When you enter a store or shop cannabis products online, you’ll likely find hemp-derived or marijuana-derived labels. The exciting thing is that they are not different. Hemp and marijuana are just alternative names for cannabis. However, when it comes to the law, hemp and cannabis are treated differently. Let’s find out why.
Key Takeaways
- Marijuana and hemp are both used to describe cannabis, but their classifications under the U.S. laws are different.
- Hemp is known for its low THC content, making it less psychotic than marijuana.
- Hemp-derived products are regulated at the federal level, while marijuana-derived products are more restricted.
Hemp vs Marijuana: Is There a Difference?
Hemp and marijuana are like cousins from the same family tree, called cannabis. They are similar in their smell and structure, but differ in different ways. Let’s check out their differences below:
Quantity of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The major difference between a marijuana flower and a hemp flower is the quantity of THC in them.
- Cannabis with 0.3% or lower amounts of THC qualifies as hemp.
- Cannabis with more than 0.3% THC by dry weight is considered to be marijuana.
So, despite being used interchangeably to describe the same plant, the THC difference between hemp and marijuana extracts matters a great deal as far as the 2018 Farm Bill is concerned.
What’s Inside Each Substance?
The chemical content of marijuana-derived and hemp-derived products are different. Hemp extracts or products usually have high quantities of CBD and low quantities of THC. You may also find decent amounts of other cannabinoids like CBN and CBG in such products.
Conversely, marijuana-based products have high volumes of THC, ranging from 10% to 30% of the entire product. Other types of cannabinoids, like Delta-9 THC, are also present in significant quantities. That means marijuana-derived products usually create a high sensation due to their intoxicating effects.
How Do They Affect You?
As stated earlier, marijuana-derived products have stronger intoxicating properties. That means when you take such products, you’ll typically get high and can be exposed to side effects like anxiety and paranoia. However, with the right dosage, marijuana products can reportedly help relieve pain and boost your appetite.
On the other hand, hemp-derived products have relatively milder effects, so the body is likely to feel more relaxed compared to using marijuana products.
How Are They Made?
Hemp products are usually extracts of industrial hemp plants. They are known for their fast growth and cultivation for industrial use. To process them, the cannabinoids (like THC-A and CBD) are separated and purified. Let’s take examples of hemp-derived products including oils, tinctures, vapes, capsules, and topicals.
Marijuana derivatives are extracts from the cannabis plant with high THC content for wellness purposes. Unlike hemp, marijuana is less processed, so it has a mix of other compounds like terpenes and CBD for a smooth entourage effect.
What Does the Law Say?
Are you now wondering what the law says? I will help you with that!
When it comes to legality, hemp and marijuana are viewed differently. At the federal level, hemp and its derivatives are considered legal as long as they contain 3% THC volume or less. Hemp-derived products are also legal for sale in stores. That means you can legally grow, sell, and use hemp in the U.S. as long as you comply with the stipulations of the 2018 Farm Bill.
However, once hemp is heated or contains more than 0.3% THC, it becomes illegal at the federal level. Still, different states maintain distinct positions on the legality of hemp-derived products. Some states allow their wellness and recreational uses, some only approve well-being uses, while others outrightly consider both use cases illegal. Even if marijuana is legal in your state, it’s still technically banned by federal law. Put this into consideration for interstate travel, employment drug testing, and federal jobs or housing.
Marijuana vs Hemp: Which Should You Choose?
Deciding which to choose between marijuana-derived products and hemp-based ones simply depends on your taste and goal.
If you’re new to cannabis and prefer something gentle and non-intoxicating, consider hemp-derived products with low psychotic compounds.
However, if your goal is something strong enough to help your pain feel better, opt for marijuana-derived products with strong THC volumes.
Also, in terms of availability, hemp CBD flowers are way easier to find. You can buy them in stores or online just like in my online regulated store. However, marijuana products can only be found in licensed dispensaries, and you’ll most likely need your ID or MMJ card.