Generally, the difference between hemp and marijuana is in the concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). The legal definition of hemp in the United States is Cannabis Sativa l with less than 0.3% Total THC by dry weight.These levels are so low in concentration they are considered to be non-psychoactive.
Some in the marijuana industry have propagated the myth that hemp is the male plant of marijuana. This is false. It is also false that hemp is the waste product from marijuana (stems, stalks, leaves, and roots) that dispensaries throw away.
This confusion exists because marijuana was created by selectively breeding and genetically altering hemp to increase levels of Tetrahyrdocannabinol (THC). THC is the major differentiating factor between hemp and marijuana.
What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?
| Hemp | Marijuana | |
| THC Concentration | Low (Less than 0.3% Total THC by law) | High (More than 0.3% Total THC by law) |
| CBD Concentration | High in varieties grown specifically for CBD | Low |
| Psychoactive | No | Yes |
| Female Plant Role | Produce seeds or flowers | Produce seeds and flowers, but seeds not desired except for reproduction |
| Male Plant Role | Strong fibers, pollinate plant for seeds. Removal desired when growing for CBD. | Will pollinate female. Removal necessary. |
| Growing Strategy | Outdoor row crop. Normally seeded, but cloning possible for CBD | Normally indoor or greenhouse. Commonly cloned. |
| Products | CBD extracts, health foods, cosmetics, composites, building materials, plastics, industrial oils, paper, textiles | Leafy material, THC extract, other finished marijuana products (edibles) |