The Ultimate Comparison: Hemp vs Marijuana

Both hemp and marijuana (weed) come from the same cannabis sativa family, and yes, they even look very similar. But there are quite a few differences in the way they are cultivated, used, and regulated by the law.  

Cannabis is a broad term used to define three types of cannabis plants: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. You have probably heard of sativa and indica in the context of how they affect the body. Indica is more about deep body relaxation, while sativa tends to give you that energizing, heady buzz. Ruderalis is not as well-known because it has low THC, doesn’t give much of a high, and it’s not really used for either recreational or industrial purposes.

If you are trying to understand the distinction between hemp and marijuana more closely, or to be more precise, the difference between buying a bottle of CBD oil at your local health store and needing a medical card, continue reading.

What is Hemp?

Hemp has been used by human civilization for thousands of years because of its tear-resistant fibers. Clothing made from the cellulose of the hemp plants is nothing new, but since the early 20th century, the hemp industry has also figured out a chemical process to turn it into a biodegradable plastic to make automotive parts, packaging containers, disposable tableware, skateboards, surfboards, children’s toys, and much more.

As per US law, hemp is the Cannabis sativa plant that contains 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or less. If a cannabis plant has more than 0.3% THC, it is classified as marijuana, which is federally illegal.

The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp legal at the federal level by removing it from the list of Schedule I controlled substances. Farmers are now allowed to grow hemp – or referred to as “industrial hemp” – and companies can produce all kinds of hemp-based products, such as CBD oils.

Some Common Myths

That said, there are still quite a few misconceptions floating around about the “hemp flower” or the bud or flower of the hemp plant. Flower is where naturally occurring CBD (cannabidiol), terpenes, and many other cannabinoids are most concentrated, so they are commonly used for smoking, vaping, or extracting CBD oil.

Some of these myths include:

• Smoking or consuming hemp flower will get them baked like marijuana.
• Hemp flower is just low-quality marijuana or a weak strain.
• The flower and marijuana are essentially the same plant or have same chemical structure.
• Since the flower doesn’t contain much THC, it has no real medical benefits.

None of this is true. Flower contains 0.3% THC or less, which is far too low to cause any intoxicating effects or get you buzzing, but it still does affect the body’s endocannabinoid system subtly due to the CBD and other cannabinoids: de-stressing, pain relief, reduced anxiety, and better sleep. it is bred for high CBD content and low THC.

The fact that hemp flower looks a lot like marijuana buds doesn’t fool you. You can legally buy and sell hemp flower – just like the rest of the hemp plant – on a federal level and in most states as long as the product is compliant with the 0.3% THC limit.

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana, on the other hand, has always been more controversial. It is the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant, known for that euphoric, mind-altering effect thanks to a very high THC content.

Pot, ganja, Mary Jane, whatever you call it, marijuana is grown for one purpose only: to produce changes that affect your mental state, mood, or physical sensations. For many, this means recreational enjoyment, but it also includes using it for medicinal relief or therapeutic purposes. You can find several prescription medications approved by the FDA that are derived from marijuana to treat seizures, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and neuropathic pain.

History of Marijuana

The earliest documented use of cannabis dates back to ancient China around 5,000 years ago to treat conditions like, gout, rheumatism, pain, inflammation, asthma, and depression. Over time, it spread to India, where it was also used in religious ceremonies. Eventually, marijuana made its way to Europe, but it was mainly used for hemp.

It arrived in the Americas in the early 1900s through Mexican immigrants and quickly gained popularity for recreational use. But then in 1937, the Marihuana Tax Act was passed to criminalize the plant across the country due to safety concerns. For decades, marijuana was associated with the underground, counterculture movements, and harsh drug laws. By the 1970s, under President Nixon, it became a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. That placed it alongside heroin and LSD, despite growing evidence that it wasn’t nearly as dangerous.

Things have changed drastically since then. After California decriminalized it (for medical use) in 1996, and for recreation since late 2016, over 26 states have followed suit since then. Unfortunately, there is still a federal ban, i.e., marijuana is illegal on a national level.

The good news is, in states where it is legal, you can walk into a dispensary or gas stations, and buy weed just like you would alcohol. Edibles, concentrates, flower, and tinctures are all on the shelves.  

21 Major Differences Between Hemp and Marijuana

Feeling Confused? Start with Delta 8 THC Online

If you have just started looking into hemp, CBD, THC, and this whole world of cannabinoids, it can be a lot to process. You are probably only looking to alleviate chronic pain, fall asleep easier, or add a boost of creativity and motivation to a project you are working on.

In that case, if you’re curious about trying something beyond CBD but don’t want to experience the intensity of Delta-9 THC found in marijuana, try naturally-hemp Delta-8 THC products from Laughing Buddha. Our products are intentionally designed for people who want to try something in-between CBD and marijuana.

We recommend starting with our delicious, fruit-flavored D8 gummies to ease you into a light euphoria. You will still be able to function like usual and enjoy your day without feeling too out of it. If vaping is more your thing, try our disposable pens and vape cartridges in a variety of flavors and strain options. What are you waiting for?