Table of Contents
What is the difference between hemp and marijuana
1. Botanical Origin
- Hemp and Marijuana: Both come from the Cannabis sativa species.
- Difference: They are cultivated for different purposes and traits.
2. THC Content
- Hemp: ≤ 0.3% THC (non-psychoactive).
- Marijuana: 5–30% THC (psychoactive; causes a “high”).
3. Cannabinoid Profile
- Hemp: High in CBD (used for therapeutic effects like anxiety, pain, and epilepsy).
- Marijuana: High in THC (used for recreational and medicinal purposes).
4. Legal Status (U.S.)
- Hemp: Permitted under the 2018 Farm Bill on a federal level.
- Marijuana: Federally illegal; legality varies by state (medical/recreational).
5. Cultivation
- Hemp: Grown outdoors, tall stalks, minimal maintenance, used for fiber, seed, CBD.
- Marijuana: Grown in controlled environments, bushier, requires careful attention to maximize THC yield.
6. Uses
- Hemp:
- Industrial: textiles, rope, paper, bioplastics.
- Nutritional: hemp seeds, protein powders.
- Medicinal: CBD products (non-intoxicating).
- Marijuana:
- Recreational: used for euphoria/high.
- Medicinal: used to treat pain, nausea, insomnia, etc.
7. Appearance
- Hemp: Tall, skinny plants with sparse foliage.
- Marijuana: Shorter, bushier plants with broad leaves and dense buds.
Summary:
Hemp is non-psychoactive, legally grown for industrial and therapeutic CBD products. Marijuana is psychoactive, regulated, and used for recreational or medical THC-based effects.
