You might think that hemp and marijuana are the same things. But there are a few key differences between the two.

You might also be thinking about how smoking marijuana could potentially get you in legal trouble. Is there a chance that you can smoke hemp and not get caught?

Well, look no further. Here’s our guide teaching you find the main difference between hemp and marijuana!

Chemical Difference

The main difference between hemp and marijuana in terms of chemistry is the amount of THC in them. Hemp contains trace amounts of THC, whereas marijuana contains large amounts of THC. THC is the chemical that is responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana.

Hemp does not contain enough THC to cause any psychoactive effects. Furthermore, hemp naturally contains higher amounts of CBD, the medicinal compound in marijuana, than marijuana.

CBD is used to treat various medical conditions, but it does not have any psychoactive properties. Therefore, hemp is mainly used for its medicinal properties, whereas marijuana is used for its psychoactive effects.

Legal Status of Each Plant

In the United States, Hemp must contain 0.3 percent or less of THC, while Marijuana must contain more than 0.3 percent of THC, making it federally illegal. This distinction is important to note, as it has significant implications for individuals’ challenges when attempting to purchase, grow and sell hemp and marijuana, as each plant has a different legal status.

Hemp is much more widely available due to its low THC, and it is already used for various products such as paper, oil, textiles, food, and construction materials.

Marijuana, on the other hand, is still federally illegal in the United States and is mainly used for medicinal and recreational purposes.

End Use Differences

The main difference between hemp and marijuana is the end-use difference. Hemp is grown to be tall and has minimal THC content (less than 0.3%), whereas marijuana plants are shorter and have much higher THC contents (often up to 30%).

The hemp plant is used for various things, including clothing, paper products, bioplastics, and food. 

Hemp and marijuana also have different appearances, with marijuana having heavily serrated leaves compared to the more oval-shaped leaves of hemp. 

Cultivation Varieties

In comparison, marijuana is grown indoors or outdoors because it needs precise conditions, such as temperature and humidity, to ensure the THC levels and yields. Additionally, marijuana needs to be regularly monitored by growers so they can take action when pests and other risks occur.

Hemp, however, does not require much attention since it is a hardy crop. If you considering consuming cannabis, click this for more.

Understanding the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana

In conclusion, the main difference between hemp and marijuana lies in their composition and use. Knowing which one to use for what purpose is essential. Learn more about how to differentiate between hemp and marijuana today!

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