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    The Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana: A Comprehensive Guide

    Hemp and marijuana plants are the same species. The main difference lies in how much of a certain cannabinoid each contains
    Katsiaryna BykovBy Updated:6 Mins Read

    Hemp and marijuana are two distinct varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant species that have been the subject of much confusion and controversy. While both plants share many similarities, they have significant differences in their composition, uses, and legal status. This article aims to provide a detailed, accurate, and easy-to-understand explanation of the key differences between hemp and marijuana.

    The Basics: What Are Hemp and Marijuana?

    Hemp and marijuana are both derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. The main difference between the two lies in their tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, which is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use1.

    Hemp

    • Legally defined as cannabis containing 0.3% or less THC by dry weight2
    • Cultivated for industrial purposes, such as textiles, paper, biofuels, and cannabidiol (CBD) products3
    • Typically grows taller, up to 15 feet, and has skinnier leaves and fewer branches than marijuana plants4

    Marijuana

    • Contains more than 0.3% THC by dry weight[2]
    • Used primarily for medicinal and recreational purposes due to its psychoactive effects5
    • Bred to have higher THC content, typically ranging from 5% to 30%, and produce more flowers6

    Composition: The Chemical Makeup of Hemp and Marijuana

    While hemp and marijuana come from the same plant species, they have distinct chemical compositions that contribute to their different uses and effects.

    Hemp Composition

    Hemp plants contain minimal THC but are rich in cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound with potential therapeutic benefits. Hemp also contains other beneficial compounds, such as7:

    • Terpenes: Aromatic compounds that contribute to the plant’s scent and flavor
    • Flavonoids: Plant metabolites with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
    • Other cannabinoids: Compounds like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN)

    Marijuana Composition

    Marijuana plants are bred to have higher THC concentrations, which can range from 5% to 30% or more. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana use, such as8:

    • Euphoria and relaxation
    • Altered perception of time
    • Heightened sensory experiences
    • Increased appetite
    • Impaired memory and concentration

    Marijuana also contains CBD and other beneficial compounds, but the ratios and concentrations vary depending on the strain and growing conditions.

    Uses: How Hemp and Marijuana Are Utilized

    The distinct compositions of hemp and marijuana lend themselves to different uses and applications.

    Hemp Uses

    Hemp is an incredibly versatile plant with a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, including9:

    1. Textiles and clothing: Hemp fibers are strong, durable, and eco-friendly, making them an excellent alternative to cotton and synthetic materials.
    2. Paper and building materials: Hemp can be used to produce paper, fiberboard, and even concrete-like materials for construction.
    3. Biofuels and plastic alternatives: Hemp oil and biomass can be used to create biodiesel and biodegradable plastics.
    4. Food products: Hemp seeds are highly nutritious and can be consumed raw, sprouted, or used to make hemp milk, protein powder, and oil.
    5. CBD products: Hemp-derived CBD is used in various products, such as oils, tinctures, topicals, and edibles, for its potential health benefits.

    Marijuana Uses

    Marijuana is primarily used for its psychoactive effects and potential medicinal benefits, such as10:

    1. Recreational use: People consume marijuana for its euphoric and relaxing effects.
    2. Medical applications: Marijuana has been used to alleviate symptoms associated with various conditions, such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
    3. Extraction of THC and CBD: Marijuana plants are used to extract THC and CBD for various products, including oils, edibles, and concentrates.

    The legal status of hemp and marijuana varies by jurisdiction and is subject to change as laws evolve.

    • The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp cultivation and hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC at the federal level in the United States11.
    • Individual states may have additional regulations or restrictions on hemp cultivation and products.
    • In other countries, hemp laws vary, with some nations allowing cultivation and production while others maintain strict regulations.
    • Marijuana remains illegal under federal law in the United States, classified as a Schedule I controlled substance12.
    • As of 2021, many states have legalized marijuana for medical and/or recreational use, with varying regulations13.
    • Marijuana laws differ significantly across countries, with some nations decriminalizing or legalizing its use while others enforce strict prohibitions.

    Hemp-Derived CBD vs. Marijuana-Derived CBD

    CBD can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana plants, but the source of CBD determines its legal status and availability.

    • Hemp-derived CBD is federally legal in the United States and widely accessible, as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC[11].
    • Marijuana-derived CBD is subject to state laws and may only be available through state-regulated medical or recreational cannabis programs14.
    • The quality and purity of CBD products can vary greatly, so it is essential to purchase from reputable sources and look for third-party lab testing results.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    1. Can hemp get you high? No, hemp cannot get you high due to its low THC content (0.3% or less). THC is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use15.
    2. Is hemp the same as marijuana? No, hemp and marijuana are different varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant. While they share many similarities, they have distinct differences in their THC content, uses, and legal status[1].
    3. Is CBD from hemp the same as CBD from marijuana? Yes, CBD is the same compound regardless of whether it is derived from hemp or marijuana. However, the source of CBD determines its legal status and availability[14].
    4. Can you fail a drug test due to hemp-derived CBD? While it is unlikely, consuming hemp-derived CBD products can potentially lead to a positive drug test result, especially if the product contains more THC than listed on the label or if you consume large quantities16.
    5. Is it legal to grow hemp in the United States? Yes, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp cultivation at the federal level in the United States. However, individual states may have additional regulations or restrictions on hemp cultivation[11].

