The Differences Between Hemp And Cannabis You Need To Know

January 24, 2024

Are you confused about the difference between hemp and cannabis? Bay Smokes is here to break it down for you.

Hemp and cannabis are members of the same plant species, Cannabis sativa. Even though they’re members of the same family, there are still a few key differences between them.

Hemp vs. Cannabis

The first difference you’ll notice is their appearance. Hemp plants are tall, skinny, and mostly leaves. Cannabis plants, also known as marijuana plants, are shorter, bushier, and have those signature nugs or flowers on the top of them.

Hemp is usually grown for the fiber in the leaves and stalks, which explains why they’re taller and more sparse. I’m sure you already know that marijuana is grown for the buds, but that’s why those plants are usually smaller and denser.

Is There THC in Hemp?

The second big difference between hemp and marijuana plants is the amount of Delta-9 THC found in each plant. THC is also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, and it’s the compound in weed that gets you high.

Legally, hemp plants have to contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. It still has some other cannabinoids, though. Marijuana plants can contain way more THC than that. High-potency bud can be bred to have as much as 30% THC or more.

What is Hemp Used For?

Hemp and cannabis plants are also grown and used for different things. Hemp is usually grown for industrial purposes and is used to make materials like paper, fabrics, clothing, biodegradable plastics, construction materials, and more.

Cannabis, or marijuana, is mostly grown for medical and recreational use. Marijuana plants are also grown to be processed into other kinds of cannabis products, like vapes, topicals, and edibles.

Is Hemp Legal?

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp containing less than 0.3% THC is legal everywhere in the United States.

However, cannabis plants remain illegal in many states.

Benefits of Hemp

Even though hemp won’t get you high, it still has a ton of great benefits. A lot of hemp plants contain CBD (cannabidiol), which is a super powerful, non-intoxicating cannabinoid that has all kinds of potential uses and benefits.

Hemp is also a really great plant for manufacturing. It grows super fast, has a small carbon footprint, and can be used to make all kinds of different materials.

Finally, hemp itself has some great health and wellness benefits. Hemp oil, hemp seeds, and other parts of the hemp plant are becoming more and more popular.

Hemp and CBD

Some hemp plants are specifically bred to have a high amount of CBD. High-CBD hemp still contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, so it’s legal in all 50 states.

Hemp plants with high levels of CBD can be smoked or turned into all kinds of other CBD products, like vapes, tinctures, oils, and topicals.

Where to Buy Hemp and CBD

It seems like you can buy hemp and CBD anywhere these days. It’s important to buy all of your cannabis products from trusted retailers, though. Online smoke shops like Bay Smokes have hemp and CBD options for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for. Try a new strain of CBD flower or some CBD distillate for a more potent product. We also carry other kinds of hemp products that pack more of a punch, like hemp-derived Delta-9 THC gummies. You can’t go wrong!