What is the difference between Hemp and Marijuana?
This is a subject that has historically caused a lot of controversy, with the two terms being used interchangeably, and with people claiming they are different species. This blog discusses the key difference between the two in terms of composition, usage and legality, and seeks to clear up any questions you might have on the topic.
How are hemp and cannabis different?
Hemp and Marijuana are the same plant. This may come as a shock to some. The drug Marijuana is sourced from one of three plant varieties: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. Hemp, by contrast, refers to the Cannabis sativa variety alone. This variety is therefore both hemp and Marijuana at the same time. However, it’s not quite that simple…
To be classified as Marijuana, the plant must have high levels of Detra-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the chemical element that causes you to get ‘high’, or to feel euphoric or creative. Therefore, any of the three Cannabis varieties (C.sativa, C. Indica or C. ruderalis) with above 0.3% THC is Marijuana, not hemp. In comparison, hemp (C. sativa) has below 0.3% THC. So it doesn’t make you feel high. But there’s another chemical compound that also interests us…
Cannabidiol. CBD. No doubt you’ve heard of this. Medicinal CBD is rising in popularity due to its natural pain relief and relaxing properties. However, it is not mind-altering and does not induce any ‘high’ effect. CBD is found in all varieties of Marijuana. However it is found in higher concentrations in hemp (C. sativa). And this leads to another distinction - medicinal hemp CBD vs marijuana CBD. Marijuana CBD contains higher levels of THC, and therefore is more psychoactive, or can cause a ‘stoned’ feeling. There are also issues surrounding the legality of these two.
Does Hemp Have THC in it?
To sum up, hemp is a specific variety of C.sativa, containing higher CBD content, but lower than 0.3% THC. Marijuana comes from C. sativa, C. indica and C. ruderalis and contains lower CBD content and higher than 0.3% THC.
History of Marijuana and Hemp legality in America
In the 1920s and 30s, America changed the global perception of Hemp for the worse, and this was really where the confusion began. During these years, many Mexican immigrants were arriving in the US due to social and political problems in Mexico. They bought Marijuana with them, and it began to become popular in the USA. Simultaneously, unsustainable products like cotton, plastics and timber were becoming more and more popular than hemp, and were backed by huge, rich companies. So the government (also backed by these companies) introduced a propaganda campaign, homing in on Marijuana* to create public backlash toward Mexicans, seeking to remove them from the US. Many suffered severe racism as a result. Also, this propaganda helped support the multinationals producing unsustainable alternatives to the previously widely-used hemp. These ideals were eventually adopted in Australia, and hemp faded out of popular and legal acceptance for decades.
Is Hemp legal in Australia?
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s look into the laws surrounding Hemp and Marijuana in Australia. Here is Aus, hemp has been legalised since 2017, provided it has under 1% THC. It can be cultivated in all states and territories with an official licence.
Is Marijuana legal in Australia?
By contrast, Marijuana is illegal for recreational use in every state or territory of Australia, except the Australian Capital Territory, where possession is permitted in small amounts provided you’re over 18 years old. However, medicinal Marijuana is legal, and products such as Marijuana CBD are produced and marketed in Australia. But there are strict regulations, and there are currently only two medicinal cannabis products registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
What are the uses of Hemp?
Hemp is used around the world for so many things, and thanks to recent legislation and movements, it is once again rising to the forefront of sustainable initiatives. Here are a few common uses of the hemp plant in Australia and globally.
- Hemp textiles, clothes and bedding
- Hemp plastics
- Hemp food products (oil, flour, protein powder, seeds)
- The hemp plant for agricultural uses (hemp roots support healthy soil structures)
- Hemp fuel
- Hemp concrete
- Hemp ropes and sails
- Hemp cosmetics and medicinal products
What are the uses of Marijuana?
Marijuana, in comparison, is generally used in contexts that need higher THC to impact the brain, for example medicinally and recreationally.
- Medicinal products
- Recreational use as a drug
And that’s all for today, here at Jo Dope we believe it’s vital to understand what you’re dealing with when it comes to hemp - because we deal with hemp every day. If this helped answer your questions as well, then please consider supporting us by checking out the things we use hemp for (most notably - sustainable bed sheets)
Love,
The Jo Dope team
*Note: the term Marijuana is still considered racist by some, as it was used in a highly derogatory manner towards Mexicans in the early 20th century. We are sympathetic to this, and endorse the term only for the purposes of clarity when distinguishing between hemp and Marijuana.
