Hemp and marijuana are strains of cannabis sativa. Despite the similarity, the two strains differ in legality, appearance, and composition. Furthermore, the two strains of marijuana have varying uses and benefits.
FLUENT is Pennsylvania’s leading dispensary, and we understand the importance of understanding the origins and compositions of hemp and marijuana products. Read on to learn more about the differences and similarities between hemp vs. marijuana.
Are a Hemp Plant and Marijuana Plant the Same?
Although hemp and marijuana are similar plant species, they have a couple of differences. The central difference between marijuana and hemp is the amount of CBD and THC in each variety.
Hemp has high levels of CBD and low amounts of THC. Its sibling, marijuana, has more THC and significant quantities of CBD.
What Exactly is Hemp?
Hemp is a marijuana variety with low THC content – less than 0.03%. Hemp plants grow taller than other marijuana varieties. Their stem is slender and hollow, and the leaves have a distinctive shape. Commercial growers cultivate it for fiber, CBD, and biofuel.
Does Hemp Contain THC?
Yes, hemp contains THC. USDA guidelines specify that hemp cultivated for industrial use should have THC levels lower than 0.03%. Because of the low THC content, hemp does not intoxicate. The trace levels of THC are the reasons hemp is legal.
What are the Differences Between Hemp vs Marijuana?
There are many differences between hemp vs. weed when it comes to consumption, legalization, and composition. The most notable is the THC content in the two varieties of cannabis. In particular, hemp has low quantities of THC, and marijuana contains high cannabinoids. Other notable variations between hemp and marijuana include the following:
Hemp vs. Marijuana: Composition
In regard to plant composition, hemp and marijuana have many similar substances. Some common compounds in each of the two strains include terpenes, cannabinoids, cannabidiols, and flavonoids. Note that each cannabis variety has varying amounts of the above compounds.
Hemp vs. Marijuana: Uses
Manufacturers grow hemp for CBD and hemp oil to make nutritional and wellness products such as hemp protein. Likewise, textile manufacturers use hemp plants as a source of fiber for textiles.
Marijuana is popular among recreational consumers since it has potent levels of psychoactive THC. Connoisseurs smoke, vape, or ingest it to get a high that promotes relaxation and gives a euphoric feeling. In some instances, health practitioners recommend marijuana as a pain reliever.
Hemp vs. Marijuana: Legalization
Legalization is another notable hemp vs. cannabis difference; you can grow, sell, and consume hemp products legally. Nonetheless, authorities regulate hemp cultivation to some extent. For example, as a farmer, you must register with the Hemp Cultivation Program before cultivating it. Contrariwise, authorities regulate marijuana consumption, sale, and cultivation since it has a high potential for abuse. Nonetheless, around 15 states have legalized its recreational consumption. The states where marijuana is legal include:
- Colorado
- Massachusetts
- Washington
- New York
- Connecticut
- New Mexico
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Alaska
Other states that are yet to legalize marijuana permit its medical use. Citizens in these states can get their marijuana supply from leading marijuana dispensaries like FLUENT.
Hemp vs. Marijuana: CBD
Both marijuana and hemp are rich sources of CBD. Nevertheless, industrial hemp tends to have higher CBD content levels than its sibling, marijuana. The high CBD content makes hemp the preferred variety for commercial growers producing CBD oil.
Shop the Best Marijuana Products in Pennsylvania
FLUENT is Pennsylvania’s premier line of dispensaries selling premium marijuana products: our store stocks a massive inventory of tinctures, flower, extracts, vapes, and topicals from only the best cultivators. Every marijuana product on our shelves is pure and of the highest quality.
We have multiple locations across Pennsylvania, so you can always find a marijuana dispensary near you.
Contact FLUENT to learn more about our marijuana products, or sign up for our newsletter to get notifications of great discounts and quality marijuana products.
image credit: Dmytro Tyshchenko, shutterstock
