Hemp and marijuana come from the same family and are commonly known as the cousin plant of one another, but the FDA has only legalized the hemp plant and not marijuana.
Hallucinogenic cannabis, also known as marijuana; is used for medicinal or recreational activities. Many states are gradually validating recreational marijuana, but it is still unauthorized on the federal level. A 2018 Farm Bill made hemp lawful in the United States.
Smilz produces CBD products that are extracted from hemp. Marijuana extraction is entirely avoided throughout production.
Hemp, unlike marijuana, can now be used in a range of methods. Healthy nutritional supplements, skincare products, clothes, and appliances are the areas where hemp is used. Legal hemp products are now available not only online, but also in many grocery stores. Hemp is recognized for its more than 20000 potential health benefits.
Today, after almost 50 years, many people still seem to be confused about the legal status of hemp and the similarities and differences between hemp and marijuana.
Comparison Between Hemp And Marijuana:
Here are some of the following comparison metrics that may help you to differentiate between these two plants:
- Botanic name: Hemp, is also known as cannabis sativa and marijuana is called cannabis indica.
- Shape and size: Hemp plants are usually tall and skinny. It looks like a short tree. On the other hand, marijuana is grown in two different shapes; tall and short. The tall one resembles hemp, while the short one is shaggy.
- Uses: Fabrics, paper, biofuel, hemp seeds, and dietary supplements are all examples of hemp-based products. Marijuana is used for drugs for recreation, herbal remedies, and probiotics.
- CBD: The hemp plant can contain a high content of CBD-10% of the biomass. However, CBD content in marijuana can be quite low as well as high.
- THC: This psychoactive compound is only found by 0.3% in the dried weight of the hemp plant. Marijuana contains more than 0.3% of THC.
- Psychoactive: Hemp plant products are low in THC. Thus, they do not generally have any psychoactive effect. On the other hand, Marijuana possesses a large content of THC, which makes it more psychoactive.
- Legal status: A 2018 farm bill legalized hemp products only if they contain a low consistency of THC. Products made with marijuana extracts are still illegal on the federal level.
Cannabis Species:
The Cannabacea family includes all cannabis plants, including hemp and marijuana. The hop plant (Humulus lupulus) is the only other notable part of this family, and it is one of the main ingredients in making beer.
There are three types of cannabis plants:
- Cannabis Sativa:
Cannabis sativa is the most common type of cannabis. It has a variety of thousands of strains. Some with high THC, and others with very limited THC. This plant is primarily found in Southeast Asia, where moisture levels are much higher and the planting season is much longer. Thus, it has the longest germination rate and grows the tallest of all cannabis lifeforms.
- Cannabis Indica:
Cannabis indica is found in northern climates, so it has a greater threshold for cooler temperatures and thus a relatively short seedling growth to compensate for the shortened growth periods. Due to its small size and flower length, it has only recently become a hot species for organic farmers. It is perfect for people who grow plants indoors with lights.
There are generally hardly any Cannabis indica varieties categorized as hemp. All cannabis Indica plants are categorized as marijuana.
- Cannabis Ruderalis:
Cannabis ruderalis is a relatively unknown cannabis plant. It is a small plant with very low returns and no discernible dietary fiber.
What distinguishes this strain is its ability to produce flowers regardless of the length of the day. It contrasts with marijuana indica and medical marijuana, both of which are strongly affected by the duration of the day.
The Difference Between Strain And Species:
The cannabis plant is rather complicated, but even within the above species, there seems to be a lot of room for variety. These differences are referred to as strains.
Hemp strains vs. marijuana strains are the best examples of how strains of a certain species can be dissimilar. Although both are assumed to be the same plant due to genetic overlap, their growth characteristics are noticeably different.
Cannabis plants come in numerous different varieties. A few are found naturally, while others are bred to have particular characteristics. Each strain has a unique set of characteristics.
Some strains are cultivated to generate significant THC levels, while others to withstand excessively dry or humid conditions.
When Was Hemp Discovered?
Soon after the prohibition of THC and the crops that deliver it, it was found that some forms of cannabis plants did not have any addictive properties. These crops were labeled as “hemp.” The only plant that produces less than 0.3 percent THC by dried weight is viewed as hemp.
Hemp is now lawful in the U.S, and the rest of the world. Any hemp nutrient is classified as a health supplement instead of a hallucinogenic substance. Marijuana, on the other hand, is regarded as a controlled substance, and its production is strictly regulated.
How To Differentiate Between Hemp And Marijuana?
Growth:
The key distinction in the growth of hemp and marijuana is the resin produced by female seedlings. A large number of CBD, THC, and other chemical compounds are manufactured in this material. Marijuana resin is denser and greasier, unlike hemp.
Hemp provides far less resin and tends to acquire beneficial active compounds inside its bleak leaves.
Chemical composition:
The main distinction between hemp and marijuana is their chemical properties.
Hemp strains, as previously stated, are only labeled as such if they generate below 0.3 percent THC by dry mass. Anything above this level is marijuana.
Legal Status:
With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp production became more widely available. It is now completely lawful for a grower to cultivate and produce hemp on their property, as long as the seed germinates less than 0.3 percent THC by mass. There is no need for any additional applications or government inspections.
Marijuana, on the other hand, is still considered illegal.
Hemp Products by Smilz:
For the production of CBD oil products, the U.S grown hemp plant is used. Our hemp products include gummies, capsules, coffee, and oil tinctures. All these products are efficiently produced to provide potential health gains to our consumers.
Conclusion:
Hemp and marijuana are basically from the same plant family. Many people still believe that these two are the same. The compound pattern of each plant is what distinguishes them both. The plant must contain less than 0.3 percent THC by the total weight to be classed as hemp because anything above this volume is labeled as marijuana.
To know more about us or our products contact us. Also, ask us any questions regarding CBD and its products.
