Such is the cannabis plant: versatile, with many uses, and for centuries a wonder to man in its industrial and medicinal applications. There has remained one fallacy, however: the belief that hemp and marijuana are one and the same. While both belong to the species Cannabis sativa, their chemical composition, use, legal status, and differences in cultivation make them different. Whether you are a consumer of CBD products or a business sourcing cannabis-derived materials, it is important to understand these distinctions.

The Basics: Hemp and Marijuana

On face value, hemp and marijuana appear pretty similar since they both come from the Cannabis sativa plant. Their purpose and applications, however, are worlds apart due to their chemical makeup and growing style. These differences have practical, legal, and economic implications for growers, manufacturers, and consumers.

1. Chemical Composition

Hemp
Hemp is defined by low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical responsible for the "high" state attributed to cannabis consumption. Legally, hemp has to contain less than 0.3% THC. However, it contains high levels of CBD (cannabidiol), a nonpsychoactive compound said to reduce stress, pain, and sleeping disorders.

Marijuana
Marijuana, on the other hand, contains 5-30% THC, making it suitable for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Though it might still contain CBD, generally the percentage concentration is smaller when compared to hemp, and as such, marijuana cultivation accentuates mainly the presence of THC.

Why This Matters
The difference in the levels of THC and CBD influences the uses of hemp and marijuana: hemp is mainly used in wellness products because of its high CBD and low THC content, while marijuana serves its users for either recreational or therapeutic purposes because of its psychoactive properties.

2. Legal Status

Hemp
Hemp was legalized in the U.S. under the 2018 Farm Bill, provided it contains no more than 0.3% THC. It is regulated as an agricultural commodity and can be used in a variety of industries, from textiles to health products.

Marijuana
Marijuana’s legal status is more complex. While many states have legalized it for medical or recreational use, it remains a controlled substance under federal law in the United States. Internationally, regulations vary widely, with some countries permitting its use and others strictly prohibiting it.

Why This Matters
From a legal compliance standpoint, it is imperative for any business to understand these distinctions when marketing products containing cannabis. For the consumer, such distinctions define what products they may legally buy from their local or online dispensaries.

3. Physical Differences

Yet, for all their belonging to the same species, hemp and marijuana differ very much in outward appearance.

Hemp
Hemp is a tall and slim type of hardy plant that can grow from 3-4 m in height. Unlike marijuana, it has long stalks with little foliage. This feature renders it very suitable for industrial applications, as the fibers that are yielded from the stalks are utilized for textiles, ropes, and even construction materials.

Marijuana
Marijuana is shorter, bushier, and heavier with widely varying appearances.

Why This Matters
These physical differences influence the growing of hemp and marijuana and how they are harvested. The height of the plant, with fibers running along its entire length, is excellent for industrial applications, while the very high density of the buds makes marijuana useful for concentrates and flower-based products.

4. Uses and Applications

The uses of hemp and marijuana are two of the most critical distinctions between the two.

Hemp
Hemp is highly versatile and has been in use for innumerable centuries across a wide range of industries:

  • Industrial Uses: Hemp fibers are used for textiles, ropes, paper-making, and certain biodegradable plastics. Hemp seeds are a nutritious food product and may also be pressed for oil.

  • Health and Wellness: Hemp-derived CBD has become a cornerstone of the wellness industry, found in products like tinctures, oils, capsules, and topicals.

Marijuana
Marijuana’s primary use is recreational or medicinal, owing to its high THC content. Common products include:

  • Dried flowers for smoking or vaporizing.

  • Edibles can be anything from gummies to baked goods based on THC.

  • Concentrates like oils and waxes.

  • Tinctures allow for accurate dosing of cannabinoids.

Why is this important?

Hemp and marijuana applications provide market opportunities for these businesses. While hemp finds applications in industries ranging from wellness to construction, marijuana is desired more for recreation and therapeutic uses. Consumers should know about these applications so they get products that meet their needs.

5. Growth Practices

Cultivation practices for hemp and marijuana are drastically different, given their purposes.

Hemp
It is grown outside in big open fields with very little care; they are not planted very close together and spaced further apart to allow tall growth, which maximizes fiber production. It can be grown in various climates and is generally considered a low-maintenance crop.

Marijuana
Marijuana cultivation is more intensive, as growers point to them for the highest potential of THC production. These plants are usually grown in controlled conditions, including specific lighting, temperature, and humidity. Buds can be denser because they are planted more closely together.

Why is this important?
Differences in cultivation have different costs, environmental impacts, and scalability. Low maintenance growth for hemp makes it more viable for large-scale agriculture, whereas hard-to-get great yields for marijuana fit small-scale agricultural efforts better.

Why Understanding the Difference Matters

Distinguishing between hemp and marijuana is more than an academic exercise—it has real-world implications for consumers, growers, and businesses.

  • Legal Compliance: For growers and manufacturers, adhering to hemp and marijuana regulations is critical to avoid legal repercussions.

  • Consumer Education: Understanding the difference helps consumers make informed choices, whether purchasing CBD oil, hemp-based products, or THC-rich cannabis.

  • Product Labeling: Clear labeling ensures transparency, helping consumers identify whether a product is derived from hemp or marijuana.

What To Consider When Active in the Marijuana Market

As cannabis laws evolve, the demand for hemp and marijuana products continues to grow. It is an opportunity for businesses to innovate and cater to various market needs. This shows consumers how crucial it is to examine product labels and check where the cannabis-derived products are sourced from.

When buying wellness products, make sure to look for hemp-derived CBD products clearly labeled with THC content. If considering trying marijuana medicinally or recreationally, ensure the local jurisdictions allow it and source your product from trustworthy dispensaries.