Aug 15, 2022
What’s the Difference between HEMP vs. Marijuana?
When you hear the word HEMP, you might think of marijuana. But these two plants are different in their effects, biological composition, and legality.
Take a closer look at the qualities that differentiate marijuana from HEMP, and learn why you might want to explore the HEMP plant and all its potential benefits.
What Is Marijuana?
Marijuana plants come from the Cannabis sativa L. species, but are bred to have higher levels of THC than other plants. The defining factor of marijuana plants is that they contain more than 0.3% THC. Usually, the levels of THC present in marijuana is between 5% and 30%.
Marijuana plants contain the same 60+ cannabinoids present in HEMP, but the addition of THC makes them intoxicating. With that, they're used for recreational and medicinal purposes.
With the inclusion of intoxicating THC, marijuana is federally illegal, though its legality is on the rise. For now, it’s listed in the Controlled Substances Act in the U.S., but some states have decriminalized or legalized its use. It falls under the jurisdiction of both the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Food and Drug Administration.
What Is HEMP?
Though HEMP also comes from the Cannabis sativa L. plant, HEMP plants are biologically unique compared to marijuana plants. Unlike marijuana, HEMP is bred to have little to no THC, making it federally legal.
Products made from HEMP are non-psychoactive. The reason is that HEMP only contains 0.3% or less of the cannabinoid THC, which is the intoxicating compound found in cannabis.
HEMP plants are used for thousands of purposes, including food, supplements, fabrics, and more. The plant contains higher levels of cannabidiol and other potentially beneficial compounds, so it's also utilized in wellness products.
HEMP vs. Marijuana
In short, there are three main differences between HEMP and marijuana:
- THC content: HEMP has less than 0.3% THC and is not an intoxicant. Marijuana has intoxicating effects with more than 0.3% THC.
- Legality: In the U.S., marijuana is mostly illegal, while HEMP is legal.
- Use: Marijuana is used medicinally and recreationally. HEMP has thousands of purposes, including supplements, fabrics, and wellness products.
As more people learn about the potential benefits of HEMP, we’re seeing more products available for consumers. Not all HEMP is made the same, so it’s important to find HEMP products made with high-quality ingredients from trusted sources.
At Science-Rite HEMP™, we source from organic, USA-grown HEMP to create the most effective, fast-acting HEMP products using Nanotechnology for higher bioavailability. Learn more about how to add a HEMP product to your routine to promote your wellness journey here.