Hemp and marijuana are both plants that belong to the same species of plant, called Cannabis sativa. However, there are some important differences between the two.
Marijuana is a plant that belongs to a group of three species, known as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. When the flowers of these plants are harvested and dried, they create a popular drug that is known by many names, such as weed, pot, or marijuana. These three species are further divided into several sub-species based on their genetic makeup. Indica plants tend to be short and bushy with thick leaves, while sativa plants tend to be taller and have thinner leaves.
Hemp is a type of cannabis that has a Delta-9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3 percent in dry weight. It is a botanical class of cannabis grown specifically for industrial or medicinal purposes. Hemp "Cannabis Sativa L" contains less than 0.03 percent Delta-9 THC. There are many different types of cannabinoids and strains available, each with its own unique effect on the mind and body.
Cannabinoids are a group of compounds that are structurally related and include cannabinoid analogs and endogenous cannabinoids. These compounds are produced by various plants, including hemp and marijuana. Some cannabinoids can provide a relaxing experience while others can give you more energy or focus.
Over 100 natural cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis plants, including the well-known tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, whereas CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect.
Cannabis plants can be divided into two main groups: Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. These two groups are further divided into several sub-species based on their genetic makeup. Indica plants tend to be short and bushy with thick leaves, while sativa plants tend to be taller and have thinner leaves.
This article will focus on the differences between hemp and marijuana in terms of their cannabinoids content.
Usage Differences
While hemp and marijuana are both derived from the species Cannabis sativa, but they have distinct differences and uses.
Hemp is a type of Cannabis sativa that is grown specifically for industrial and medicinal purposes. It contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, which is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that gives users a "high."
Instead, hemp is rich in CBD, a non-psychoactive compound that has been found to have a range of health benefits, such as reducing anxiety and pain, improving sleep, and promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. Hemp is used for a variety of purposes, including the production of fibers for clothing and textiles, building materials, and health food products.
Marijuana, on the other hand, is a drug that is used for recreational and medicinal purposes. It contains higher levels of Delta-9 THC, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects. When smoked or ingested, marijuana produces a "high" that can include feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and altered perceptions of time and space.
Medical marijuana is used to treat a range of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and epilepsy, among others. Recreational marijuana is used for its psychoactive effects and is still illegal in many states and countries.
However, there is a growing trend of cannabis cultivators that are looking to promote the agricultural value of the plant. These growers are looking to create hemp crops with high nutritional value and strong fibers. They want to market it as a sustainable crop that can be used in many ways.
Many countries are now allowing these growers to sell their products legally, so there is a large market for this type of cannabis. Seeing as it is such a high demand product, there are even counterfeit sellers trying to scam buyers out of money by selling low quality hemp instead of high quality cannabis hemp.
THC Content Differences
When looking at the differences between hemp and marijuana, the THC content is the most obvious difference. Hemp plants are cultivated for oils, seeds, and fibers, not drugs.
Delta-9 THC, or Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis that is responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana use. The difference in Delta-9 THC content between hemp and marijuana is one of the most significant differences between the two plants.
Therefore, hemp plants are usually low in Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis. Marijuana plants are cultivated for its buds where Delta-9 THC is concentrated.
Marijuana typically contains a higher concentration of Delta-9 THC, usually ranging from 5% to 30%. This high concentration of Delta-9 THC is what makes marijuana popular as a recreational drug. It produces a strong psychoactive effect and can cause feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception.
On the other hand, most hemp products will have a much lower Delta-9 THC content, usually not exceeding 0.3%. This low concentration of Delta-9 THC is not enough to produce any significant psychoactive effect, making it unsuitable for recreational use. Instead, a majority of hemp is grown for its fibers, seeds, and oils, which are used for various industrial and medicinal purposes.
You can test the Delta-9 THC content of any plant material via a simple home test kit. These kits can be found at your local dispensary or online.
Many find it interesting to compare the Delta-9 THC content of different plant species. Seeing how high a level of Delta-9 THC one’s plant has can be a point of pride. How high your plant scores depends on how much effort you put into cultivating it.
However, there are ways to increase the THC content in any given plant through cultivation strategies.
Marijuana Smell Vs Hemp Smell
Photo by Cannafornia on Pexels
If you are not familiar with hemp, you might notice that hemp plants might not have as strong of a smell as marijuana. Most Hemp plants do not contain Delta-9 THC, so it will not get you high.
