First and foremost, hemp is not marijuana and marijuana is not hemp. However, there appears to be some confusion on the differences between the two. For a person who is new to this world, they both can appear to be the same thing. You can expect to learn about the difference between hemp and marijuana; including what each one is and the different products they produce.
What is Hemp?
Hemp is classified as a Cannabis sativa L plant that is specifically grown for industrial use. It is used for multiple purposes which includes making paper, fabric, building material, and more. Hemp is more commonly known to produce CBD because it naturally has high amounts of CBD and low THC. Although industrial hemp does have some THC it is not enough to get you high. Therefore, it takes a lot of hemp extract to make Delta-8 THC because of the low amounts of THC it produces.
The hemp plant has over 120 naturally occurring cannabinoids which are compounds that join to our bodies’ cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are located throughout our body and brain. The term psychoactive means that the cannabinoid can get you high. Although CBD is non-psychoactive, Delta-8 THC is psychoactive because it can get you high. The high it produces is different from marijuana because of its chemical compound; which we will get into later. There are a lot of hemp products available and each one contains unique properties.
Hemp Products
The hemp plant has many different cannabinoids that are extracted and made into hemp products. This includes CBD Oil, CBD Seed Oil, Delta-8 THC, CBG, CBN, and the list goes on. Some products that are hemp-derived contain little to non-detectable amounts of CBD. Although, it does sound weird to think that a plant that is known for CBD produces products that have no CBD. Some hemp products that have no CBD in them include CBD seed oil and Delta-8 THC.
The part of the hemp plant that produces CBD is the stalk, leaves, and flower. The word “hemp oil” gets thrown out pretty loosely. However, popular lotions, supplements, and dietary food sold at major retail stores contain hemp seed oil, not CBD. The difference is that hemp seeds contain little to no CBD. While you’re getting the benefits from the hemp plant, you’re not getting all of the hemp properties. Another product that has little to non-detectable traces of CBD is Delta-8 THC. This is because it is an extract that isolates the Delta-8 THC from the hemp plant, leaving behind a lot of the other cannabinoids.
What is Marijuana?
Marijuana is a psychoactive plant known for its high concentration of Delta-9 THC. Although some states in the U.S. have allowed both medical and recreational use; the Federal government still classifies it as a Schedule I drug. This is on the same list as heroin, LSC, and other hardcore drugs. The marijuana plant or cannabis has at least 144 different cannabinoids which help inhibit different experiences. People mainly use marijuana for its psychoactive effects and the euphoric feeling it causes when consumed.
Popular ways to consume marijuana include edibles, vapes, and smoking. In theory, you can extract CBD from marijuana but because of how it’s classified, it is illegal to do so. A cultivator needs to use a raw product that has less than Delta-9 THC. If the raw flower has more than 0.03% Delta-9 THC, it is considered a drug under current Federal laws. Therefore, a person would use marijuana for recreational or medical purposes.
Marijuana Products
A more traditional way of consuming marijuana includes smoking it. However, many new ways have emerged due to the popularity of vaping, dabbing, and edibles. In the past, if you weren’t comfortable smoking it you would make brownies, or purchase some sort of edible. Due to the combustibles from smoking marijuana, many have resorted to vaping or edibles. With more and more states legalizing marijuana, these products are only going to become a lot more popular.
Technology and our understanding of how marijuana cultivation works have allowed us to introduce different types of marijuana. These are specifically grown and cultivated to produce certain terpenes. They not only enhance the flavor profile of the product but also enhance the experience. This is known as the entourage effect in marijuana – which can be applied to Delta-8 THC. So, if the marijuana profile includes more Indica heavy (relaxing) additional terpenes can help enhance that experience.
Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana
The biggest difference between hemp and marijuana is the amount of THC each one produces. Hemp tends to produce high amounts of CBD and low amounts of THC; while marijuana tends to produce more THC and less CBD. However, that’s not to say that hemp can’t get you high, you’ll just need to extract a lot of THC. Due to current federal laws, any product that contains more than 0.03% of Delta-9 THC; including in its raw form is not able to be sold or shipped across state lines. This means that Delta-8 THC has to have less than 0.03% of Delta-9 THC and must come from the hemp plant.
The type of high that both hemp-derived Delta-8 THC and marijuana (Delta-9 THC) produce are different. Marijuana tends to be a lot stronger because it’s cultivated to be that way. Delta-8 THC is less potent and tends to not produce the same side effects that Delta-9 THC does. Although they are both psychoactive you won’t get the same high because of the small differences. We recommend Delta-8 THC for anyone looking to get into THC or for those who can’t handle the effects of Delta-9 THC.
