Many think hemp and weed plants are the same. Some people might even say they're the same thing. While they both come from the same family of plants, they aren't the same. They can differ greatly in their legal status, what they're used for, how they grow, how they look, and their chemistry.
There are a number of questions that come from this confusion. Some of those include: is hemp marijuana? can you get high off of hemp? what is a hemp plant? why is marijuana regulated and why are marijuana and hemp wellness products legal?
With the global rise of hemp products like CBD oils and CBD gummies, hemp seed oil, and other hemp oil wellness topicals, it's important to understand the differences so you aren't thinking these products are the same as something illegal. This is true even in places like India where these products are becoming popular.
This Guide is for You if You Want to Know the Real Differences Between Hemp and Weed and if this Knowledge is Useful to You When You Buy Hemp Wellness Products.
Understanding the Cannabis Plant Family
Before we talk about the differences between hemp and weed, we have to talk about the plant family that both of these plants come from.
Hemp and Weed both come from the Cannabis sativa plant family, but they have been selectively grown and bred for different things in different ways throughout history.
Hemp has been used for different industrial, nutritional, and wellness applications. Farmers grow hemp for its fibers and seeds and for textiles, paper, chemicals that are biodegradable, and construction materials and CBD.
Selective breeding for marijuana cultivates more THC concentrations, which enhances the psychoactive properties of the drugs or “weed” that some may more commonly artificially name or define. Cannabinoid profiles and psychoactive properties differ between hemp and marijuana, though they still come from the same botanical family.
Weed vs Hemp Plant: The Main Differences
The easiest way to understand the distinction is by comparing the two side by side.
| Feature | Hemp Plant | Weed (Marijuana) Plant |
| Primary Purpose | Industrial, nutritional and wellness applications | Recreational and certain medical applications |
| THC Content | Naturally very low | Significantly higher |
| CBD Content | Often higher than THC | Can vary depending on the variety |
| Psychoactive Effects | Does not typically produce intoxication | Produces psychoactive effects due to higher THC levels |
| Common Uses | CBD products, textiles, paper, food, cosmetics, building materials | Recreational cannabis and certain medical cannabis products |
| Plant Structure | Tall with long stalks and fewer branches | Shorter, bushier with more flowering branches |
Although both plants may appear similar at first glance, they are cultivated very differently and serve completely different industries.
How to Identify a Hemp Plant
Visually differentiating between the two types is still difficult, if not impossible. But there are some common characteristics that make hemp distinguishable from marijuana.
Hemp's Tall Growth
Compared to most cannabis plants, hemp plants typically grow to be a lot taller.
Depending on the growing conditions, many varieties of hemp can grow to be between 2 - 4 meters tall.
Hemp's tall structure results in a lot of fiber that gets easily harvested.
Hemp's Thin Stalk
Hemp plants generally grow large stalks that are long and fibrous with few branches.
These stalks can be used to make hemp rope, hemp fabric, paper, hemp based plastics, and even construction materials.
Hemp's Narrow Leaves
When comparing hemp plants to marijuana plants, you will discover that not only do hemp plants have long slender leaves with thin leaflets, but also that marijuana plants tend to have wider leaves.
Leaf shape should not be one of the determining factors that you use to identify the plants.
Plant Density
When growing a hemp crop, farmers have to grow a lot of hemp plant close together.
This results in tall plants with little side branching.
However, marijuana plants are typically more widely spaced to allow for the growth of large flowering buds.
Hemp vs. Weed: The Difference
You might be surprised to learn the biggest differences between hemp and marijuana can actually be hidden from your view.
In fact, a majority of those differences can lie within the chemical constructs of the plant.
Cannabis is known to produce many thousands of compounds, but some of the better known are cannabinoids.
Two of the most recognized cannabinoids are:
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is a cannabinoid that can be found in hemp.
CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects when compared with its counterpart THC.
The research surrounding the body’s endocannabinoid system, with which CBD is known to interact, is relatively new and most studies are still in the early phases.
CBD is found in more and more products daily, including:
- Oils
- Gummies
- Creams
- Capsules
- Pet Products
The products have become very popular and are often incorporated into wellness routines.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is known to be the psychoactive cannabinoid.
THC alters perceptions, mood, and mental and physical coordination.
Because of this particular trait, marijuana is known to have a much higher concentrations of THC in its plant structure when compared to industrial hemp.
Because of this trait, and many others, different countries will regulate hemp and marijuana in different ways.
Can Hemp Make You Feel High?
This is by far one of the more popular misconceptions about hemp.
Hemp is within the cannabis family, and people assume by association hemp will have the same effects as marijuana.
Hemp contains very low amounts of THC, and is primarily farmed for its fibers and seeds, as well as CBD.
