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When you hear the word hemp, you probably think about marijuana, and you wouldn’t be wrong. But, while hemp is actually the cannabis plant, it has very different characteristics than marijuana. If you’re ever confused about whether or not something is marijuana or not, you might want to know the difference.
What is hemp?
Hemp, also known as the “hemp plant” is a fiber-producing crop, with a highly versatile set of uses. The seeds from the hemp plant, when processed correctly, can be used as a nutritional supplement. There are also some hemp products that you can buy, such as clothes and hemp seeds. It’s very common for hemp to be confused with marijuana, but hemp is a totally different plant that does not contain any cannabis.
What is Cannabis?
Marijuana is a plant that is in the family of the marijuana plant. It has long, pointed leaves that grow on tall stalks. The cannabis plant has small, round and green seeds that grow in small cones. Marijuana is used for medical and recreational purposes. It is known by different names in different parts of the world.
Here are five key differences between hemp and marijuana
We all know that cannabis is a psychoactive substance with many effects on your body. If you smoke it regularly you’ll experience some effects, such as munchies, increased creativity, and the ability to work harder and longer. If you want to learn more about this substance, here are some of the basics that you should know about hemp and marijuana:
Hemp is the name given to the non-intoxicating type of cannabis plants that can be grown outdoors and is used primarily for clothing and industrial products. Although its cultivation is strictly regulated in many countries, hemp is also used to make medical marijuana products. However, the marijuana plant is the one which is illegal due to its psychoactive effects. Marijuana refers to the dried leaves and buds of the plant and can be used for both recreational and medical purposes.
Hemp and marijuana are closely related plants but have many distinct differences. Here are five key differences between hemp and marijuana.
THC
Hemp and marijuana plants contain different concentrations of the compound THC, which is the ingredient in marijuana that causes the “high” sensation. Marijuana has a high THC content, while hemp has a low or non-existent THC content. The high THC content in marijuana plants is the reason they are illegal.
THC Levels
Marijuana plants have higher levels of THC than hemp plants. The THC content in marijuana plants ranges from 1% to 20%, and it’s these higher THC levels that are responsible for the “high.” The THC content in hemp plants is typically low, less than 0.3%, and can be anywhere from 0% to 0.4%.
Cannabinoids
There are three cannabinoids found in both types of plants:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
Although there are differences between the levels of these three cannabinoids in marijuana plants and hemp plants, they still possess similar therapeutic properties.
Growth Rate
Hemp plants are more common in colder climates, where they need to be grown in a colder environment to thrive. Marijuana plants are typically grown indoors in controlled conditions with a higher light level and temperature.
Growth Habit
Hemp plants grow much more slowly than marijuana plants and typically have a lower height. They are more closely related to other types of flowering plants such as the morning glory plant. Cannabis plants grow into a bush-like shape and can get to be over 50 feet in height. They are typically grown indoors for aesthetic purposes, for example, to grow cannabis flowers.
Conclusion
Marijuana is a strain of the Cannabis plant that produces a substance similar to THC. Hemp, on the other hand, is the non-intoxicating version of this. The main difference between marijuana and hemp is the presence of an active ingredient that makes the former illegal. Marijuana contains a component called THC, which is responsible for the “high” associated with the drug. Hemp, on the other hand, is low on THC — which makes it less powerful and less likely to get you high.
