It’s no surprise that Hemp and Cannabis are derived from the same type of plant, called the Cannabis Sativa. However, this doesn’t mean that they both are the same thing. Hemp and Cannabis are quite different from each other. They both are grown for different reasons and have different qualities. 

If you’re unable to differentiate between Hemp and Cannabis, then this blog will help you by providing you with detailed descriptions of these two. 

Difference Between Hemp And Cannabis

What Is Hemp

Hemp is also known as a strain of the Cannabis Sativa plant that first originated in Central Asia. It contains only 0.3% of THC content and is commonly grown for industrial and commercial purposes. The entire hemp plant and other parts of it can be used for many other things as well because of how many health benefits it has to offer. 

Hemp is also considered one of the fastest growing plants on earth. Due to its low THC content, it doesn’t contain any psychoactive or intoxicating properties that could make you feel high, unlike Cannabis which can make you feel high because of its high THC content. This is also the reason why Hemp has become legal under the 2018 Farm bill. 

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is an ancient plant that was originally used for health purposes, but now most people use it for its psychoactive and intoxicating properties. The reason for its properties is because it contains 483 compounds and cannabinoids which are extremely active in the plant including the THC cannabinoid. Despite it only being used for just getting high, Cannabis is slowly making its way into the world of medicine again. Sadly, it’s not completely legal yet due to it containing high THC. 

The entire word Cannabis also refers to a group of three plants, called Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderallis. All of which contain psychoactive properties. Once the flowers and leaves of these plants are collected and dried, you get one of the most common drugs in the world, known as Marijuana. 

The Difference Between Hemp And Cannabis

Both Hemp and Cannabis have characteristics and uses that make them different from each other. Some of these differences are:

• Cannabinoid Content

There are more than at least 100 cannabinoids and compounds present in all types of Cannabis plants and hemp. These cannabinoids and compounds are responsible for the effects that you experience when you consume Cannabis or hemp. The effects of these cannabinoids and compounds depend on how they interact and bind with the receptors of the Endocannabinoid system in your brain. Some of the cannabinoids and compounds can also help regulate the functions of your body. 

The most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD. Most Cannabis plants contain high amounts of THC, and low amounts of CBD, while most hemp plants contain higher amounts of CBD than THC. 

• Effects On The Body

No matter what part or how much Hemp you consume, it won’t cause any intoxicating effects, because it contains very small traces of THC. However, it can create effects that are therapeutic and help you relax, which is because it contains high amounts of CBD, which is also the reason why Hemp is legalized. 

The effects of Cannabis plants are very different from Hemp plants because they contain low amounts of CBD and high amounts of THC. Most of these effects are very strong and overpowering, especially if you’re a beginner or someone who has a low tolerance.

• Plant Growth And Appearance

In order to gain the desired results, most Cannabis plants are grown inside greenhouses, so that they can be monitored easily, as well as preserve all of the oils and other substances it produces. Cannabis plants also grow much slower as compared to Hemp plants and they also appear to be shorter than hemp plants with short, bushy, and wide leaves that are rich in THC. 

Hemp plants, on the other hand, grow much faster than Cannabis plants and are grown outdoors, in large quantities. This is because most of the seeds, oils, and stacks that they produce can be used for multiple purposes including industrial and commercial. They also appear to be much taller than Cannabis plants, with long and thin leaves that have branches with flowering buds.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is The Life Cycle Of Hemp?

The lifecycle of hemp is made up of 4 stages, which are:

• Germination and emergence
• Vegetation
• Flowering and seed formation
• Senescence 

Conclusion – Are Hemp And Cannabis The Same?

Although many people tend to get confused between Cannabis and Hemp and think they’re the same but it’s important to keep in mind that there are many differences in their appearance and the compounds and cannabinoids that they contain. 

Putting it simply, Cannabis can make you feel high because it contains intoxicating and psychoactive properties whereas Hemp can’t make you feel high. Confusing yourself with these two is like confusing yourself with an apple and a pear.