Cannabis vs. Hemp: Key Differences Explained

Cannabis and hemp, the terms are often confusing! Hemp is a form of cannabis, and many people often use the terms interchangeably without knowing that they do differ from one another. Hence, the differences are to be acknowledged while making any decision.

On one hand, cannabis is the flower, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. And it has THC as the main psychoactive compound. On the other hand, hemp refers to an herb that comes from a specific variant of Cannabis Sativa. This contains seeds, fibre, and oil that are used in several consumer items.

Cannabis and hemp differ in properties and use. People need to understand the differences rather than making any assumptions. This article examines the difference between hemp and marijuana in terms of composition, use, impacts, legal considerations, etc.

Cannabis vs Hemp: Top Differences

Hemp and cannabis differ in several ways. Let’s discuss the main differences.

Scientific Classification

Cannabis Sativa is the common source of both cannabis and hemp. This ensures the presence of certain similar characteristics between them. But the main distinction is noticed in the THC content.

Hemp is non-psychoactive with THC content of less than 0.3%. In cannabis, THC content is more than 0.3%.

In hemp weed, the CBD percentage ranges from 3% to 20%. This variation in CBD content depends on the cultivator. In cannabis, the CBD percentage is negligible in some strains, whereas it can be up to 20% in certain strains.

The CBG percentage in hemp is around 1%. But on the other hand, it is 1-3% in cannabis. Not so much in the percentage of THC but hemp and marijuana differ slightly in these two major cannabinoids (CBD and CBG).

Chemical Composition

While discussing how hemp and cannabis differ in chemical composition, you need to gather a good knowledge of THC vs CBD. Hemp possesses low THC but high CBD. Meanwhile, cannabis has a high THC content but a moderate CBD content.

Do hemp and marijuana differ in effects? Yes, and this is due to the present cannabinoids.

The short-term effects of THC are mood change, altered perception, etc. Cognitive impairment and dependency are the long-term impacts. Hence, you can experience such effects if you consume cannabis.

Have you planned to consume hemp weed? You will encounter the experience pertinent to CBD. In this case, the short-term effects are anxiety, fatigue, changes in appetite, etc. Well, the long-term impacts are dependency, liver damage, etc.

Industrial and Commercial Usage

Both hemp and cannabis possess wide industrial and commercial uses.

Hemp

The stalk of a hemp plant helps in the production of paper, auto parts, upholstery, biofuel, etc. This crop has a high level of versatility. Hence, it can be processed into various products and can be used in multiple cases.

Hemp seeds possess high nutritional value (high presence of Vitamin E). This is also used in CBD oils.

Cannabis

Cannabis is used to produce ropes, clothing, paper, bioplastics, etc. Because of its sustainability and versatility, the plant is used to produce different types of products. This has also shown its contribution to producing edible oils.

Here are some of the products that we get from these two plants. You are going to notice that certain products are the same for both.

Table 1: Products From Hemp and Cannabis

Medical and Wellness Usage

Hemp and cannabis have extensive medical uses. Let’s check out.

Hemp

Here are some of the medical and wellness uses of hemp.

• Chronic Conditions Management: Do you have any symptoms of chronic conditions, like cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, etc? Hemp can be a good option to manage the symptoms. This is mainly because of the anti-inflammatory properties of hemp.
• Neurological Health Improvement: Different epileptic diseases are cured by CBD obtained from hemp plants. Hemp contributes to certain neurological disorders.
• Skin Health Improvement: Are you suffering from eczema or acne? Well, hemp is effective in improving skin health. The moisturising benefits of the substance are important here.
• Digestion: Fibre is a vital consideration to ensure excellent digestive health. Hemp is effective in improving digestion. Hence, including hemp seeds in your daily diet mitigates digestive problems.

Cannabis

Cannabis has extensive health and wellness uses.

• Pain Management: Patients suffering from any chronic pain can rely on cannabis. This is effective in reducing pain related to rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, nerve damage, etc.
• Vomiting Control: Vomiting is common among people who undergo chemotherapy. Marijuana is capable of controlling it.
• Muscle Spasms Reduction: People dealing with multiple sclerosis experience muscle spasms. Cannabis can help to lower it.
• Sleep Improvement: Are you suffering from sleeping disorder? Consuming marijuana can improve your sleep.

Legal Differences

There are some legal differences between hemp and cannabis as well.

Hemp

According to the Industrial Hemp Regulations, a special license is required to cultivate hemp plants. Only strains with less than 0.2% THC can be cultivated. You need to obtain the needed license from the Home Office.

In the UK, hemp is sold and consumed as hemp oil, hemp seeds, skincare items, etc. The medical benefits are highly acknowledged.

Cannabis

A second Home Office License was granted for growing cannabis in 2021 in the UK. This boosted the commercial cannabis market of the country.

The production, supply, and possession of cannabis are not legal as per the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. However, cannabis-based medicines are often given to patients.

Cultivation Differences

The way you cultivate hemp is not the same as that of cannabis.

Hemp

This is mainly cultivated in large fields. With minimal water requirement and fewer pesticides, the hemp plant grows quickly.

Cannabis

To cultivate marijuana, you need an indoor farm. Artificial lighting is required, and you have to be mindful of watering the plant. Energy usage increases to an extent.

Besides the point of differences mentioned above, here are some other differences between hemp and cannabis.

Table 2: Other Differences Between Hemp and Cannabis

Selecting the Right Product

The cannabis vs hemp debate ends with the fact that your ultimate goal to choose between the two depends on your personal preference. Let’s see what to consider before choosing one.

Choose Hemp if:

You prefer CBD without getting high. In this case, your preferred option is hemp weed.

Choose Cannabis if:

You are looking for a higher THC content. This is also your option if you prioritise stronger effects.

Wrapping Up

Hemp and cannabis differ in several ways. The former has a low THC content, whereas the latter has a high THC content. Hemp improves skin health and heart health. Marijuana helps with pain management and sleep improvement. Despite the differences, both have medicinal benefits and are prescribed to individuals in the right amount.

Choosing the Right One

Are you confused about deciding on hemp and cannabis? First, try to understand how they differ in use, chemical composition, and effects. This helps you make the right choice as per your needs. Visit our website to explore various strains. Collect the one that matches your preference.