Marijuana vs Hemp Flower Plants: What is the Difference?

Marijuana vs Hemp Flower Plants

Civilization is promoting going green everywhere and CBD users couldn’t agree more. In this more plant-friendly world which we currently live in, you can find CBD products on many online dispensaries, many health food stores, and even on beauty shelves.

These products seem to be useful for everything and a bit more. Cannabidiol isn’t alone in its industry-there’s also oil, seed oil, extract and of course Marijuana. When you want to buy a high-quality product, it is important to know what exactly you can expect from each plant. Knowing what you are buying and doing some research will guide you to make a better purchase.

Confused? Marijuana Vs Hemp Demystified

To help shed some light on the differences it is important to understand that both Marijuana and Hemp are Cannabis, the same genus, but not the same plant.

Difference number 1: The content levels of THC and CBD

Firstly, it’s important to know that cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol are both compounds known as cannabinoids. However, THC have psychoactive properties that can get you high, while CBD can’t. You can go to this link, to learn more about how Tetrahydrocannabinol interacts with the receptors in your endocannabinoid system in a way that gets you high. CBD, however, doesn’t do that.

Cannabidiol is extracted directly from the hemp plant and not from the Marijuana plant. THC is found in very high quantities within the Marijuana plant.

Hemp contains less than 0.3% THC (by dry weight) in the USA and less than 0.2% THC (by dry weight) in European countries. In Marijuana on the other hand there can be up to 30% tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations. Most probably why the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937 was brought in to regulate the cultivation and sale of all cannabis varieties.

They are cousins, but in no way are they the same plant as you can see. For this very reason, the Farm Bill was signed in to the law in December of 2018.

Learn more about hemp and Marijuana here: https://phys.org/news/2019-02-hemp-marijuana.html.

Hemp comes in only one variety, Cannabis Sativa (known for its energizing effects). It has high CBD and low THC.

Marijuana comes in two different varieties: Cannabis Sativa and Indica (also known for its tranquil and calming effects. Hemp has high CBD levels and low THC, whilst Marijuana has low CBD and high THC.

Cultivation and Extraction

Marijuana Vs Hemp Demystified

The other differentiator between these two types of cannabis plants is how they are grown. Seeing that they are used for different purposes, it has resulted in differing in appearances. To encourage growth Marijuana plants are grown far apart and are usually shorter and bushier.

They are only harvested once the plant produces flowers. Once the plants are ready, farmers use different extraction methods to get the oil. Hemp plants look taller and skinnier than their counterparts, they are also grown in closer proximity to each other.

Hemp is harvested before flowers are even produced; this makes them great for industrial use. This also results in a controlled level of tetrahydrocannabinol and a higher level of cannabidiol.

Legality

Marijuana is known for its recreational use. Studies have also shown it has a variety of therapeutic applications. Is CBD derived from each differently? No.

The CBD found in both plants are exactly the same at molecular level. It is still important to note despite the fact that both produce the same type of CBD, Marijuana derived CBD is still illegal in some countries.

Conclusion

To reap the maximum benefits of these plants, their indications for usage is important to know. To make sure you are not falling into marketing traps, it’s key to check product labels.

If you are looking for the unique benefits of Hemp or CBD, make sure you are purchasing a product that clearly states what it contains. That savviness will help the wellness industry continue to reap and normalize the plant’s benefits.

Both THC and CBD have their place in the world. Tetrahydrocannabinol has developed a bad rap when used in excess. When used together, it can have an incredible synergistic relationship that science is discovering to produce amazing benefits for our bodies that are safe and natural.