Hemp Vs Marijuana : What is the difference between Hemp and Marjuana.

Introduction

Hemp, marijuana, cannabis - these are all words that are used interchangeably, but what do they mean? The debate between hemp and marijuana has been around for years.

So, what's the difference between Hemp and Marijuana? And which one is better?

In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between hemp and marijuana. We will also explore the legality of both plants and their various uses. Let's dive right in.

Table of Contents

• What is Hemp?
• What is Marijuana?
• Hemp Vs Marijuana
• Uses and Side effects of Marijuana
• Uses and Side effects of Hemp
• Key Takeaways

Hemp and marijuana share the same ancestor: Cannabis. Yet, they have different appearances and cannabinoid profiles, grow under different conditions, and boast unique advantages.

What is Hemp?

Hemp is a form of cannabis that is largely cultivated for industrial and commercial purposes with the entire hemp plant, stalk, leaves, seeds, and buds used for a variety of goods.

Unlike marijuana, hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound that produces the "high" associated with cannabis use.

The Delta-9 THC levels in hemp plants are 0.3 percent or lower, while marijuana plants have more than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC.

Instead, hemp is rich in CBD, a non-intoxicating compound that has been shown to offer a wide range of potential health benefits. CBD-rich hemp oil can be used to make a variety of products, including CBD edibles, topicals, tinctures, and capsules. Hemp oil can also be used as cooking oil or added to smoothies and other food & beverages. In addition to its potential health benefits, hemp is also an environmentally friendly crop that requires little water and can be grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides. As a result, hemp has the potential to provide a sustainable source of CBD for people around the world.

What is Marijuana?

Cannabis is a diverse plant, which is identified by two distinct terms depending on THC content - Hemp or Marijuana. Hemp is distinct from “Marijuana”, which is commonly called “Cannabis” (Despite the fact that both marijuana and hemp come from Cannabis, they are treated differently.)

Read more about the differences between Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid

The marijuana plant is a type of flowering plant that has been used for centuries for its medical and recreational effects, bred for high THC content.

Marijuana is a variety of cannabis that is primarily cultivated for its psychoactive effects.

When people say "marijuana," they usually mean cannabis which makes you high. The word is frequently used with other phrases, such as "weed" and "pot."

According to the law, "marijuana" refers to cannabis that has a Delta-9 THC content of more than 0.3 percent by dry weight. The THC concentration can differ between various cannabis strains.

Apart from THC, marijuana also contains other cannabinoids like CBD and CBN. These compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to produce a variety of effects, including relaxation, euphoria, and increased appetite.

So, how do we tell the difference between hemp and marijuana?

Hemp Vs Marijuana : Difference between the two

	Hemp	Marijuana
THC concentration	Low (Less than 0.3% THC by law)	High (More than 0.3%  THC by law; normally 5% to 30% THC)
CBD Concentration	High	Low
Psychoactive	No	Yes
Products	CBD Oil, Hemp Oil	THC oil, Marijuana Oil
Legality	Legal in Most states	Highly regulated

Chemical Composition

The primary distinction between hemp and marijuana is in their chemical makeup, particularly in terms of THC. Most cannabis strains have 5-20 percent THC content. Some superior strains could have as much as 25-30% THC.

In contrast, hemp has a maximum THC level of 0.3%, making it impossible to get high from consuming it in any form.

In addition to being low in THC content, hemp contains high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), which provides a range of health benefits.

Read more about What is CBD? and its benefits

Effects on the body

Because hemp has such a low THC content, the plant cannot produce and psychoactive effects, making it very safe for consumption

Cannabis strains have varying levels of THC, with the average plant containing enough to create a noticeable high. This can be empowering for some people, while others feel uncomfortable not being in control.

If you're looking to take advantage of cannabis without getting high, any hemp product will suffice.

At Hemp Hop, we only grow and sell Hemp products and none of our products are made of marijuana or are marijuana

Legality

Even though hemp and marijuana are both plants in the cannabis family, they have very different legal classifications.

