Medically reviewed by Alexander Tabibi, MD
January 18, 2023

When figuring out the difference of hemp vs marijuana, many people would not have an answer or might mistakenly misuse these terms. They are both from the same cannabis plant with different chemical pictures. With the increase in interest in possible therapeutic uses of CBD and other cannabinoids, it is a good time to consider hemp-derived products easing some of the symptoms of pretty much common medical conditions.

Comparing cannabis vs hemp: both of them are similar and share a lot of the same qualities and properties, both are beneficial in their own right and in uses, but there are specific differences that separate them and make them unique. Let’s dig out the difference between hemp and marijuana!

This post is intended as information and for general knowledge only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended that you talk to a healthcare professional about this before introducing cannabinoids into your daily routine (especially if you have been diagnosed with any medical conditions or are under any medication). It is not recommended to drive or operate any machinery when using cannabis- or hemp-derived products. Use responsibly!

What is Hemp?

Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that was grown mainly for industrial uses. Now, the spectrum of its use has expanded. It is a tall, slender plant that can grow up to 15 feet tall and is typically grown for its fibers, seeds, and oils. Hemp fiber can be used to make a variety of products, including rope, textiles, clothing, and paper. The seeds can be used for food and animal feed, and the oils can be used for a variety of industrial and medical purposes. Unlike weed, hemp contains very low levels of THC (the psychoactive compound that produces a “high”), making it less psychoactive.

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana, also known as cannabis or weed, is a plant that is primarily used for its psychoactive effects. It is mostly known for its high levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the compound that produces the “high” associated with cannabis use. The plant’s flowers, or buds, are the most commonly used part of the plant for recreational and medicinal purposes. They can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as by smoking, vaporizing, or as an ingredient in edibles and other products. The use of cannabis is legal in some countries and states for medical or recreational purposes, but it remains illegal in many places.

Hemp or Cannabis differents

What is the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana?

When speaking about hemp vs marijuana, the main difference between them is the level of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) present in each plant. THC is the compound that produces the “high” associated with cannabis use. Hemp plants contain very low levels of THC, usually no more than 0.3%, while cannabis plants typically contain between 5-30% THC.

Uses

Hemp is primarily grown for industrial uses such as the production of fibers, seeds, and oils. These materials can be used to make a variety of products, including rope, textiles, clothing, and paper. The seeds can be used for food and animal feed, and the oils can be used for a variety of industrial and medical purposes.

Cannabis, on the other hand, is primarily grown for its psychoactive effects. The buds or flowers of the plant are the most commonly used part of the plant for recreational and medicinal purposes. They can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as by smoking, vaporizing, or as an ingredient in edibles and other products.

Legality

The legality of hemp and weed varies depending on the location. In most countries, the possession and sale of cannabis are illegal, while hemp is legal to grow, possess, and sell. However, some countries and states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use, while others have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of weed. The cultivation, possession, and use of hemp are legal in most countries if the THC content is below a certain threshold (usually 0.3%).

Hemp vs. Cannabis

Hemp and cannabis are both varieties of the cannabis plant, but they are used for different purposes and have different properties.

Hemp CBD vs. Cannabis CBD

Speaking of CBD from hemp vs CBD from the cannabis plant, both can produce cannabidiol (CBD), which is a non-psychoactive compound that has been shown to have a wide range of potential therapeutic benefits. However, CBD oil derived from hemp plants is typically more widely available and legal because hemp plants contain very low levels of THC.

CBD oil derived from cannabis plants is typically only available in states or countries where cannabis has been legalized for medical or recreational use. That alone increases the supply and, therefore, access to it.

Hemp Plant vs. Cannabis Plant

Hemp and cannabis plants have similar appearances, but there are some notable differences. Hemp plants are tall and slender, with thin leaves and long stalks. They are typically grown for their fibers, seeds, and oils and are legal to grow in most countries. Cannabis plants, on the other hand, are bushier, growing up to 6 feet tall, with thick leaves and shorter stalks. They are typically grown for their psychoactive effects, and the possession and sale of cannabis plants are illegal in most countries.

Hemp Oil vs. Cannabis Oil

Hemp oil and cannabis oil are both oils that are derived from the cannabis plant. However, they are made from different parts of the plant and have different properties. Hemp oil is typically made from the seeds of the hemp plant and is high in healthy fats and other nutrients. It is used for a variety of industrial and medical purposes. Cannabis oil, on the other hand, is made from the buds or flowers of the cannabis plant and is high in THC. It is used for its psychoactive effects and is typically only legal in states or countries where cannabis has been legalized for medical or recreational use.