What’s the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana?

Did you know that hemp and marijuana are both considered cannabis? If you’re new to legal cannabis products, you’re going to notice the words cannabis, hemp and marijuana are pretty common in the legal cannabis industry. Cannabis has made a HUGE comeback after nearly a century of being illegal, but when it comes to the words used to describe it, things can get a little confusing.

One of the biggest areas of confusion for those new to cannabis products? The difference between hemp and marijuana. Yes, both of them are considered to be cannabis plants. They’re actually both part of a species known as cannabis Sativa L, which is part of a larger family of plants known as Cannabaceae. In this family there are over 170 different species. Cannabis happens to be the most well-known. 

Hemp and marijuana are the most common plants in this species. They contain some striking similarities, as well as some distinct differences.

By far, the biggest difference between the two is their chemical makeup. Both hemp and marijuana contain over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. Here’s the thing, though. Hemp and marijuana contain different cannabinoid concentrations, particularly when it comes to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is THE biggest difference between the two and the main distinction when it comes to the legal status of each.

Hemp products, like Tay’s pure, raw, all-natural full spectrum hemp extract, contains less than 0.3% THC, which is not nearly enough to cause any kind of mind-altering, intoxicating effects that are usually associated with the use of cannabis. Hemp does contain a wide array of other cannabinoids, including CBDA,  that offer a wide variety of potential health benefits. Hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC is legal at the federal level.

Marijuana, on the other hand, is described as cannabis that contains levels of THC higher than 0.3%. It is used widely for both recreational and medicinal uses and is legal is states that have passed marijuana legislation. To date, there are 15 states + Washington DC that have legalized recreational marijuana and 34 states + Washington DC that have legalized medical marijuana.

To recap, the biggest difference between hemp and marijuana is the amount of THC each plant contains. CBDA and other cannabinoid products that are extracted from hemp that contain less than 0.3% THC are considered legal at the federal level and won’t cause any intoxication in the slightest. Learn how Tay’s hemp products can help you live your best life. 

For some great, in-depth material on cannabis species, Tay’s recommends researching the groundbreaking 2018 report Cannabis Systematics at the Levels of Family, Genus, and Species  and reading the book Cannabis and CBD for Health & Wellness by Aliza Sherman and Dr. Junella Chin.