Marijuana VS Hemp
Have you always thought Marijuana & Hemp are the same plant?
Well, you’re not alone! But, you’re not totally wrong.
Let us explain…
Both are members, meaning they are different variations within the same species, of the Cannabacea Family. They’ve been classified in the same category because they’re so similar. Yet, they’re so different. This charted breakdown will give you a clear perspective of what differentiates these two plants & how you can receive benefits from both.
Marijuana Plant VS Hemp Plant...
How they are Similar & how they Differ:
To clarify, the Hemp Plant & the Marijuana Plant are NOT the same. Although they both are members of the Cannabis Sativa Plant Family, they are two different plants with different purposes.
However, both naturally contain phytocannabinoids such as CBD & THC, along with multiple other chemical compounds found in the Cannabis Plant. These chemical compounds each have their unique genetic makeups that have physical & mental affects when they interact with Cannabinoid Receptors in your cells.
Let’s check out how they are similar, yet differ…
HEMP PLANT:
- Has a 108 to 120 days growth cycle.
- Adaptable growing meaning it can grow & thrive in a variety of conditions. Hemp doesn’t require the level of attention that the marijuana plant needs.
- Hemp is grown to maximize its size & yield so it’s usually grown outdoors. It can thrive in severe climates & resist pest infections.
- Hemp grows tall & stalky like a small tree.
- CBD content can be high >10% by dried weight.
- Hemp derived CBD & THC is considered Federally Legal if the Hemp contains 0.3% (or less) of THC content. (Although, legality can differ from state to state.)
- THC content in the Hemp Plant is most likely too low of a percentage to create a “high” feeling.
- Hemp is the strongest natural fiber in the world! Its durability allows for a diverse range of uses including biofuel, clothing, industrial textiles, paper, food, seeds & oils, building materials, & topical body products.
- Contains Cannabis Sativa. Currently, there are NO Cannabis Indica strains classified as Hemp.
MARIJUANA PLANT:
- Has a 60 to 90 day growth cycle
- Carefully grown meaning it needs attention & specific climate to grow & thrive.
- Usually grown indoors because it needs to be cultivated with a more regulated & controlled environment. It needs more attention at every stage of its life cycle.
- Can be tall & stalky OR short & bulky depending on the type of Cannabis Strain.
- CBD content can be high >20% by dried weight OR very low <1%
- THC derived from Marijuana contains 0.3% (or more) up to 30% THC content.
- Marijuana is considered a controlled substance & is Federally Illegal. (Although, legality can differ from state to state for recreational &/or medicinal use.)
- THC content in the Marijuana Plant is going to be "intoxicating" & create that feeling of being “high”.
- Marijuana can be used recreationally, herbal medicines, and nutritional supplements.
- Can contain Cannabis Sativa & Cannabis Indica.
Article Written by Sara Kuhl
Sara is the Founder & Creator of Kuhl Essence. She is driven by her passion for delivering clear & relatable education about health, wellness, skin, & the benefits of Cannabis along with Essential Oils. She loves to learn and share the wealth of knowledge she has gained over her longtime career as a Professional Makeup Artist, Beauty & Wellness Enthusiasts, & Skincare Specialist. Living a plant-based lifestyle, Sara emphasizes the importance of clean-living with a holistic approach. She created Kuhl Essence with the goal to help as many people as she can with her ayurvedic products.
