Say the word “hemp” and many people think marijuana.
It’s a common misconception. Hemp has been used as a slang term alongside Mary J and Kush for decades. However, the hemp plant is more than its psychoactive cousin. Both plants provide benefit, but hemp has often been overshadowed by marijuana.
Understanding hemp as a plant separate from marijuana will give you a deeper appreciation for this non-intoxicating plant. Let’s expand our cannabis knowledge by discussing the differences between these plants.
The Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana
Hemp and marijuana share many qualities, so it makes sense as to why they are often considered the same. However, hemp is a plant separate from marijuana and has distinct characteristics. While both hemp and marijuana are cannabis plants, the two differ in cultivation, application, and chemical makeup.
The most significant difference? Hemp won’t get you high. The plants vary in the levels of THC: the psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant. Marijuana is bred to have high levels of THC; hemp is bred to have the opposite.
The levels of THC determine the application for which the plants are used for. Due to the high presence of THC, marijuana is used for recreational and medicinal purposes. Hemp has more industrial uses and is utilized for a variety of applications in manufacturing, wellness, and beauty.
In legal terms, the level of THC determines whether a cannabis plant is hemp or marijuana. To be a product of hemp, an item must have less than 0.3% THC. This is a negligible amount that will not get you high.
What the plants do share is the presence of CBD, or cannabidiol. CBD has been researched for a variety of benefits and features an impressive number of testimonials.
Hemp is a favorable alternative to marijuana for those who seek the benefits of the cannabis plant but don’t want the intoxicating effects. It also provides people with the opportunity to benefit from cannabis in states where marijuana is still illegal.
At Abinoid Botanicals, we capture the benefit of hemp and other plants in our all-natural skincare line. CBD has been studied for a variety of benefits for the skin and is becoming a highly coveted beauty ingredient.
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