Hemp vs. Marijuana: What's the Difference?

There is a lot of misunderstanding on the subject of Hemp and Marijuana. Some think both terms refer to the same thing and could be used interchangeably. Others believe both plants have the same properties and use. 

Well, we are here to clear up the mystery and give you the facts on what separates Hemp and Marijuana. This article will address many of your burning questions regarding Hemp and Marijuana. 

What is Hemp? 

Hemp is a non-psychoactive strain of the cannabis plant. Hemp plants are typically tall with long wide leaves. Despite being connected to Marijuana, Hemp has many different purposes.

Uses for Hemp 

Hemp is a multipurpose plant with numerous applications. The plant's fibers can be used to manufacture rope, textiles, and paper. Food, oil, and cosmetics can all be made from seeds.

 For centuries, Hemp has been used for a variety of purposes. In the past, Hemp was utilized to create ship sails and rigging ropes. Paper and garment fabrics were both made from Hemp. Hemp is still made for some of these same uses and more. Food, oil, and cosmetics can all be made from hemp seeds. 

Hemp seeds can be used to create hemp milk, a dairy-free substitute for milk. Additionally, hemp seeds are utilized in cosmetics like body lotion and lip balm. The hemp plant's leaves can be used to make medicine. Teas from hemp leaves are believed to treat various conditions, including pain alleviation, anxiety, and sleeplessness. Hemp fiber can even be made into building material. 

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a cannabis strain with a high THC content. Marijuana plants are typically short and bushy, with thin, serrated leaves. Marijuana is generally used for recreational or medicinal purposes. 

Hemp vs. Marijuana:    

Marijuana is used to describe cannabis and the psychoactive effects it has. Hemp is another term for a specific cannabis plant; however, it does not contain psychoactive properties. Since Hemp contains more cannabidiol (CBD) than Marijuana, it is frequently used to make CBD products. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound believed to have a range of potential health benefits. While both Marijuana and Hemp stem from the same plant, they serve different purposes. Hemp is typically utilized to make CBD products, whereas Marijuana is used recreationally.

The distinction between Hemp and Marijuana comes down to the THC content of the plant. THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a psychoactive substance. In other words, it's the part of the plant that gets you high. Marijuana plants can contain up to 30% THC, while hemp plants only have a THC content of 0.3% or less (legally). While cannabis plants can be either Hemp or Marijuana, Hemp is the non-intoxicating form of the plant. The plant makes products such as hemp oil, hemp seeds, hemp seed oil, and CBD oil. While Hemp and Marijuana may appear similar, they're very different plants.

Cannabis sativa is the plant family that includes Hemp and Marijuana. They're both parts of the same family of plants, but they're two different types. Here's what sets them apart:  

Hemp plants have a very low THC content, while marijuana plants have a very high THC content. Hemp plants have a very high CBD content, while marijuana plants have only a small amount of CBD. Hemp plants have fewer leaves than marijuana plants. Hemp plants are grown for their seeds, fiber, and oil, while marijuana plants are grown for their flowers, which contain high levels of THC. Now that you recognize the difference between Hemp and Marijuana, let's take a closer look at hemp oil.

What Is the Difference Between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil?

CBD oil and Hemp oil are two different products derived from hemp plants. Hemp oil is produced by pressing hemp plant seeds, whereas CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the hemp plant. Hemp oil is a nutritional supplement high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. It's often used in cooking or as a salad dressing. CBD oil is a natural remedy to treat various conditions, such as pain, anxiety, and depression. While hemp oil and CBD oil are both made from the same plant, they're two different products with different purposes.

There is some confusion on the topic of hemp flower extract and hemp seed oil. CBD is derived from hemp flower extract, which also has the highest levels of cannabinoids. Many products are extracted from processed hemp flowers. Hemp oil is produced by processing the seeds.

Although this oil has incredible health benefits, it lacks CBD and other cannabinoids. Healthy fatty acids are abundant in hemp oil and have numerous health advantages.

Legality: Hemp versus Marijuana 

In 2014, the United States Congress passed a Farm Bill that allowed states to pass legislation regarding Hemp. Since then, the majority of the states in the US have passed legislation allowing farmers to grow Hemp. The US government classifies Hemp as a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC. Hemp cannot get a person high because it contains a small amount of THC. Marijuana, in contrast, is defined as a cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% THC. 

When the 2014 Farm bill expired, a new 2018 farm bill was passed. This law passed more strict legislation on Hemp. States were now mandated to have regular testing to examine acceptable THC levels. 

Marijuana is in a more complicated space compared to Hemp. The Controlled Substances Act states Marijuana is categorized as a schedule I drug on the federal level. This means the government believes Marijuana to be highly addictive and to have no known medical benefits. Marijuana is illegal to grow, sell, or possess under federal law. Some states have partially allowed the use of cannabis for medical purposes, despite the federal government's classification of the drug as a Schedule I substance.

Visit CANNABISMD for more information on Medical Marijuana in Virginia.

With all this information, you now know all the differences and similarities between Marijuana and Hemp. Both terms refer to the Cannabis plant but are used in different ways. Laws around both are very complicated and are still in the process of keeping up with public opinion. Contact us today for information on medical Marijuana in Virginia, or book an appointment today.