Hemp vs Industrial Hemp vs Marijuana
Hemp, Industrial Hemp, and Marijuana… They’re all CANNABIS!
Hemp, Industrial Hemp, and Marijuana – are all part of the Cannabis family. But what makes them different, and why are they beneficial?
The main difference between hemp and industrial hemp is that industrial hemp is used for commercial and industrial purposes. In contrast, hemp is mainly used for personal care products. Marijuana is a type of cannabis plant grown for its psychoactive properties. All three plants are different in appearance, chemical composition, and uses.
What is hemp?
Hemp is grown for its high cannabidiol (CBD) or cannabigerol (CBG) content but is low in THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Hemp is ideal for growing and extracting on a large scale since plants are harvested under the legal limits of 0.3% THC. Hemp is easy to relatively easy to grow in large quantities.
Hemp is extracted with ethanol or carbon dioxide with complex equipment. When processed, these raw materials are 3rd party tested and sold to consumer product manufacturers.
Extracts from hemp are used in products like topicals, beverages, tinctures, candies, and more targeted to consumers in various ways. Those products are then sold online and into distribution/retail outlets for consumers to purchase.
In addition, some hemp is explicitly grown for smoking and inhaling. High-quality hemp flower (buds) offers a relaxing experience with many benefits for the body. Smokeable hemp can be found in jars and even pre-rolled joints.
Synthetic hemp cannabinoids like delta 8 THC are becoming popular because they comply with current hemp laws while still offering intoxication. These products start as CBD and are chemically converted into isomers like Delta 8 THC and HHC. The recent rise in intoxicated cannabinoids that are from hemp is causing a lot of confusion and questions from consumers and regulators alike.
What is industrial hemp?
Industrial hemp is primarily grown for its fiber and seeds. Each part of the plant offers different benefits and can be used to make many products.
The fiber can make clothing, paper, rope, biodegradable plastic, biochar, and other materials. Hemp fiber provides excellent resources for the construction industry due to its fiber strength.
The seeds can be a great source of food for humans and animals. Hemp seeds are a quality source of protein, essential fatty acids, and minerals. Seeds can also be used to produce biofuels as the by-product of those fuels is the protein used to create products for humans and animals.
Industrial Hemp is also more durable than wood and cotton! It also grows more efficiently and is better for the environment.
What is marijuana?
Marijuana = cannabis. Marijuana plants are harvested when they mature, and the buds are trimmed and dried. The buds can be smoked, vaporized, or used to make topicals, beverages, tinctures, candies, and more. Edibles can take longer to feel the effects than smoking or vaporizing since they must be digested first.
In the United States, the medical marijuana grown emphasizes Delta 9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound. Marijuana is associated with intoxication and feelings of relaxation/euphoria. With that said, THC can also make one feel anxious, distorted, or disassociated. Marijuana is recently illegal in many countries. In the United States, legalization in many states is pushing policy change on a federal level. It is only a matter of time before marijuana is federally legal.
Hemp vs. industrial hemp?
While hemp and industrial hemp are similar, their reasons for cultivation are different. Industrial hemp contains little to no cannabinoids or therapeutic benefits. The reasons for growing it are to make products from seeds or fibers. While hemp contains high levels of cannabinoids, the fibers can also be utilized for some industrial applications.
Hemp vs. marijuana?
Hemp and marijuana are two different types of cannabis plants. While they may look similar, hemp and marijuana have different effects on the body. Marijuana contains high levels of THC and causes intoxication.
Hemp, on the other hand, contains low levels of THC and high levels of other less intoxicating cannabinoids. These cannabinoids are popular and therapeutic in their own way. Choosing between hemp and cannabis breaks down to preference and desired effects.
Conclusion
Hemp, industrial hemp, and marijuana are all cannabis plants but have different variations. They differ in their appearance, chemical composition, and uses. Hemp is mainly used for supplements/personal care products, while industrial hemp is used for commercial and industrial purposes. Marijuana is grown for its psychoactive properties.
Nurse Wellness offers various hemp products ranging from CBD/CBG to Delta 8 THC. Recently, we launched our legally compliant Delta 9 THC products.
This was super helpful!