Due to this characteristic, hemp doesn’t cause marijuana-like intoxication.
If someone wants to add CBD products to their routine for hemp wellness and not for psychoactive effects, hemp is an extremely good option.
Common Uses of Hemp
Probably one of the biggest reasons hemp is so popular is for how versatile it is. Almost every part of the hemp plant is useful. On the other hand, marijuana is mostly cultivated for the flower buds.
Hemp is used in so many different industries because of this. Construction, textiles, food, wellness, sustainable manufacturing, and cosmetics are some industries where hemp is used.
Some other hemp products are:
CBD Wellness Products
Hemp plants that are cultivated for their CBD (cannabidiol) are then used to make products like:
- CBD Balms
- CBD Roll-On
- CBD Gummies
- CBD Capsules
- CBD Oils
- Hemp Wellness Products for Pets
These are good products to use for hemp wellness in your routine.
If you want to learn about CBD more, check out our other informative articles like “What Is CBD?” and shop our Full-Spectrum CBD Collection.
Hemp Seed Oil
Unlike CBD oil, hemp seed oil isn’t made from the flowers of the plant. Hemp seed oil is made from the seeds of the plant.
Hemp seed oil is very nutritious. It has a number of healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants. It also has Omega-3s and Omega-6s. It has negligible amounts of cannabinoids, so it is often used in food and skincare as a nutritional ingredient. It is often used in dietary supplements as well.
Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are very different products. It is important to understand this when choosing the right product for your needs.
Hemp fibre
Hemp has been cultivated for the last several thousand years for its fibre. It is one of the strongest natural fibres in the world that comes from nature.
Hemp fibre is used to create many different products:
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Clothing
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Rope
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Canvas
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Paper
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Eco-friendly packaging
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Upholstery
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Biodegradable plastics
Hemp is very fast growing and requires little input, especially when compared to many traditional crops. Because of this, it is an excellent fibre for sustainable manufacturing.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a great food source! They have many important nutrients, like healthy fats, fibre, and plant proteins. They also have zinc, iron, and magnesium. People like to eat them in their smoothies, breakfast bowls, salads, and baked goods.
Hemp seeds have no psychoactive effects unlike hemp.
Common Uses of Marijuana
Marijuana has a completely different use than hemp.
Hemp is cultivated for industrial uses and hemp flowers are used for their high THC content.
Marijuana can be used for the following depending on the local laws and medical regulations:
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Medical cannabis programmes
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Legalised recreational cannabis
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Scientific research
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Pharmaceutical development
In some countries, there are cannabis-based medicines that are prescribed to patients in a controlled medical context. These medicines do have some regulations, but they differ greatly from place to place so it is important to understand the laws where you are.
Hemp Cultivation vs Marijuana Cultivation
All cannabis plants belong to the same family. Because of that, many people think the growing methods for hemp and marijuana are the same. But they aren’t.
Hemp Farming
Hemp is tall and strong. To grow hemp the farmers will grow the seeds really closely together. This is ideal for harvesting.
Marijuana Farming
The opposite goes for marijuana. Farmers space the seeds apart to allow for full growth of leaves that produce the sought after flowers.
Control over the environment is critical for maximizing the growth of the flowers.
Hemp and Marijuana: Understanding Cannabinoids
It is easy to confuse the two because they are both made up of many types of cannabinoids.
Some of the more well known cannabinoids are:
- CBD
- THC
- CBG
- CBC
- CBN
The difference between hemp and marijuana is the amount of each cannabinoid they contain.
Hemp tends to have more CBD and very low THC. Marijuana is the opposite.
Hemp differs from marijuana in many aspects, including its regulation and its application in wellness and medicine.
Is Hemp Legal in India?
Hemp and its products' legal status is commonly misunderstood.
In India, hemp products are regulated like any other product by the laws and regulations of the government. The legal status of a hemp product is determined by its source, the concentration of cannabinoids, how the product is intended to be used, and regulations it adheres to.
To ensure a product is legal and safe, consumers are advised to purchase hemp wellness products from companies that provide adequate information about their products and adhere to the laws and regulations.
At Hebe Wellness, we strive to provide quality and legal products to our consumers. We advise consumers to read the product description and consult a qualified medical professional before using our hemp products.
Why is Hemp Popular in the Wellness Industry?
Hemp has become a popular wellness product in the last ten years. It has been a coveted product in wellness for many reasons:
- People are more informed about CBD
- People are interested in plant-based wellness
- There is a variety of hemp-derived products
- Cannabinoids are being actively researched
- Natural products are in-demand
There are many hemp products that offer people the option to use wellness products that they prefer.
Some prefer CBD oils, while others enjoy the ease of using CBD gummies or CBD in topical form.
