The world of cannabis has rightfully exploded in the last few years, with various strains and products ruling the health and wellness scene, each armed with a myriad of amazing benefits for both physical and mental health.
With all these different types and products in the market today, it’s totally understandable if you find yourself a little lost on which is which. Well, we got you on that front.
Today, we’ll explore cannabis vs. hemp: what’s the difference? These two are often confused, so we’ll lay out all their distinct characteristics, uses, legal workings, and a whole lot more! So, if you’re someone who confused cannabis for hemp and vice versa, you’ll want to check this guide out.
The Science of It All
If you did confuse hemp for cannabis or the other way around all along, please don’t blame yourself. Because when you look up the differences in Google, literally tells you cannabis and hemp are the same thing! Don’t believe us? Check it for yourself.
To understand the difference, we’ll get into the science of it. While we can’t entirely discredit Google’s answer, being that cannabis and hemp both belong to the cannabis sativa plant species, the key differences are in their chemical composition.
While their lineage and source are similar, their applications and how they’re cultivated also differ significantly.
Let’s take a look at what we mean below.
- Cannabis: This typically refers to varieties of Cannabis sativa that have a high count of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the psychoactive compound that gets you “high” or “stoned,” whichever term you’re most familiar with.
- Hemp: This variety of cannabis sativa is bred to have less than 0.3% THC, which means it is not psychoactive and won’t get you high or stoned, or whatever you call it.
Chemical Composition and Effects
As we mentioned, the key difference between cannabis and hemp is in their chemical composition, mainly in the THC and CBD (cannabidiol) levels.
Let’s get into it,
- Cannabis
- High in THC, usually ranging from 5% to 30%.
- Contains different levels of CBD, which can affect THC levels.
- Popularly known for its psychoactive effects and medicinal benefits.
- Infused in a variety of products aiding sleep, pain relief, mental health balance, and more.
- Hemp
- Low THC content, usually less than 0.3%.
- Hemp is rich in its CBD levels, which helps give its therapeutic effects without the high.
- Commonly used in wellness products like oils, creams, lotions, supplements, etc.
It is important to choose products made with high-quality cannabis or hemp, no matter what you’re using it for. Reputable brands like Biowellnessx offer clean ingredients derived from the purest forms of CBD and THC.
Make sure you research whichever brand you’re interested in, check customer reviews and testimonials, and go through their websites and social media platforms to confirm they’re legitimate and legally registered to ship to your location.
Legal Status
Legal frameworks around cannabis, as a whole, differ in different locations around the world.
While some countries are loose on their allowance, others have strict guidelines on use and applications. It’s important to know what you’re allowed to do and not do if you’re using, cultivating, or selling either cannabis or hemp.
The main factor legality depends on is the THC content of the cannabis or hemp product you’re using. Let’s explore a little further,
- Hemp
- Legal in most countries if the THC levels are below 0.3%.
- Hemp is cultivated under strict regulations for industrial and commercial purposes, depending on which country.
- Cannabis
- Legal status varies by country and state, stricter for high THC content and psychoactive effects.
- Often restricted or regulated for medicinal and recreational use because of its psychoactive effects.
The Difference in Uses and Applications
We’ve established that cannabis and hemp are versatile plants despite their similar lineage. However, their uses and applications cater to different fields and industries.
Let’s discuss them below.
- Cannabis
- Treats chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, digestive issues, and more. Also helps with irregular sleep patterns and energy levels.
- Used recreationally for its high THC levels and psychoactive effects to calm users down and manage anxiety symptoms.
- Hemp
- Produces textile, paper, bioplastics, and construction materials across various industries.
- Hemp seeds and oils are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which have a number of health benefits.
- CBD products are excellent for managing anxiety effects, inflammation, skin elasticity, and overall health.
Research has shown both cannabis and hemp are effective for major health concerns, such as neurological issues like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and digestive issues such as IBD (Irritable Bowel Disorder).
