What is the difference between hemp and cannabis?

Can someone explain the main differences between hemp and cannabis plants? How do their uses, cannabinoid content, and legal status differ?

One answer “What is the difference between hemp and cannabis?

  1. Hemp and Cannabis plants both belong to the same species known as Cannabis Sativa. However, they have distinct differences in terms of their uses, cannabinoid content, and legal status.

    Uses: Hemp plants are mainly used for their fiber and seeds, which are used to make paper, fabrics, and building supplies. Hemp oil is also made from the plant, as well as a range of health supplements and personal care products, such as shampoos and skincare.

    Cannabis, on the other hand, is mainly used for the purpose of extracting marijuana, the psychoactive drug which is still illegal in most countries. It is also used to produce CBD oils and various types of edibles.

    Cannabinoid Content: Hemp plants contain varying levels of the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, including CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). However, hemp plants are bred to contain only trace amounts of THC, usually less than 0.3%, which is not enough to cause psychoactive effects when consumed.

    Cannabis plants, on the other hand, have higher concentrations of THC and usually contain more than 0.3%. This concentrated form of THC is what gives users their “high” when marijuana is ingested.

    Legal Status: Hemp plants are legal in most countries around the world, including the US. This is due to their low THC content, which makes them suitable for industrial use and different types of products.

    Cannabis plants, however, are still viewed as an illegal substance in many countries. Marijuana is only legal in some US states, while other countries have legalised only CBD-based products derived from the cannabis plant. In general, though, the legal status of cannabis plants is still largely dictated by the level of THC in the plant.

    In conclusion, hemp and cannabis plants may appear to belong to the same species, but they do have crucial differences. Hemp plants contain very little THC and therefore have a much broader range of uses and a much higher level of legal acceptance. Cannabis plants, on the other hand, have a much higher level of THC which makes them subject to more stringent laws and regulations.

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