Hemp Plant And Its Derivatives

Is Hemp The Same As Marijuana?

In a world where everything that falls under cannabis is deemed a psychotropic drug, we thought it important to write a guide on hemp plant- a non-psychotropic variety of the cannabis family.

Following the 2018 hemp bill legalizing the cultivation, possession, use, and transportation of hemp derivatives across state lines, some people are still wondering, is hemp the same as marijuana? Does the 2018 hemp bill legalize marijuana too?

In this guide, we will talk about hemp and marijuana, how they are different, and why hemp is federally legal while marijuana remains banned.

We will also mention some of the hemp derivatives that we carry at Try The CBD.

What Is Hemp Plant?

Hemp is a term used to classify cannabis varieties with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.

Here’s how the 2018 Farm Bill defines it: ‘it’s the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether grown or not, with less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.

For those who don’t know, THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main intoxicating compound in the cannabis plant. In other words, it’s the reason you experience the ‘high’ effect after consuming cannabis.

Although hemp was officially legitimized in 2018, there is evidence recorded throughout history to suggest that hemp may have been the first crop to be cultivated by humankind.

Does Hemp Contain THC?

In our previous articles, we have talked about some of the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, including CBC, CBN, CBD, etc.

The hemp plant also contains THC. However, unlike marijuana, which is high in THC, the hemp plant only contains trace amounts.

Legally, the hemp plant should not contain more than 0.3% THC. This amount is not enough to make you high.

Although hemp is low in THC, it’s known to produce high amounts of CBD. CBD, short for Cannabidiol is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp.

It’s known to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system- a system of receptors responsible for regulating the body’s internal environment.

Basically, CBD will give you the same benefits as THC, but without causing any mind-altering effects.

If you would want to avoid THC altogether, you can go for broad-spectrum CBD products since they are designed to have zero THC content.

Why Do People Use Hemp?

Different parts of the hemp plant have various applications.

For instance, the CBD that you know is derived from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. 

As explained above, people use CBD for its purported interaction with the endocannabinoid system.

Hemp oil or hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. 

Hemp seeds are rich in dietary fiber, protein, minerals, fatty acids, and vitamins. 

According to a study, the human body may find it easy to digest hemp proteins than common soy protein isolates (SPIs) found in most food products.

You will also find hemp seed oil in most skin and hair products for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.

That’s not all though; hemp fiber is used in the construction, paper, textile, and clothing industries.

How Is Hemp Different From Marijuana?

As you might have figured out by now, the main difference between hemp and marijuana is THC concentration.

While hemp can’t have more than 0.3% THC, marijuana can contain up to 30% THC.

This is why marijuana will cause intoxicating effects while hemp won’t.

POINT TO NOTE: Although both hemp and marijuana can have high amounts of Cannabidiol, hemp is generally bred to have higher CBD concentration.

Studies suggest that CBD can help reduce the intoxicating effects of THC.

Other Differences

Legality

Due to their difference in chemical makeup, hemp and marijuana are regulated differently.

The main reason why marijuana is still regarded as a controlled substance and hence federally illegal is that it contains more than 0.3% THC.

Before 2018, hemp was also regarded as an illegal substance under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970.

However, all this changed when President Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law. This makes hemp and its derivatives federally legal.

Marijuana remains federally banned and only legal in a few US states.

Difference In Cultivation

Marijuana and hemp are grown for different applications. They, therefore, require different growing conditions.

Hemp can do well in a wide range of weather conditions and require minimal care. They are often grown in a greenhouse or outdoor farming settings.

Hemp plants are usually planted in closely-spaced rows to produce tall, slender plants for fiber.

Marijuana, on the other hand, requires precisely controlled indoor growing conditions.

Appearance

Not only are the two plants chemically different, but on closer examination, you will notice slight differences in their physical appearance.

For instance, while marijuana is stalkier and shorter, hemp is fibrous. Its leaves are thinner, often concentrated at the top of the stalks.

Our Hemp Derivatives

At Try The CBD, we don’t sell hemp in its raw form- we go a step further and extract all the healthy and beneficial compounds from the plant, including cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, etc., then transform these compounds into a form that’s safe for human consumption.

Here are some of the hemp-based products that you will find on our online store:

Tinctures

We have both CBD and CBG oils. 

To consume tinctures, all you need is to place a few drops of the oil under your tongue, hold it there for 30-34 seconds, then swallow.

The CBG or CBD in the compound diffuses into the vast network of blood capillaries found under the tongue.

As a result, when applied sublingually, CBD and CBG tinctures take a short time to work.

If you want to be more adventurous, you can add your tincture into foods or drinks.

CBD Topicals

For localized aid, CBD topicals are your best bet. This is because you massage them directly into the affected area- meaning, CBD doesn’t need to get into the bloodstream to work.

We have different forms of CBD topicals, including CBD Balm, CBD Gel, CBD Lip Balm, CBD Massage Oil, and Rescue Butter.

Edibles

If you fancy the idea of ingesting CBD, then we have a wide range of CBD-infused edibles for you, including gummies and softgels.

CBD Vape Products

For the fastest CBD effects, check out our vape pens, vape oil, and cartridges.

Vaping CBD offers the highest bioavailability. Our vape products are compact and discrete, meaning you can easily carry them with you.

What Is Hemp?- Take Away

Unlike marijuana, hemp contains an insignificant amount of THC. Therefore, quality hemp-derivatives won’t make you high.

Hemp is legal in the USA following the 2018 hemp bill. However, different states use different laws to regulate the cannabis sector. Take time to understand how hemp derivatives are regulated in your area.

Marijuana remains banned federally and is only legal in a few US states.

What form of hemp-derivative have you used so far? Share your experience in the comments section.

Also, if you have any questions, concerns, or just want to know how our hemp-based products may help you, feel free to contact us.