HEMP vs MARIJUANA
At Leanna Organics, we are proud to be part of the cannabis industry.
Cannabis is a plant that comes from nature in two primary forms: hemp and marijuana. With the 2018 legalization of industrial hemp in the United States and the growing legalization of marijuana—both medical and recreational—the cannabis plant has never been more popular.
However, the relative newness of marijuana and hemp in the mainstream still brings confusion. What is the difference between hemp vs. marijuana? And how about CBD vs. THC?
If those questions are going through your head, you are not alone—and you are in the right place!
What Is Hemp?
Hemp is a form of the cannabis plant that contains mostly CBD, a non-intoxicating compound and one of the many cannabinoids found in the plant.
Unlike marijuana, hemp is legalized at the federal level and is used more widely.
Extracted from the leaves and buds of the hemp plant, CBD can be infused into wellness products such as CBD salve, CBD oil, gummies, massage oils, and skincare products such as CBD body cream, face cream, and eye serum. CBD is also used for the wellness of pets, helping our furry family members feel calmer and cope with discomfort.
The utility of CBD is diverse, and its efficacy is backed by science and the experience of millions of users.
Peer-reviewed studies show that the benefits of CBD are broad, addressing concerns such as body discomfort and skin irritation while promoting restfulness and more.
Besides the leaves and buds that produce CBD, hemp fiber is a multi-purpose material used for building materials, paper, clothing, plastics, textiles, and food products. Hemp seed is also a healthy source of protein and fiber.
When considering hemp vs. marijuana, the primary difference is cannabinoid levels, with CBD being the dominant compound in hemp and only trace levels of THC present.
What Is Marijuana?
Marijuana is a form of the cannabis plant that contains primarily THC, the intoxicating cannabinoid responsible for the "high." Unlike hemp, it remains illegal as a Schedule I substance at the federal level. Still, it is legalized in many states for medical and recreational purposes.
Extracted from marijuana leaves and buds, THC is typically ingested or smoked rather than used as a topical salve, bath bomb, or oil. While it is sometimes infused into oils and creams, because THC must enter the bloodstream to be psychoactive, ingestible forms and smoking remain the most common methods.
While CBD can be purchased almost anywhere, marijuana must be purchased from a licensed cannabis dispensary.
The most critical thing to understand about hemp vs. marijuana is that hemp primarily produces CBD, while THC is produced mainly from marijuana.
What Are the Similarities Between Hemp and Marijuana?
Hemp and marijuana are similar in many ways—look, smell, taste, and potential utility.
Like industrial hemp, the fiber from the marijuana plant could hypothetically be used for clothing, building materials, paper, and plastic. However, due to regulations in the marijuana industry versus industrial hemp, marijuana is primarily grown to be consumed or smoked.
Despite the difference between hemp being non-intoxicating and marijuana containing THC, both have wellness applications. CBD oil is a plant-based and non-intoxicating option, while THC is legalized for medical purposes in many U.S. states.
Though hemp and marijuana differ because marijuana is intoxicating and hemp is not, when you look at the cannabinoid output of each plant, you will discover that CBD is present in some strains of marijuana, and trace amounts of THC are present in almost all forms of hemp.
Hemp is often mistaken for marijuana; they look the same, smell the same, and are ultimately considered one species: the cannabis plant. The similarities are vast, and the differences are few.
Ultimately, the legal distinction has to do with cannabinoid levels, and as most marijuana users will attest, the cannabinoid THC has a significant effect.
What Are the Differences?
Marijuana and hemp are commonly misconceived as different species of cannabis, but they are two different names for the same plant. The difference is the level of concentration of CBD and THC.
CBD is primarily a product of hemp, and THC is mainly a product of marijuana.
THC is a psychoactive and intoxicating substance found principally in the highly regulated version of the cannabis plant known as marijuana. On the other hand, CBD is non-intoxicating and is the dominant compound found in industrial hemp.
The primary difference between the two is the percentage of THC content. Hemp, by legal definition, contains less than 0.3% THC, while marijuana can have significantly higher levels.
Since there is no taxonomic difference between the two plants, the only clear distinguishing factor of hemp vs. marijuana is whether it can get you high.
Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
It can. Because there are only trace amounts of THC present in CBD isolate—as little as 0.0001%—and up to 0.3% in full-spectrum CBD, the chances are slim. Still, people concerned about THC drug testing should be cautious when consuming any CBD product, as there is no way to remove THC from hemp completely.
Despite this, topical CBD such as CBD salve, CBD bath bombs, and CBD beauty products like face cream and body cream do not enter the bloodstream in the same way and may be considered by those with concerns.
Legal Status of Hemp and Marijuana
The legal status is also critical when considering hemp vs. marijuana. Medical marijuana is legal in a majority of states, and that trend continues. Recreational marijuana is legal in a growing number of states and Washington, D.C. While legal in these places, marijuana must still be purchased from a licensed cannabis dispensary.
Even within those states, many laws remain regarding when and where you can consume marijuana, driving while under the influence, crossing state lines, and more.
Hemp, by contrast, is legal at the federal level thanks to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp products are available in stores that meet local criteria, can be consumed openly, ordered online, and carried across state lines.
The legal status of both has implications for where products can be purchased. Even in states where it is legal, marijuana is only available at specially licensed vendors, often called dispensaries. These vendors must meet extensive background checks and regulatory requirements.
Hemp, or more specifically CBD, is sold as an over-the-counter product. It can be used almost everywhere these days. CBD is widely available on the internet, while marijuana products containing THC are not.
The confusion over the difference between marijuana and hemp is likely to remain for some time. Still, the good news is that it will eventually fade as more people become aware of what each plant offers. It will take time and further legalization and education, but people will ultimately understand that hemp and marijuana, while different in important ways, are both types of cannabis plants with distinct properties and benefits.
Does Leanna Organics Sell Both Hemp and Marijuana?
No. Leanna Organics only sells products made from industrial hemp. Additionally, we third-party test our CBD to ensure it is non-intoxicating. Marijuana is a highly regulated industry where shipping across state lines and selling online are prohibited.
We proudly bring our hemp-based self-care products to Colorado and the greater U.S. through our online store. Cannabis is a natural, plant-based ally that helps millions of people daily. CBD is changing the wellness landscape by offering an earth-based and non-intoxicating option for skincare and wellness.
If you are local to the Denver area, stop by our CBD shop in Westminster, CO. Or message or call us if we can help with any questions about integrating CBD into your lifestyle. We offer free CBD samples so you can try our plant-based remedies before you buy.
Scott Mollenkopf
Read more about Scott
Scott takes care of technology, sales, and marketing for Leanna Organics while also balancing life with three kids and a house full of dogs. He is comfortable both in the technical side of the business and interacting directly with customers, always keeping natural wellness in focus—a topic he regularly covers on the company blog. When not working, he is often out on a Colorado trail with his dogs, following the same pull toward nature that first inspired Leanna Organics.
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