The Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana: Clearing the Confusion

The terms "hemp" and "marijuana" are often used interchangeably, leading to widespread confusion. While both belong to the Cannabis sativa plant species, their differences are significant in terms of chemical composition, usage, and legal classification. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for consumers, businesses, and policymakers alike.

Key Differences Between Hemp and Marijuana

Hemp and marijuana differ primarily in their chemical composition, specifically their tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, which determines their psychoactive effects.

THC Content:
- Hemp: Contains 0.3% or less THC, which is not enough to produce psychoactive effects (U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2022).
- Marijuana: Typically contains 5%–30% THC, leading to the characteristic "high" associated with cannabis use.
Cannabidiol (CBD) Content:
- Hemp: High in CBD, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid with potential therapeutic benefits.
- Marijuana: Can contain varying levels of CBD, though many strains are bred to be THC-dominant.

Uses and Applications

Hemp and marijuana serve distinct purposes across industries:

Hemp Applications:
- Industrial Uses: Used for textiles, rope, paper, biodegradable plastics, and construction materials (Roulac, 2021).
- Wellness and Health: Extracted for CBD oil, which is used in supplements, skincare, and therapeutic applications.
- Environmental Benefits: Acts as a sustainable crop that can improve soil health and reduce carbon footprints (Small, 2015).
Marijuana Applications:
- Recreational Use: Consumed through smoking, vaping, edibles, and concentrates for its psychoactive effects.
- Medicinal Use: Used to manage conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety, and nausea (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine [NASEM], 2017).

Legal Status

The legal distinction between hemp and marijuana is critical:

Hemp: The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill legalized hemp production, allowing for its cultivation and commercial use, provided its THC content does not exceed 0.3% (Agricultural Improvement Act, 2018).
Marijuana: Still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level, though many states have enacted laws permitting its medical and recreational use (Drug Enforcement Administration [DEA], 2021).

Common Misconceptions

Despite their differences, hemp and marijuana are frequently confused. Some misconceptions include:

"Hemp and marijuana are the same plant." While both come from the Cannabis sativa species, their chemical compositions, uses, and legal treatments set them apart.
"Hemp can get you high." With less than 0.3% THC, hemp has no intoxicating effects.
"CBD from hemp and marijuana is different." CBD is molecularly identical regardless of the source, but hemp-derived CBD is more widely available due to legal reasons (FDA, 2022).

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between hemp and marijuana is essential for making informed decisions regarding their use, legality, and benefits. While hemp serves as an industrial powerhouse and a source of CBD, marijuana remains largely a medicinal and recreational product. As cannabis laws continue to evolve, distinguishing between these two forms of cannabis will remain important for consumers, businesses, and regulators.

References

Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, 7 U.S.C. § 1639o (2018).
Drug Enforcement Administration. (2021). Drug scheduling. Retrieved from https://dea.gov
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: The current state of evidence and recommendations for research. National Academies Press.
Roulac, J. (2021). Hemp horizons: The comeback of the world's most promising plant. Chelsea Green Publishing.
Small, E. (2015). Cannabis: A complete guide. CRC Press.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Hemp production and uses. Retrieved from https://fda.gov