Choosing Wellness Products Made with Hemp
The popularity of hemp means there are lots of new products on the market. These products include things like CBD oil and gummies and even wellness products for pets. With so many options available, the best one for you will be based on personal preferences and goals.
Before buying hemp products, keep the following things in mind.
Find Brands with Clear Ingredients
Hemp brands that care about their product and their consumers will have clear ingredient lists on their products. This includes information on the type of hemp extract, oils, flavorings, and extra ingredients.
Brands that do this care about their consumers and will help you and them make better and more informed choices while buying their products.
Using products that have been third party tested
Having an independent lab test a product is one of the best ways to ensure the product is good quality.
Third party testing validates:
- The contents of the product
- The purity of the product
- The product is consistent
- The product does not contain any unwanted elements
Brands that show their Certificates of Analysis are passionate about the quality of what they are selling and are transparent with their customers.
Know the Variability of Hemp Products
Not all hemp products are made the same.
Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract
Contains CBD and other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids and trace amounts of THC.
Broad-Spectrum Hemp Extract
Contains terpenes and other cannabinoids and does not have THC.
CBD Isolate
Is pure CBD and contains nothing else.
The type of product and your preferences will help determine which product is best for you.
Trustworthy Brands
Choosing a good brand is important regardless of if you are buying CBD gummies, CBD oil, or any other hemp wellness product.
Look for brands that create:
- Products with clear descriptions
- Ingredients that are openly sourced
- Reliable customer support
- Educational resources
- Consistent manufacturing standards
It is important to know that brands whose products do not meet these standards may not value quality, and may not value the consumers using their products.
FAQs
Can you smoke hemp like weed?
Hemp flower can be smoked; however, it has low amounts of THC and is not meant to be smoked for enjoyment like marijuana. Hemp is also much richer in CBD than THC, so the experience is totally different.
Does hemp grow as a weed?
No.
Weed is a term for a plant that grows arbitrarily, and hemp is a crop grown on purpose. Hemp is become cultivated for its many fibers, seeds, and cannabinoids.
Hemp needs to be grown in a field while weed can just grow wherever.
How do you identify a hemp plant?
Hemp plants can be seen as having:
- Tall and slender stalks
- A low level of branches
- An abundance of narrow leaves
- A dense growing patterns
- A blossoming top that is notably small
While these are identifying characteristics of a hemp plant, the only sure way to identify the level of cannabinoids that a plant contains is testing.
Is hemp legal in India?
Some hemp products may be completely legal to buy in India, while others may be illegal. To know for sure, check the laws of the country for hemp products and be sure to only buy hemp products from legal and trustworthy sellers.
Is hemp just weed?
No.
Hemp and marijuana do come from the same cannabis plant, but they are grown differently.
Marijuana is grown for its THC, while most of the cannabis plant, especially the stems, leaves, and flowers, are grown for their medicinal properties. They don’t grow the same plant and have different properties.
Are hemp and marijuana the same?
Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis, but they are different species.
Different species of cannabis plants have been grown selectively to the extent that marijuana plants are more likely to have higher percentages of THC, while hemp is less likely to have alcohol.
Does hemp have THC?
Yes.
Hemp don’t lose their THC completely, but they are grown to have very small amounts, while most industry hemp plants have more CBD than THC.
Does hemp have CBD?
Yes, hemp is a commercial source of CBD.
Is hemp seed oil CBD oil?
No.
Hemp seed oil is the oil from the seeds of hemp, while CBD is from the flowers and leaves of hemp from plants where cannabinoids are present.
Why should we keep hemp around in sustainable industries?
Hemp is used commercially in so many different industries because it is a very versatile plant.
Manufacturing a variety of items, such as textiles, biodegradable plastics, paper, construction materials, cosmetics, food, and wellness products, is possible with hemp.
Because of its fast propagation and versatility, hemp is changing how we view sustainability and renewable materials.
Final Thoughts
Although hemp and marijuana both come from the cannabis family, they are cultivated for very different reasons. Hemp’s versatility is much appreciated and cultivated in many industries from textiles and food to wellness and skincare. Marijuana is cultivated for its high THC content and has varying regulations depending on the country.
Recognizing how different these plants are can help dissolve a lot of the confusion when evaluating hemp-based products.
When choosing hemp-based wellness products, focus on brands that support your wellness by using safe, high-quality ingredients with responsible manufacturing processes.
At Hebe Wellness, our hemp-based wellness products come with an additional focus on education because we believe that consumers will make the best choices when they are informed about the products.
Choosing a trustworthy source to purchase Full-Spectrum CBD Oil, CBD Gummies, Topical CBDs, or CBD for Pets is an important first step in the wellness journey.