Although this varies considerably depending on where you are in the world, hemp is typically permitted and marijuana is generally prohibited or restricted, in the case of medical or recreational marijuana programs .

All this is mainly because of the psychoactive effects of marijuana and hemp lack of psychoactivity.

Currently, Marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act; however, there is growing support for legalization and medical use of the plant.

Hemp cultivation was, until recently, highly regulated in the United States by the Federal Government.

The 2018 Farm Bill lifted the restrictions on hemp cultivation, allowing farmers to grow it more easily. Farmers can now grow hemp on their land, as long as the plant contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by weight.

Hemp also makes it simpler for manufacturers to produce CBD products since they no longer have to navigate through regulatory hoops at every turn. Because hemp is classified in the same category as farmed commodities such as vegetables, grain, and other crops, extracts from the plant are viewed as nutritional supplements.

At Hemp Hop, we have a huge collection of CBD products ranging from - CBD Massage Oil, CBD bath Bombs, CBD Isolates, CBD gummies, and much more.

Do check out our complete collection of CBD products.

Uses and Side effects of Marijuana

Although cannabis can help with a range of health issues, it isn't a one-size-fits-all remedy. Cannabinoids found in marijuana, such as cannabidiol (CBD), are believed to contribute to its medical benefits.

Some of the benefits of marijuana that are most often discussed in scientific research include the following.

Pain reduction

The active compounds in marijuana, cannabinoids, may work to reduce pain by changing the way that the brain perceives it. This could be beneficial for treating conditions that result in chronic pain like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and endometriosis.

Reduced swelling

CBD found in marijuana is believed to help with reducing swelling not just locally but throughout the entire body. When decreasing swelling, it also leads to an improved sense of overall health and wellness.

Neurological and mental disorders

Doctors have started prescribing Marijuana for people suffering from stress, and various ailments.

We recommend you consult with a medical doctor before you start consuming marijuana.

Sleep Aid

Marijuana's calming effects could improve sleep disorders such as insomnia. Also, when pain is reduced from marijuana usage, improved sleep may follow.

The following are some of the side effects that can occur from marijuana usage.

Psychoactive effects

Marijuana, Cannabis high in THC,  has the potential to produce euphoria, enhancement of sensory perception, and relaxation. Side effects such as dry mouth, impairment of memory are common from high amounts of THC.  

Uses and Side effects of Hemp

Hemp derived products can be high in cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN or more. All of which have their own potential medicinal benefits, effects, and uses. 

Hemp has several advantages, including the following.

Stress

Hemp Derived products high in CBD and/or CBN have been shown to help with stress and relaxation.

Focus

Hemp-derived Products high in CBG have been shown to help improve focus and energy. 

Boosts Heart Health

Hemp seeds are an excellent source of healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential nutrients have been shown to improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and controlling blood pressure.

PMS Symptoms Are Reduced

Hemp oil also contains substantial amounts of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which has been linked to reduced occurrence of PMS-related symptoms.

Pain Alleviation

Hemp is a good source of CBD, a cannabinoid present in the plant. Studies have shown that CBD may help with pain and discomfort.

Hemp also has some side effects that you should be aware of, including the following.

Key Takeaways

Hemp and marijuana are genetically the same species, both a form of Cannabis.

The distinction between the two is in their chemical makeup. Hemp is defined as any plant with less than 0.3 percent THC by dried weight, whereas marijuana is any plant with more THC than this threshold.

As you can see, there are both benefits and drawbacks to consuming hemp and marijuana. We recommend consulting with a medical professional before adding hemp or marijuana to your diet or daily regimen. Thanks for reading! Hopefully, this article helped you learn a little bit more about the distinction between hemp and marijuana. Stay informed and stay safe!

Please leave any additional questions you have in the comments section below, and we'll be more than happy to clarify anything that might still be unclear.