    Conclusion

    Hemp and marijuana, while both derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, have significant differences in their composition, uses, and legal status. Hemp contains minimal THC and is cultivated for industrial purposes and CBD production, while marijuana is bred for its psychoactive effects and higher THC content.

    Understanding these differences is crucial for individuals considering using cannabis products for medicinal, recreational, or industrial purposes. It is essential to stay informed about the laws and regulations governing hemp and marijuana in your area and to purchase products from reputable sources.

    As research continues and laws evolve, our understanding of hemp and marijuana will deepen, paving the way for more informed decision-making and responsible use of these versatile plants.

    References:

    1. Sawler, J., Stout, J. M., Gardner, K. M., Hudson, D., Vidmar, J., Butler, L., Page, J. E., & Myles, S. (2015). The Genetic Structure of Marijuana and Hemp. PLOS ONE, 10(8), e0133292. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0133292 ↩︎
    2. Agricultural Marketing Service. (2019, October 31). Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program. Federal Register. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/10/31/2019-23749/establishment-of-a-domestic-hemp-production-program ↩︎
    3. Johnson, R. (2019). Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity (CRS Report No. RL32725). Congressional Research Service. https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/RL32725.pdf ↩︎
    4. Small, E., & Marcus, D. (2002). Hemp: A New Crop with New Uses for North America. In J. Janick & A. Whipkey (Eds.), Trends in New Crops and New Uses (pp. 284–326). ASHS Press. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Hemp%3A-a-new-crop-with-new-uses-for-North-America.-Small-Marcus/1fa436c8300708c6dc3fad6adee68d676c8601f1 ↩︎
    5. Bridgeman, M. B., & Abazia, D. T. (2017). Medicinal Cannabis: History, Pharmacology, And Implications for the Acute Care Setting. P & T: A Peer-Reviewed Journal for Formulary Management, 42(3), 180–188. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5312634/ ↩︎
    6. ElSohly, M. A., & Slade, D. (2005). Chemical constituents of marijuana: The complex mixture of natural cannabinoids. Life Sciences, 78(5), 539–548. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16199061/ ↩︎
    7. Andre, C. M., Hausman, J.-F., & Guerriero, G. (2016). Cannabis sativa: The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules. Frontiers in Plant Science, 7. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2016.00019/full ↩︎
    8. Atakan, Z. (2012). Cannabis, a complex plant: Different compounds and different effects on individuals. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 2(6), 241–254. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3736954/ ↩︎
    9. Cherney, J. H., & Small, E. (2016). Industrial Hemp in North America: Production, Politics and Potential. Agronomy, 6(4), 58. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/6/4/58 ↩︎
    10. Whiting, P. F., Wolff, R. F., Deshpande, S., Di Nisio, M., Duffy, S., Hernandez, A. V., Keurentjes, J. C., Lang, S., Misso, K., Ryder, S., Schmidlkofer, S., Westwood, M., & Kleijnen, J. (2015). Cannabinoids for Medical Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA, 313(24), 2456–2473. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2338251 ↩︎
    11. Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. No. 115-334, 132 Stat. 4490 (2018). https://www.congress.gov/115/plaws/publ334/PLAW-115publ334.pdf ↩︎
    12. Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812 (1970). https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:21%20section:812%20edition:prelim) ↩︎
    13. National Conference of State Legislatures. (2021, April 8). State Medical Marijuana Laws. https://www.ncsl.org/health/state-medical-cannabis-laws ↩︎
    14. Corroon, J., & Kight, R. (2018). Regulatory Status of Cannabidiol in the United States: A Perspective. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 3(1), 190–194. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6154432/ ↩︎
    15. Pertwee, R. G. (2008). The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin. British Journal of Pharmacology, 153(2), 199–215. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17828291/ ↩︎
    16. Spindle, T. R., Cone, E. J., Kuntz, D., Mitchell, J. M., Bigelow, G. E., Flegel, R., & Vandrey, R. (2020). Urinary Pharmacokinetic Profile of Cannabinoids Following Administration of Vaporized and Oral Cannabidiol and Vaporized CBD-Dominant Cannabis. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 44(2), 109–125. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31682266/ ↩︎

    Katsiaryna Bykov

    Katsiaryna Bykov, PharmD, ScD, is a pharmacoepidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. Originally trained as a pharmacist, she completed her research doctorate in epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and has been conducting research on medication use, safety, and effectiveness for more than a decade.

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