Hemp Vs. Cannabis, What’s the Difference?
The terms cannabis and hemp are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant species with distinct characteristics, uses, and legal classifications. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:
- Botanical Differences
- Cannabis (Marijuana):
– Typically refers to varieties of Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica that are grown for their high content of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound that causes a “high.”
– These plants tend to be shorter, bushier, and have broad leaves.
- Hemp:
– Refers specifically to **Cannabis sativa** varieties cultivated for their low THC content (by law, less than 0.3% THC in the U.S.).
– Hemp plants are generally taller with thinner leaves, and they are grown closer together in fields.
- Chemical Composition
- Cannabis (Marijuana):
– Has a high concentration of THC (5-30%), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects.
– Contains varying levels of cannabidiol (CBD), but usually in lower amounts compared to THC-dominant strains.
- Hemp:
– Contains high levels of CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids, with THC content below 0.3%.
– Hemp is often used to produce CBD oils, nutritional supplements, and other non-psychoactive products.
- Legal Status
- Cannabis (Marijuana):
– Heavily regulated or illegal in many countries and states, depending on local laws regarding recreational and medicinal use.
– In the U.S., marijuana is federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
- Hemp:
– Federally legal in the U.S. since the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the cultivation of hemp as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC.
– Considered an agricultural crop and is widely used in various industries, including textiles, food, supplements, and cosmetics.
- Uses and Applications
- Cannabis (Marijuana):
– Primarily used for recreational and medicinal purposes due to its psychoactive properties.
– Medicinal cannabis is prescribed to manage symptoms like chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy.
- Hemp:
– Versatile and used in various industries:
– CBD products: Oils, tinctures, capsules, and topicals for health and wellness.
– Industrial applications: Textiles, ropes, biodegradable plastics, paper, and building materials (e.g., hempcrete).
– Food products: Hemp seeds, protein powders, and oils, valued for their nutritional profile.
- Cultivation
- Cannabis (Marijuana):
– Typically grown in controlled environments like indoor facilities or greenhouses to optimize THC levels and ensure a potent crop.
– Requires specific lighting, temperature, and humidity conditions.
- Hemp:
– Grown outdoors in large fields, often in diverse climates, with less intensive care than marijuana plants.
– Generally bred for fiber, seeds, or CBD extraction, depending on the purpose.
Summary Table
Aspect Cannabis (Marijuana) Hemp
|———————|———————————–|—————————————-
| THC Content | High (5-30%) | Low (<0.3%)
| CBD Content | Varies, typically lower | High
| Legal Status | Restricted in many areas | Federally legal in the U.S.
| Uses | Recreational, medicinal | Industrial, CBD products, food
| Appearance | Short, bushy, broad leaves | Tall, thin leaves, lanky growth
Understanding these differences is crucial, especially when discussing or purchasing products, as hemp-derived CBD products are legal and non-psychoactive, whereas marijuana-derived products may be subject to more restrictions due to their psychoactive effects.
Orozona Oils uses industrial grade hemp extract with THC levels far below the 0.3% threshold for all of our CBD products, avoiding any unwanted, psychoactive experience.