Hemp Vs. Marijuana: What’s the Difference?

One of the most common misconceptions for first time users is where CBD comes from, “I thought marijuana was illegal?” “how do they take the THC out?’ To help explain the difference between hemp and marijuana, let’s discuss the basics of Hemp vs. Marijuana.

Both Hemp and Marijuana originate from cannabis, it’s their chemical makeup that separates the two cannabis plants from one another. Hemp and Marijuana both have terpenes and 100+ cannabinoids in their chemical formulation like CBN, CBC, CBG and more. But where they differ is hemp contains a high amount of cannabidiol (CBD) and low amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive ingredient with multiple medicinal properties for helping relief inflammation, anxiety, and much more. Marijuana is known for containing higher amounts of THC, Tetrahydrocannabinol is associated with the plant’s psychoactive effects, known for getting consumer’s “high.” Depending on the strain, marijuana have up to 5% to 30% THC in an average batch and an estimated 10% CBD.

Hemp has historically been used to create durable rope, clothing, sails, and paper products due to its quick growth in unfavorable climates and strong fibers. Hemp’s trace amount of THC won’t create a psychoactive or “high” effect, but it can possibly add more medicinal properties to help consumers with epilepsy, depression, pain severity, etc. In actuality, Hemp’s high amount of CBD acts as an antagonist to THC, making the tetrahydrcannabinol’s psychoactive effects null and void when combined. That’s why they say if you’re ever too high from THC and you’re feeling paranoid or anxious, to take CBD to counteract THC’s effects.

Some of the most recognizable cannabinoids, or chemical compounds, in Hemp and Marijuana are CBC, CBN, and CBG. CBC combined with CBD has known to possibly help improve mental health, pain severity, and more. Although not too much research has been conducted on CBN, this cannabinoid is currently being studied by scientists to help consumers with sleep depervation and insomnia. Due to CBG’s anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, the cannabinoid is being researched to possibly help aliviate MRSA and more.

Both Hemp and Marijuana are rich in aromic chemicals called terpenes, which can also be found in all cannabis plants. Terpenes give Hemp and Marijuana it’s unique flavor and added medicinal benefits. Scientists estimate that there are over 20,000 terpenes in all cannabis plants. For Hemp and Marijuana, certified consultants and cannabis specialists can identify over 100 common terpenes in both plants when they are cultivated.

Some of the most common terpenes found in Hemp and Marijuana are Myrcene, Pinene, Limonene, Linalool, and Eucalyptol. Most of these terpenes can also be found in other essential oils, fruits, and natural products to help with relaxation, stress, sleep, and much more. For example Mycrne can be found in hops, fruits, sage, and other herbs and plants. Mycrne, Limonene, and Linalool can also have extra medicinal properites to help ease stress, anxiety, depression, etc.

Trump Signed The Farm Bill Act In 2018

With the 2018 Farm Bill Act, Hemp has been taken off of the schedule one list of dangerous substances. The Farm Bill Act also creates no ristrictions for the sale, distribution, and possession of Hemp related products. With the legalization of Hemp products, the new bill also allows for farmers to be able to legally grow Hemp all across the country, including the state of Texas.

Unfortunately the new bill hasn’t approved of a completely free system for indivudals to legally grow Hemp anywhere in the United States. More importatly, the Farm Bill Act doesn’t create a system for farmers to be able to apply for a licence to grow hemp. Not only that, both federal and state delegates have yet to create a national program for farmers to follow when cultivating and distributing Hemp.

Even though this new legislation decriminalizes Hemp, the cannbis plant will continue to be highly regulated by state and federal delegates for indusrial and personal production. Ristrictions also include newly grown Hemp to be at the legal THC percentage at .3% and lower.

THC Doesn’t Make It Marijuana

In conclusion, though they share similar properties they are 2 different plants and though Full Spectrum CBD infused products contain .3% or less of THC does not make it marijuana. A big misconception with the well known cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is that it is derived from the marijuana plant. It’s important to know, especially in states where marijuana is still illegal, that THC can also be found in the sister plant, Hemp.