The age-old feud between hemp and marijuana has been going on for as long as they’ve both been around. As much as we continue to find out about the benefits of cannabis, we are also exposed to a lot of false information. Hemp, marijuana, and cannabis are all related. They’re all from the same plant family, but they each have their own unique properties. So today, we’re giving you the scoop on hemp vs marijuana.
As a Cannasseur, you should know the difference between hemp vs. marijuana.
Each one has a different level of THC (the compound that gets you high), a different scent, and a different appearance. But what are the facts? Is hemp really just a weaker version of marijuana? Or is it something completely different?
Let’s break down the differences between these two plants—what they’re made from, what they do to your body, how they grow—and see if we can’t come up with some answers.
Marijuana vs. Hemp
The first thing to understand is that hemp and marijuana are not the same thing. Hemp is a type of cannabis plant with no psychoactive effects (i.e., it doesn’t get you high). While marijuana is a different species of cannabis plant that produces buds containing large amounts of THC (the compound responsible for getting you stoned).
A quick history lesson: hemp was once a very common crop in the United States, but after it was banned in 1937, hemp cultivation was all but eradicated. Nowadays, it’s only legal to grow hemp in certain states if you have a license to do so.
In recent years, there has been a lot of confusion over the differences between industrial hemp and marijuana. While people often use these terms interchangeably, they are actually very different plants that come from different parts of the world.
THC & CBD
THC and CBD are both found in hemp, which is one kind of cannabis plant that has been used for centuries for its many uses. Hemp can be processed into food or clothing, or it can be used to make paper or fuel. It can also be used to make CBD products like CBD oil and capsules.
So what makes hemp different from marijuana? Both plants have psychoactive effects on humans—but hemp has much lower concentrations of THC than marijuana does. In fact, industrial hemp contains less than 1% THC by weight while marijuana typically contains 10-30% THC by weight!
Industrial Hemp & Marijuana
Industrial hemp is a type of cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Hemp plants are grown for their seeds, fiber and flowers. The seeds are pressed to produce oil used in food products or as a source of protein in animal feeds. Fiber from the stem can be used to make fabrics and paper products. The oil can be used for biodiesel fuel or cosmetics products such as soaps and lotions.
But because industrial hemp plants do not produce buds (flowers), they do not contain any THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). On the contrary; CBD products that we normally find in dispensaries run under the state regulations and have different ratios of THC to CBD. They are also typically extracted from high-resin marijuana.
All in all, here’s what every Cannasseur needs to know about Hemp vs. Marijuana.
When it comes to hemp vs marijuana, there are a few key differences. Hemp is the non-psychoactive cousin of marijuana and has a variety of uses. While marijuana is typically used recreationally or medicinally, hemp can be used for a wide range of purposes. Including food and textiles. Both of these types can be referred to as cannabis because the agricultural hemp as well as medical marijuana are extracted from the same plant type — which is Cannabis Sativa. This makes it a little confusing as to which one you should use for your own needs.
Hey, we’re not here to tell you what to do with your life, but we know that if you’re looking for a plant that will help you relax and feel good, hemp and marijuana are both options. And that’s it!
But if you’re looking to grow an agricultural crop that can provide food, fuel, and fiber—and maybe even help protect the environment—hemp is the better choice. But if you want to grow something that makes you feel good, but also gets you high? That’s cool too and we’re right there with you. Click HERE to check out our selection of Happy Camper Products!
