Both marijuana and hemp refer to the same species of plant. The key distinction is the concentration of a particular cannabinoid. Many people falsely believe that marijuana and hemp are entirely distinct plant species. They aren’t. Both are members of the cannabaceae family of flowering plants. Science makes no distinction between “hemp” and “marijuana,” but the law does.
In terms of the law, the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary distinction between the two. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid (a substance present in cannabis). It is the primary factor in producing the “high” often associated with marijuana use. Let’s dive deeper into the main differences between hemp and marijuana.
5 Main Differences Between Hemp and Marijuana.
The Cannabis sativa plant family includes both hemp and marijuana. Despite their superficial similarities, their chemical makeup, intended use, and legal standing all set them apart. Five major distinctions between marijuana and hemp are discussed here.
Constituent chemicals.
Hemp and marijuana are chemically quite different from one another. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive molecule found in cannabis, is abundant in hemp, whereas tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient that is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana usage, is scarce. Marijuana, on the other hand, has relatively modest concentrations of CBD and large concentrations of THC. Hemp is defined legally as cannabis that has less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. On the other hand, depending on the strain, the THC content of marijuana may be anywhere from 5% to 30% or more.
Appearance
Although hemp and marijuana have certain similar visual characteristics, there are important distinctions between the two. Hemp plants are taller and leaner than marijuana plants, and their leaves tend to be narrower and more densely clustered at the plant’s apex. Compared to marijuana plants, they are less bushy and have a more fibrous stem. In contrast, marijuana plants are more compact and bushier than hemp plants, with broader and more widely spaced leaves. There are more buds and blooms per unit area and more branches overall.
Uses
Uses for hemp and marijuana are distinct. Industrial uses for hemp include the creation of biofuels, paper, textiles, and building materials. It’s also a key ingredient in CBD oil, which has risen in popularity as a nutritional supplement and alternative therapy for a wide range of medical issues.
On the other hand, marijuana is often utilized for both therapeutic and recreational reasons. Many people smoke it or eat it to experience its calming, pain-relieving, euphoric, and mind-bending benefits.
Legal standing.
The legal status of marijuana and hemp is another key distinction between the two. With the legislation of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp was taken off the federal list of banned drugs, making it lawful across the board in the United States. Therefore, CBD products produced from hemp are lawful as long as the THC content is below 0.3%. On the other hand, federal law still considers marijuana to be a Schedule I substance, making its possession and use unlawful. But many states have legalized marijuana for medicinal and/or recreational use, leading to a patchwork of rules that differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Growing Conditions.
The growth conditions for hemp and marijuana are also different. Hemp is a resilient plant that thrives in many different environments and needs little care in the form of water and fertilizer. It’s typical to see it cultivated in vast fields outside. However, marijuana has more particular needs in terms of temperature and humidity, soil quality, and lighting and watering regimens. It is often cultivated in greenhouses or other enclosed spaces.
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