumption: The plant uses less water compared to crops like cotton, making it ideal for eco-conscious farmers.
  3. Pesticide-Free: It’s naturally resistant to pests, which reduces the need for harmful chemicals.
  4. Carbon Absorption: The plant absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to combat climate change.

Conclusion

Although hemp and marijuana come from the same plant species, they have important differences. People use hemp to create sustainable and eco-friendly products, while they often use marijuana for its psychoactive effects.

By understanding these differences, we can make better choices—whether that means selecting the right products for our health, supporting the environment, or staying informed about the laws surrounding these plants.By knowing the distinct purposes and legal status of each, you can feel confident in choosing hemp products for sustainable living or seeking out medical marijuana for its potential health benefits.

Back to blog