Both plants come from the same family, so they have a similar smell when dried. While some varieties of hemp may be more aromatic than others, most do not have a strong smell.
The smell of marijuana is often described as earthy, pungent, or skunky. This odor comes from compounds called terpenes, which are found in the trichomes (small, crystal-like hairs) of the marijuana plant. The aroma can vary depending on the strain of marijuana, as each strain has its own unique terpene profile.
In comparison, hemp plants typically have a milder, less pungent odor. This is because most hemp plants contain very low levels of Delta-9 THC, the compound that is responsible for the strong odor in marijuana. Instead, hemp plants contain higher levels of CBD, which does not produce a noticeable odor.
The exact smell of hemp may vary depending on the growing conditions, the type of hemp, and other factors. However, it is generally described as being mild, earthy, and slightly grassy.
Many people believe that it is easy to tell the difference between hemp and marijuana just by looking at the plants. However, this is not always the case. Those who are opposed to marijuana use often use this point to argue that it is easy to tell the difference between the two.
While this may be true for plants that are grown in the same environment, it is hard to tell the difference when one plant is grown in a different environment. Both plants are tall and have leaves, and if someone is not familiar with the differences. In reality, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two even if they are growing side by side.
Both grow tall and have leaves, so if someone did not know any better, they might mistake one for the other. The most accurate way to distinguish between the two is to have them tested for their Delta-9 THC levels.
Legal Implications
Photo by Harrison Haines on Pexels
The legal status of hemp and marijuana is a complex issue that varies greatly between countries and even within regions of the same country.
In the United States, for example, marijuana is still considered a Schedule I drug under federal law, which makes it illegal to grow, possess, or use for any purpose. On the other hand, hemp was legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed it from the controlled substances list and classified it as an agricultural commodity.
While hemp is completely legal, marijuana is not. Marijuana is illegal due to its Delta-9 THC content, a compound that is found in cannabis plants.
Interestingly, hemp plants are developed to have low Delta-9 THC content, so they are not illegal. Hemp plants are also developed to be taller and stronger, making them a valuable commodity. Hemp-derived products, such as CBD, CBG, CBA, THCA, Delta-8 oil, can be legally produced and sold as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. The legal status of marijuana, on the other hand, has been changing rapidly in recent years, with several states in the U.S. legalizing it for medicinal and/or recreational use.
However, marijuana can be legally purchased in some states depending on the laws that are put into place. Some states even have recreational marijuana shops where you can buy products containing Delta-9 THC.
If you are looking to purchase hemp products, make sure that you buy from a reputable source with legitimate testing to ensure that you get high-quality hemp products, it's important to buy from a trusted source with verified testing.
This will give you peace of mind that you are getting a genuine product, and not just some low-quality weeds. At Vnice.life, all products are rigorously tested by a state-approved facility, ensuring that you get the best possible products.
Difficulties Growing Marijuana vs Hemp
Photo by Cannafornia on Pexels
Although both hemp and marijuana are closely related plants, growing them is quite different and requires a certain level of expertise and attention to detail, as well as the right growing conditions. There are some distinct differences between growing the two plants.
One of the main differences is that hemp is a hardier plant and can tolerate a wider range of environmental conditions than marijuana, meaning that hemp can be grown in a variety of climates and soils, while marijuana requires a more controlled and consistent environment.
Marijuana is limited to warmer climates and is susceptible to frost damage, while hemp is a winter crop that requires colder temperatures to germinate its seeds.
Another difference is that hemp is grown for its fibers and seeds, while marijuana is grown for its Delta-9 psychoactive compounds, which means that hemp is typically grown differently, with a focus on maximizing fiber and seed production.
Hemp has a much faster growth cycle than marijuana and can be harvested in as little as 60 to 90 days, which can make it more challenging to control pests and diseases and maintain proper growing conditions. However, marijuana grows faster than hemp and has a shorter germination period. Hemp takes about two weeks longer to grow roots and shoots than marijuana.
Growing marijuana requires a more controlled environment, with a focus on maintaining the right temperature, humidity, and light levels. This can be more challenging, time-consuming, and requires a greater level of expertise.
Because of its longer growth period, hemp is more susceptible to disease and pests than marijuana, and farmers must take extensive measures to control these threats. Both crops require adequate water, but hemp tends to need more due to its size and winter planting time.
In conclusion, growing hemp and marijuana both have their own unique challenges, and success will depend on the grower's knowledge and experience, as well as the specific growing conditions and intended use of the plants.
