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[UPDATED] Hemp vs. Marijuana - The real difference
![[UPDATED] Hemp vs. Marijuana - The real difference](https://d3cfv1r84exbq1.cloudfront.net/magefan_blog/Banner5.jpg)
The complexity and confusing legalities about the cannabis world is so deeply prevalent that even connoisseurs of the field cannot answer the overflowing questions. You and I have sat among our homies and discussed Hemp vs. Marijuana at great length, but the absence of clear answers and distinction is what bothers all of us.
The world of cannabis has a more controversial reputation than the entire Hollywood, and its shifting legalities make it as mysterious as the black hole. From the many cannabinoids to the different strains, you keep scratching your head from one fact to another. Coupled with the complicated UK Laws, this seems like a never-ending discussion. From the general question of whether Marijuana is a plant or a ‘drug’, to the more complicated ones like the difference between hemp oil and cbd oil, we will try to cover everything in this article.
And here we come, donning the thinking cap and wizard's beard to tell you all about Hemp and Marijuana, and why they have been never clearly understood all these years.
The world of Cannabis
You know that cannabis is a plant that is detested by some while unconditionally loved by others and completely ignored by some. Hemp and Marijuana both are classified in the "genus" of the cannabis plant. If you’re a complete noob in this area, just know that Marijuana or Cannabis is just a regular plant that was falsely accused of many far-fetched claims and since then, been shunned into the world of void.
Moving forward with our Marijuana Plant Classification, you can further classify the cannabis plant into three types- Indica, Sativa, and Ruderalis. Indica & Sativa are the common ones that you may have heard, while Ruderalis is cornered to only China, Russia, and Poland.
Though this distinction has been debunked by the scientists as it is the strain’s chemical composition that will determine how it influences you and not the simple labelling of the plants, many people still stand rigid on the previous distinction.
| Also Read: Indica vs. Sativa - What’s the Difference Between the Two Cannabis Plants? |
The cannabis plant is said to have two distinct compounds known as CBD and THC. THC is responsible to make you feel "high" while CBD has additional benefits for the endocannabinoid system.
Coming back to Hemp Vs. Marijuana, they both share a common pool of genetic variation thanks to human civilization and travel. Let's move deeper into the confusing nomenclature of the two most widely known cannabis plants.
Hemp vs. Marijuana- What is Hemp?
Starting with the more accepted of the two, Hemp, to put it simply, is any cannabis plant that contains 0.3% or less THC content (by dry weight). It’s a pretty simple way to put it, and the next time someone asks the meaning of hemp, let them know this short but very clear definition.
UK Hemp laws have a grey area and a slightly confusing and misunderstood legalities which do not allow the farmers to take complete advantage of the hemp plant that they are growing. As a farmer, you can get a Home Office License for the cultivation of Industrial Hemp which is said to have almost zero THC. However, you can only harvest part of the plant.
The Home Office states that Hemp preparations will come under the general legal status of Cannabis unless it contains the mature stalk, fibre, or seeds of the plant. However, these guidelines have often come under fire for being unclear.
In the USA, The Agricultural Act of 2018 allows Hemp Plant to be cultivated as the non-intoxicating cannabis that is harvested for industrial use. As you may have guessed, there is a distinction between industrial hemp and medicinal hemp.
Although cannabis is fairly a new discovery with its medicinal and wide array of benefits still being explored by the scientists, it is said to be the first crop ever cultivated by mankind.
It has been a catalyst for man's earliest innovations and owes many inventions to its name. The hemp family has made quite a name for itself. There are now various hemp uses that are employed to create everyday products.
With the increasing demands, Hemp now stands at being used to produce over 50,000 products. Now that's a lot! You can also identify the plant through the distinct hemp leaves that are different from the other cannabis plant.
Next time someone asks if hemp is weed or not, you’d have a solid answer.
Figure: What is Hemp used for?
| Also Read: Hemp Oil Guide - What is Hemp Oil & How to Use it? |
Hemp vs. Marijuana- What is Marijuana?
Moving on to the most controversial subject, Marijuana is any cannabis plant that has more than 0.3% THC. This distinction is purely on the basis that a higher THC can get you baked.
While the term is used widely in the UK and USA, the laws in both places are pretty distinct from one another. While the USA allows recreational cannabis in some places, UK is yet to legalize any kind of cannabis.
Coming to the terminology of the term, many informed individuals and organizations refuse to use the term, deeming it racist. You must be wondering where does this notion come from?
If you look at the history of Cannabis, the term Marijuana didn't find its way until the 1910-20s. During the Mexican revolution in 1910-1920 which caused a mass exodus, there arrived the anti-Mexican sentiments in the country.
The term "marijuana" was used as a negative correlation of its consumption by Mexican immigrants. Soon after, rumours flew and the “Mexican cannabis” or “locoweed'' was considered to induce dangerous or homicidal tendencies.
As the negative representation of cannabis settled in people, the government started the strict regulation of cannabis. This led to the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, followed by 80 years of cannabis prohibition.
In this way, the term Marijuana emerged and stayed with us.
Hemp vs. Marijuana - The difference
Rounding back to the topic, let's have a look at the difference between hemp and Marijuana as they often appear indistinguishable from one another.
- Chemical Composition
Since their physical attributes are similar to one another, it is important to know the chemical composition to make the distinction.
Hemp and Marijuana, both have a good amount of CBD, the non-intoxicating compound which used to make tinctures, oils, etc. However, when it comes to THC, hemp can contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight, marijuana can contain up to 30% THC content.
Here's how the two differ from one another.
- Legal Issues
Another major and obvious difference stems from the legality of the two. While Marijuana is shunned in the UK and allows at only a few places in the USA, Hemp is more widely accepted.
The Controlled Substance Act of 1970 was used to regulate both the substance, the recent Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 freed hemp from the illegal status.
- Growth and Cultivation
Since these two have different chemical composition, it is apparent that they require different growing conditions to influence it.
Marijuana is grown in a regulated environment to produce high yielding female buds that contain a good amount of THC. Attentiveness is required to regulate each stage of its life cycle and environment, such as proper temperature, lighting, and humidity.
| Read More: Hydroponic Cannabis- How to Grow Hydroponic Marijuana? |
- Usage
Hemp and Marijuana with their different compounds offer a range of usages which are unique to their composition.
Marijuana contains a high THC content which secures to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the Endocannabinoid System, which affects the mind-altering, euphoric effects referred to as being “high.” Contrary to popular belief, Marijuana has a wide variety of therapeutic applications.
On the other hand, hemp properties and uses are different from that of Marijuana. It is used to produce a broad variety of products which include industrial products, food products, and even medicinal products.
Hope this was able to answer all your pending questions about the difference between the two known cannabis types. If you have any doubts or questions, feel free to drop it in the comments section below.
Till then, keep toking with Olivastu.