While studies do reflect great promise, they’re still in their preliminary stages and have not been confirmed as primary or sole treatments for any diseases we mentioned. They’re suggested to be best used in conjunction.
Differences in Cultivation Practices
Cannabis and hemp differ in how they’re cultivated, and both require different cultivation techniques. This is interesting, given that they’re both sourced from the same plant. Let’s look at how each is cultivated.
- Cannabis
- Grown in specially controlled environments to maximize THC and CBD content.
- They require nutrient-rich soil and precise feeding schedules for optimal growth and potency. They also need more pesticides.
- It requires careful monitoring of light, temperature, and levels of humidity for proper growth. It is harvested when flowers are at peak maturity, as they have the highest levels of cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Hemp
- Hemp is grown and thrives in open spaces, requiring minimal maintenance and upkeep. They can adapt to different climates and soil types, but they need less water and fewer pesticides.
- Cultivated differently depending on what the intended use is, fiber, seeds, or CBD extraction. Fiber hemp is grown tall and dense, while CBD hemp is spaced out for flower production.
- Grown for stalks, seeds, or CBD extraction. Harvested before full maturity to maintain the quality of stalks, while seed and CBD production needs full maturation.
Environmental Impact
The cultivation of cannabis and hemp also has their own individual environmental impacts. Often, not great ones, at least for one of them.
Let’s take a look below,
- Cannabis
- Indoor growing setups consume a lot of energy due to lighting, ventilation, and temperature control.
- Cannabis uses a lot of water in its cultivation, which can strain local resources, especially in areas that are arid and dry.
- Hemp
- Environmentally friendly because of its ability to grow with less water, pesticides, and fertilizers.
- Improves soil health by preventing erosion and promoting biodiversity in an increasingly climatically challenged world.
- Hemp absorbs carbon dioxide at higher rates than most crops, leading to efficient carbon sequestration efforts.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Cannabis and hemp have rich histories and powerful cultural significance. We’ll explore it below.
- Cannabis
- Used medicinally and spiritually for thousands of years in the rich cultures of ancient China and India.
- Often linked to countercultural movements and societal shifts in modern history. In 2024 alone, cannabis will add $115 billion to the economy.
- Hemp
- Hemp has been historically valued for its industrial uses, such as making ropes, sails, and paper.
- Hemp is integral to early American agriculture, with presidents like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson cultivating hemp.
Tips for Proper Use
When you’re deciding between using cannabis and hemp, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes, consider the following tips below.
1. Understand What Your Goals Are
First of all, decide whether you’re looking for therapeutic benefits, recreational use, or industrial applications. Know the differences properly; cannabis has high THC content and is a psychoactive plant. Hemp has high CBD and low THC levels, making it a non-psychoactive plant.
The former exudes the “high” sensation; the latter does not.
2. Check The Label
Look for THC and CBD levels to make sure the cannabis or hemp product you’re about to purchase meets your needs and requirements. If the products’ website doesn’t state clearly, consider emailing customer service and getting full disclosure on CBD and THC levels in the desired item.
3. Know About The Laws
Make sure to educate and familiarize yourself with local regulations to avoid any legal complications or issues when using cannabis or hemp. The last thing you want is to get caught up in a legal problem when using cannabis or hemp products for their benefits.
4. Buy From Reputable Sources
We’ve already mentioned this above, but make sure your cannabis or hemp products are tested for quality, legal compatibility, and safety, especially for cannabis-derived items.
5. Talk to Experts
If you’re unsure or have questions, you should seek advice from professionals like healthcare professionals or licensed pharmacy staff.
Conclusion
And there you have it! We hope we could explain the differences between cannabis and hemp properly.
While the two share one botanical family, their chemical composition, legal status, cultivation, and other factors make them unique. Cannabis is celebrated for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits, while hemp is lauded for its industrial and wellness benefits.
