Marijuana and Hemp are two types of Cannabis sativa plant species. However, there are a lot of contrasts between the two. That goes beyond just their appearance. These differences are essential to understand, especially given the recent legalization of Hemp vs. marijuana ongoing debate around legalization. While they are often lumped together, they are different in their appearance, chemical composition, and uses.Â
One of the main differences between Hemp and marijuana is the amount of the psychoactive compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that they contain. The substance THC is in charge of producing the people experience when they use marijuana. On the other hand, Hemp has only trace amounts of THC, typically less than 0.3%. This means that it is not psychoactive and cannot produce a high.
Another critical difference between Hemp and marijuana is their appearance. Hemp plants are tall and slender, with thin, fibrous stems and narrow, fan-shaped leaves. They may increase in height to 15 feet and are typically grown for their fiber, seeds, and oil. Marijuana plants, on the other hand, are shorter and bushier, with thicker stems and broad, serrated leaves. They are typically grown for their buds, which are used to produce marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes.
Hemp has been grown for thousands of years for various purposes, including textiles, paper, and food. Its solid and durable fibers make it ideal for many products, including rope, clothing, and building materials. Its seeds are a rich source of protein and essential fatty acids and can be used in various food products, including bread, milk, and oil.
Marijuana, on the other hand, has primarily been used for recreational and medicinal purposes. The psychoactive compounds in marijuana, including THC and CBD (cannabidiol), have been found to have many therapeutic benefits, including treating chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy. Several nations have recently made the usage of medical marijuana, and some have even legalized its use for recreational purposes.
Despite their differences, Hemp and marijuana are often confused with one another due to their close relationship and shared origin. This can lead to misunderstandings and misconceptions about the two plants, particularly concerning their legal status and potential health effects.
For example, Hemp was made illegal in the United States in the 1930s due to its association with marijuana. However, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. This has led to a surge in the production and use of hemp-based products, including CBD oil, which has become famous for its potential health benefits.
Marijuana, on the other hand, remains illegal at the federal level, although a growing number of states have legalized its use for medicinal or recreational purposes. The legal status of marijuana can vary widely from state to state, and it is essential to be aware of the laws in your area.
One of the main reasons for the confusion between Hemp and marijuana is that they both come from the same cannabis Sativa plant species. This can lead to misunderstandings about the differences between the two, particularly regarding their legal status and potential health effects.
It is important to note that while Hemp is legal to cultivate and sell in the United States, as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC, marijuana remains prohibited on a federal level. But more and more states have legalized marijuana the use of marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes, and the legal status of marijuana can vary widely from state to state.
Despite their differences, both Hemp and marijuana have potential health benefits. Hemp is a rich source of protein, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients and has been used in various food products, including bread, milk, and oil. Marijuana, on the other hand, has been found to have a range of therapeutic benefits, including treating chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy.
In conclusion
Hemp and marijuana are two varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant species, but they are pretty different in their appearance, chemical composition, and uses. Hemp is a non-psychoactive plant grown for its fiber, seeds, and oil, while marijuana is grown for its buds and is used primarily for recreational and medicinal purposes. Despite their differences, they are often confused with one another, and it is essential to understand the legal and health implications of each.
