Hemp and marijuana both come from the Cannabis sativa plant, but they serve different roles. The biggest difference? Their chemical makeup. Although similar in appearance, big differences exist in how they’re used, their impact, and what the law says about them.
THC Levels: What Makes Them Different
The main factor that separates hemp from marijuana is THC content. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound responsible for the “high” people experience with cannabis.
Hemp contains 0.3% THC or less. This amount is too low to cause any psychoactive effects. Marijuana, on the other hand, has much higher THC levels, often ranging from 5% to over 30%, making it the choice for recreational and medical use.
Legal Status: What’s Allowed and What’s Not
Hemp is legal at the federal level in the U.S., thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. Legal hemp cultivation and sales are now a reality for farmers, all thanks to a recent law that took hemp off the controlled substances list. This allows farmers to cultivate and sell hemp freely and legally.
Marijuana remains a federal crime, however, it’s legal in many states for medical patients or everyday people. Laws vary from state to state, so what’s legal in one place may still be a crime elsewhere.
Uses: Beyond Just Smoking
Hemp is a powerhouse of versatility. Textiles, paper, biofuel, food—you name it! This stuff is even used in building materials. Many are drawn to CBD for its potential health advantages; this compound, extracted from hemp, doesn’t produce a high.
Many use marijuana; some for medicine, others to relax. Both are common. People use medical marijuana for a variety of reasons; pain relief is a big one, as is anxiety reduction, and it helps with other health concerns too. Recreational weed users seek it for its mind-altering effects.
Growing Differences: How They’re Cultivated
Hemp and marijuana require different growing conditions. Hemp plants are grown in large fields with minimal care. They grow tall, often reaching 12–15 feet, and are harvested mainly for their stalks and seeds.
Growing marijuana successfully means keeping a close eye on things. You’ll need to control the temperature, watch the humidity, and prune regularly. Growers often cultivate these plants indoors to boost THC levels.
Hemp: Does it get you high? Let’s find out.
No. The THC content in hemp is too low to cause a high. Even smoking or consuming large amounts won’t have the same effects as marijuana. Hemp-derived CBD products may offer relaxation and relief, but without the psychoactive experience.
Hemp and marijuana: A look ahead.
Hemp’s uses are growing, showing up in things like eco-friendly packaging and plastics that break down naturally. Alternative medicine and wellness practices are incorporating it at a faster rate; its impact is growing.
More states are thinking about legalizing marijuana, so the laws are changing. States like New Jersey have already made it legal. Acceptance of medical marijuana may grow as scientific understanding improves. Think about the potential impact on pain management and other conditions.
What’s the right fit?
If you’re looking for a material for clothing, skincare, or wellness supplements, hemp is the way to go. If you’re seeking therapeutic or recreational effects, marijuana may be the better option—depending on where you live.
While they share the same plant family, hemp and marijuana have distinct purposes. Spotting the differences between products? That’s how you choose the one that works best for you. It’s simple, really.