Medical Benefits of Hemp Vs Marijuana
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels
Hemp and marijuana both have a variety of potential medical benefits, although they are often best suited to different conditions and symptoms. Both hemp and marijuana come from the Cannabis sativa plant family, that is where the similarities end. Hemp is made from the hemp plant, which is specifically developed to be low in Delta-9 THC and high in CBD.
Hemp, which contains low levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is a good source of cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has been shown to have a variety of therapeutic effects, including reducing anxiety, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain. Hemp products can also contain other beneficial compounds, such as terpenes and flavonoids, that are thought to enhance the effects of CBD.
Marijuana, on the other hand, contains higher levels of Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for its characteristic "high." Delta-9 THC has also been shown to have medical benefits, particularly for conditions such as chronic pain, muscle spasms, and anxiety. It is also being investigated as a potential treatment for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and epilepsy.
However, it is important to note that the medical benefits of both hemp and marijuana have not been extensively studied, and more research is needed to fully understand their potential uses. Additionally, because of the varying regulations surrounding marijuana and hemp, it can be difficult for patients to access these treatments, even if they are shown to be effective.
To learn more on about the benefits of cannabis check out our "How Cannabinoid Receptors Work" where we discuss more in detail on how cannabis works on the body.
Taste Differences
There can be taste differences between hemp and marijuana. The taste of marijuana is usually described as earthy, skunky, or pungent, while hemp has a more neutral or grassy taste. This difference in taste is largely due to the different chemical composition of the two plants.
Marijuana contains higher levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for its psychoactive effects and contributes to its distinctive taste. Some hemp buds are described as having a slightly bitter or metallic taste, while others are praised for their rich flavor.
When grown well, hemp buds can have a very distinctive taste that you would not get from any other type of cannabis.
Overall, people who like the natural taste of cannabis seem to enjoy the flavor of hemp the most. Those who dislike the overall marijuana flavor may find that they like hemp more.
Some growers even mix in other types of plants into their hemp crops to enhance the taste. This is usually done to increase the potency of the crop, but it also changes the taste slightly.
It is important to check the shelf life of products and choose brands that offer fresh-harvested products. Consider purchasing from reliable sources such as Vnice.life, which offers quality products.
Ways to Consume Each Product
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels
Now that you know the difference between THC hemp and marijuana, how can you use each? There are many ways to consume cannabis, including dried flower, oils, capsules, and more.
Dried cannabis flower is the most common way to use cannabis. You can smoke it in a joint or blunt, vaporize it, mix it into food or drink, or roll it into a cone called a ‘spliff’.
Some common methods of consumption for hemp include:
-
Oral consumption: This can be in the form of hemp seed oil, hemp oil capsules, or hemp extract oil. For oils and tinctures, you simply place a few drops or swallow a capsule.
-
Topical application: Hemp oil can also be applied topically as a lotion, balm, or oil to target specific areas of the body.
-
Smoking or vaping: Hemp flowers or pre-rolled hemp joints can be smoked or vaporized.
For marijuana, some common methods of consumption include:
-
Smoking: Marijuana can be smoked as a joint, in a pipe, or in a vaporizer.
-
Edibles: Marijuana can be added to food or drink, such as brownies, gummies, or tea, to produce a different and longer-lasting effect compared to smoking.
-
Tinctures: Marijuana can also be consumed as a tincture, which is an extract that is taken orally.
-
Topicals: Similar to hemp, marijuana can also be applied topically as a lotion or oil.
Which way is best for you depends on what effect you are looking for. It is important to note that the consumption method can greatly impact the effects of the hemp or marijuana. It is recommended to start with a low dose and increase gradually to determine the right amount for each individual.
In conclusion, hemp and marijuana are both members of the cannabis plant family, but they differ in their chemical composition, appearance, and use. Despite their differences, both hemp and marijuana have been found to have potential medical benefits, including reducing anxiety and pain, improving sleep, and aiding in the treatment of certain conditions such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
When it comes to consumption, there are various methods for both hemp and marijuana, including smoking, vaping, and eating. Ultimately, it is important to obtain hemp and marijuana products from reputable sources and to check local laws and regulations regarding the use and possession of cannabis.
By continuing to expand our knowledge and understanding of cannabis, we open up even more opportunities to unlock its full potential and reap its benefits. By making informed choices and being responsible in our consumption, we can continue our journey of discovering all that cannabis has to offer.