Hemp and marijuana are two terms that get thrown around a lot when talking about cannabis plants. After all, both refer to the same species of plants, Cannabis sativa.
However, there are different varieties of this plant. Many people don’t fully understand the difference between hemp and marijuana. As this difference greatly impacts the legal status and use of these plants, understanding it is critical.
So, what are the differences between hemp and marijuana? Find out more about these two terms and other important elements of cannabis.
What Is Marijuana?
Many people use marijuana as a catch-all term for anything cannabis-related. However, this isn’t the legal definition of marijuana. Legally, the term “marijuana” only refers to cannabis plants that have a THC content greater than 0.3% by dry weight.
Since there are a few different varieties of cannabis, there are a few different plants that legally qualify as marijuana. Any cannabis plant qualifies as marijuana as long as it has enough THC in it.
What Is Hemp?
Hemp is similar to marijuana as it also refers to cannabis plants. However, these plants must have less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
Again, since there are a few different varieties of cannabis, there are several different varieties that legally qualify as hemp. However, in all of these cases, the cannabis plant must have a low enough level of THC. If the THC level is too high, it is marijuana, not hemp.
What Is CBD?
Within cannabis plants, there are several different cannabinoids. The most popular of these is CBD because of its effects on the body’s endocannabinoid system.
You can find CBD in both marijuana and hemp. However, a key difference between hemp and marijuana is that CBD is only legal on a federal level if it comes from hemp.
Uses of Cannabis Plants
The uses of cannabis plants vary depending on which plant you are talking about.
Marijuana uses typically take advantage of its high THC content. Since THC is the cannabinoid responsible for producing the mental “high” that marijuana is famous for, uses for marijuana often focus on producing this effect. In a medical setting, this usually includes pain relief or the management of conditions like anxiety and depression.
Meanwhile, since hemp doesn’t have much THC in it, its uses often take advantage of the CBD within it. Because of this, processors can turn hemp into a wide variety of CBD products.
Finally, the fibers and physical elements of hemp plants are also useful in products, including:
- Paper
- Textiles
- Foods
- Plastic
Legality
The difference between hemp and marijuana is important because it impacts their legality. The Controlled Substances Act heavily regulates cannabis products. However, a recent Farm Bill legalized hemp on a federal level.
Because of this, it is now federally legal to make products from hemp and the CBD within it. The change here is why you likely saw a wave of products like CBD oil hit the shelves over the last few years. The Food and Drug Administration now regulates these products, ensuring their safety.
Despite being federally legal, drug enforcement of cannabis varies on a state level. Some states heavily restrict products made from hemp. Others allow products made from hemp or marijuana.
Many states, including Washington, restrict any cannabis use to those over 21 years old.
Choose the Right Cannabis Products for You
Once you understand the difference between hemp and marijuana, you can better choose the right products for you.
Looking for a reputable supplier of cannabis products? Cannabis & Glass is here for your needs in Eastern Washington. Call us at (509) 710-7118 or visit us online to learn more about our selection of cannabis products.
