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What’s the difference between hemp and marijuana?

hemp vs marijuana what's the difference?

Article written by

Olivia SwannMarketing Associate

Content reviewed by

Dr. June ChinChief Medical Officer

Table of contents

  1. Differences in hemp vs. marijuana
  2. Laws on hemp vs. marijuana
  3. Can hemp and marijuana both get you high?
  4. CBD in hemp vs. marijuana
  5. The bottom line: Hemp and marijuana are the same plant species, but have some important differences
  6. Resources

The terms hemp and marijuana are often used interchangeably, which can lead to confusion. While both come from the same plant species — Cannabis sativa L. — they are cultivated, used, and regulated in very different ways.

Understanding how they differ in their effects on the body, legal status, and potential health benefits can help you become a more informed and responsible consumer.

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Differences in hemp vs. marijuana

hemp vs. marijuana what's the difference

Both hemp and marijuana plants are members of the Cannabis sativa species, but centuries of selective cultivation have made them quite different.

This is similar to how broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts all come from the same species — Brassica oleracea — yet look and taste different because of selective breeding and cultivation over time.

The most notable difference between hemp and marijuana is in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. In the U.S., hemp must legally contain 0.3% THC or less by dry weight, while marijuana typically refers to cannabis with higher amounts of THC.

What is hemp?

Hemp is a plant from the Cannabis family that contains very little THC. THC is the compound in the cannabis plant that makes people feel “high.”

Hemp is used to make clothes, rope, paper, and even building materials. Its seeds can be eaten or used to make oil.

Hemp is unique in the following ways:

  • Purpose: Bred for industrial and nutritional use.
  • Cultivation: Grown primarily for its stalks and seeds on large plots of farmland.
  • Uses: Used in textiles, paper, rope, building materials, biofuel, and food. Hemp seeds and oil are popular in health and wellness. Cannabidiol (CBD) can also be extracted from its flowers and leaves.
  • THC content: Must contain no more than 0.3% THC to be legally classified as hemp.
  • Other traits: Has nutrient-rich seeds with healthy fats and protein, and can be used to help clean and restore soil.

What is cannabis (aka marijuana)?

Marijuana is a term used to describe plant varieties in the Cannabis family that can cause psychoactive effects.

Marijuana is often used for medical and recreational purposes. It’s consumed in different ways, including smoking, vaping, eating it in food, or applying or consuming it in oils.

Marijuana is unique in the following ways:

  • Purpose: Cultivated for medicinal and psychoactive effects due to higher amounts of THC.
  • Cultivation: Bred to grow dense, resin-rich flowers with high cannabinoid content.
  • Uses: Used in some medical treatments and has therapeutic and recreational uses.
  • THC content: Typically contains anywhere from 5% to 30% THC, depending on the strain.
  • Other traits: Can contain CBD and other cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).

History of the term ‘marijuana’

The term “marijuana” may have ties to racism in the U.S. in the 1920s and 1930s. During this period of prohibition, influential figures in the media and government positioned cannabis as a dangerous substance tied to violence.

As part of this campaign against cannabis, some sources say they popularized the term marijuana to fuel growing prejudice toward Mexican immigrants at the time.

Given this history, many people who work in research or industry roles prefer the term “cannabis” over marijuana, as cannabis refers to the plant’s scientific name.

But the term marijuana remains widely used and recognized, and it’s commonly used to refer to cannabis products and strains that are higher in THC.

Some industry professionals and cannabis activists also don’t believe in removing the use of this term entirely, as doing so could brush over its problematic history or erase its cultural meaning in Latinx communities.

Laws on hemp vs. marijuana

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, it’s legal to grow, sell, and transport hemp as long as it contains no more than 0.3% THC. CBD products made from hemp are legal nationwide.

However, the legal landscape of hemp-derived cannabinoid products is evolving. Some lawmakers have proposed regulations on hemp-derived cannabinoid products, such as delta-8 THC. Others aim to ban them altogether in response to a growing number of “bad actors” selling poor-quality products that are potentially dangerous to consumers.

It’s always a good idea to check the laws in your state before purchasing any products with hemp-derived CBD or THC.

Marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level.
It is legal for medical use in 39 states, Washington, D.C., and several U.S. territories, and for recreational use in 24 states.

Can hemp and marijuana both get you high?

Marijuana can cause intoxication, resulting in a “high,” because of its naturally occurring THC content. Hemp is unlikely to cause a high because of its low THC content.

However, certain products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids can cause intoxication. These are created by chemically altering the natural compounds in hemp. Examples include:

Because hemp-derived cannabinoid products are largely unregulated, it’s best to buy any product containing cannabinoids from a reputable source, like a dispensary.

Check for manufacturers and companies prioritizing third-party testing to ensure products are free of or receive a “pass” for heavy metals or additives.

CBD in hemp vs. marijuana

CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in both hemp and marijuana. Both plants can be rich in CBD, although they differ in the concentration of other compounds like THC.

Hemp is typically high in CBD and very low in THC. Marijuana can also be bred to contain high CBD levels, but it usually has higher THC too.

Regardless of whether it comes from hemp or marijuana, CBD is the same compound. Hemp-derived CBD may require higher doses for the same effects, but it’s legally available in all 50 states and is non-intoxicating.

The bottom line: Hemp and marijuana are the same plant species, but have some important differences

Hemp and marijuana may come from the same family, but they’re not twins.

Hemp is grown for its fiber, seeds, and high CBD/low THC content, while marijuana is grown for its psychoactive flowers and medicinal uses.

Understanding the differences helps you make smarter choices as a consumer,  whether you’re shopping for CBD, exploring medical cannabis, or simply trying to understand the law.

Resources

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Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some FAQs about hemp, marijuana, and their legal and chemical differences.

Can hemp get you high?

Legally grown hemp contains no more than 0.3% THC — too little to cause a high for most. However, some hemp-derived products contain chemically altered compounds that act like THC and can produce psychoactive effects.

Is CBD from hemp as effective as CBD from marijuana?

CBD is the same compound regardless of its source. The only difference is how much THC is present alongside it.

Is hemp legal everywhere in the U.S.?

Yes. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp federally, but growing it may require a state license.

Can you use hemp medicinally?

Many people use hemp-derived CBD to support wellness, though it’s not a cure-all. Its therapeutic potential is still being explored. Hemp-derived CBD may be used to manage insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain.