Are you one of those people who use the terms “hemp” and “marijuana” interchangeably? If yes, you are making the same mistake many people make. Although they share botanical similarities since they come from similar cannabis plant species, there are distinctions, and ignoring them has implications.
For example, one may be breaking the law by consuming marijuana instead of hemp in some places. This is because the legality of cannabis consumption varies based on location. So, you must get clarity on this before making a purchase in any location. Read on to learn about some of the key differences, which we will discuss here.
What Makes Hemp Flower Different from Marijuana Flower?
There are several distinctions between them, and some of these include the following:
1. Chemical Composition
Perhaps the most profound difference between the two cannabis flowers lies in their THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) content. While regulation requirements permit no more than 0.3 percent of THC, marijuana flower contains significantly more.
Its THC level is at least 5 percent and can even be over 30 percent depending on the strain. The amount of THC contained is usually determined by the strain. The question is why this matters.
It matters because THC is the cannabis plant’s primary psychoactive compound. To put it simply, it is what makes people feel high when they use the cannabis plant.
As a result, choosing something with a very minute amount of this compound means you avoid this intoxicating effect. This is what hemp flower offers as it contains no more than 0.3 THC, which is not enough to make consumers intoxicated.
Instead of THC, it features CBD (Cannabidiol) as the primary compound in its chemical makeup. While CBD offers numerous wellness benefits, some of which are associated with THC, it is a non-psychoactive compound.
The fact that hemp flower contains both CBD and THC (although in very minute amounts) means that it offers synergistic wellness benefits. The product’s flavor, aroma, and effects are also largely determined by other minor terpenes and cannabinoids.
2. Psychoactive Effects
Given your understanding of THC’s role so far, it’s not surprising that marijuana flowers are intoxicating, unlike hemp flowers. Users can experience altered perception, euphoria, deep relaxation, and even paranoia and anxiety with marijuana flowers, and some strains are even more capable of triggering more of these effects than others.
Different levels of the THC compound in marijuana strains are the main reason for this. THC manipulates the brain’s natural functions for dopamine release. This primary psychoactive compound achieves this particularly through its interaction with the ECS (endocannabinoid system), especially the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
On the other hand, hemp flowers do not intoxicate consumers. The good news is that consumers can still enjoy some wellness benefits associated with high-THC products, even though they use hemp flowers. This includes benefits like clarity, relaxation, and calmness.
Consuming high-THC products like marijuana flower can also lead to dependency issues because of how it interacts with the brain. For more information on how THC interacts with the brain and the long-term consequences, you can visit: https://www.nature.com/.
3. Regulations and Legal Status
Different locations have regulations that largely dictate whether hemp and marijuana flowers are legal. However, it’s safe to say that the law provides more grounds for using hemp flowers than marijuana.
For example, US federal law permits the consumption of hemp and its derivatives. This is a result of the farm bill that lawmakers passed in 2018. However, one still has to consider local laws because certain parts of the country impose additional requirements/restrictions.
For example, in Kentucky, possessing hemp requires a license. Furthermore, the state bans smokable hemp. The point is to avoid violating regulations when purchasing and consuming it.
In the United States and many other places, the laws create even more restrictions and complexities for marijuana. For starters, federal law prohibits it because the aforementioned farm bill considers cannabis products with more than 0.3 percent THC content illegal.
However, note that some states have legalized consumption mostly on medical grounds, rather than for recreational purposes. Once again, knowing the applicable laws and regulations is crucial because it ensures you avoid violating them.
4. Uses and Applications
Hemp flower’s high CBD content is what primarily appeals to most consumers. It is what makes it a popular choice for people who want the wellness benefits of the cannabis plant without the psychoactive effects it is known for.
Even though people acknowledge its numerous wellness benefits, they commonly use it to help manage anxiety, sleep problems, inflammation, and stress. However, note that research has not yet conclusively determined how it addresses some of these.
You can consume it in various ways, and common methods include vaping, smoking, oil infusion, and brewing it in tea. How quickly you feel the effects also depends on the consumption method. For example, although general concerns exist about smoking hemp or anything else, it’s one of the fastest ways for you to feel the effects.
Regarding marijuana, there are two broad reasons why people use it. Consumers either use it for medical purposes, in locations where it’s legally permitted, or for recreational purposes, to experience the “high”. The following are some reasons why people might use it for medical purposes:
- Appetite Stimulation
- Muscle Spasticity
- Nausea Reduction
- Pain Relief
Common options for consumption include smoking, vaping, concentrate extraction, and cooking it into edibles, among other methods.
5. Appearance
They both have major differences in their appearance. For example, you’ll notice that hemp is slim and tall, while marijuana is bushier and shorter. This difference makes the former less sticky and dense, while the latter has thick and resinous buds.
To surely tell them apart, you need lab testing. Therefore, do not rely on appearance alone. You can click here for details on lab testing reports for both hemp and marijuana flower products. By the way, make this one of your requirements when you purchase either cannabis products, as it helps you ascertain product purity, safety, and effectiveness.
Wrap Up
Although we have discussed several differences between these two cannabis flowers here, their THC content is the major distinction. Differences also exist in their legality, appearance, cultivation, and psychoactive effects.
Regardless of which you decide to consume, you should make getting quality supplies non-negotiable, which is why getting them from the right source is vital. This is why you should base your choice on lab testing, product reviews from credible sources, package quality, and other important yardsticks.
