Hemp vs. Marijuana: How Do They Compare?
18th Jan 2023
When it comes to purchasing hemp products online, what makes marijuana illegal but hemp legal? Lots of people are unclear about the differences between these two closely related plants. After all, they’re technically the same plant, but the effects of marijuana and hemp differ greatly. The Federal Schedule 1 restricted substance, marijuana, is handled quite differently than hemp when it comes to the legality of online sales.
That’s why it’s important for us to unpack hemp vs. marijuana. Hemp Generation’s dedication to long-term wellness and education in the hemp industry means we want our customers to have as much knowledge as possible before they make their purchases. That way they can make informed decisions everyone feels good about.
Legal Classifications of Hemp vs. Marijuana
In legal terms, hemp and marijuana are classified differently depending on jurisdiction. These distinctions are primarily based on the concentration of Delta-9 THC, the cannabinoid associated with intoxicating effects in cannabis products.
These classifications are defined in the United States under federal law and can influence how cannabis-derived products are regulated at the state level.
The 2018 Farm Bill
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill, played a major role in reshaping hemp regulations in the United States.
Prior to this legislation, hemp cultivation in the U.S. was heavily restricted and required extensive licensing, oversight, and approval processes. The Farm Bill legalized hemp production federally, allowing farmers to cultivate hemp legally as long as it contains no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
This change also expanded the availability of hemp-derived products, including CBD-based goods, across many markets.
The Science Behind Hemp vs. Marijuana
From a botanical perspective, hemp and marijuana come from the same plant species, Cannabis sativa. The primary difference between the two lies in their cannabinoid composition, specifically the level of Delta-9 THC present.
Hemp is defined as cannabis containing 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC by dry weight, while marijuana refers to cannabis that exceeds this threshold.
Although they are scientifically the same species, this difference in cannabinoid concentration is what determines their legal classification and regulatory treatment.
Note:
Cannabis laws vary by state and jurisdiction, and regulations may change over time. It is important to review local laws before purchasing or using hemp-derived products.
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Hemp Generation was founded in 2018 with a mission to provide long-term wellness solutions and education to the hemp community. We are determined to change conventional healing methods through the use of high quality, natural, alternative products.