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Marijuana products are becoming incredibly popular, especially as they’re now legal to use in Canada. However, the use of hemp products, especially CBD, has also become a huge trend in recent years. Both hemp and marijuana are products derived from cannabis plants, which often causes confusion between the two. However, there are some significant differences between hemp and marijuana.

Although they’re both related to cannabis, hemp and marijuana are extremely different when it comes to their uses and, in many countries, their legal status. One is used for all kinds of legal products from clothes and jewelry to health supplements. The other is used exclusively as a drug for both recreational and medical purposes. Here’s a helpful guide to the differences between hemp and marijuana.

What is Hemp?

You might have noticed many hemp products and even hemp stores cropping up in the past few years. Although hemp is related to cannabis, it’s very different from marijuana. Hemp generally refers to a variety of cannabis plants which contain extremely low levels of THC- 0.3% or less. These plants don’t produce marijuana and won’t make you high when consumed, but they still have a wide range of uses.

Hemp is often harvested and used for all kinds of materials, from hemp jewelry to building materials. The contents of hemp are also extremely useful. Hemp Seed Oil takes extracts from the seeds of hemp, which contain a ton of nutritional value due to their high content of fatty acids and vitamins.

Arguably the most popular type of hemp product you’ll find today is CBD products. CBD or cannabidiol is a fascinating cannabinoid that doesn’t get you high but still interacts with your body to provide a range of potential benefits. It’s infused into products like CBD Oils, Edibles, Topicals and more, and people often use it both to relieve medical symptoms and as a daily health supplement.

What is Marijuana?

While hemp contains trace levels of THC, marijuana is completely different. Marijuana usually refers to the dried and cured flowers of cannabis, taken from a range of cannabis plants. Indica, sativa, and hybrid cannabis plants all produce different kinds of marijuana which have different effects. However, the bottom line is that they’ll get you high due to their high levels of THC.

Also known as weed, bud, and a bunch of other different names, marijuana can also be used in many ways. People often smoke it to get high. You can also vape it or even cook it into butter or oil for use in drinks and food recipes. It’s also infused into products such as Tinctures, Vape Oils, Topicals, and many more.

Many people use marijuana for recreational purposes. It provides a psychoactive buzz that makes users feel happy, euphoric, and relaxed. It’s also commonly used for medical purposes. Many patients now use marijuana to relieve pain, stress, anxiety, depression, headaches, migraines, and various other issues. Marijuana is still illegal in many parts of the world, but it’s legal for adults to buy and use in Canada.

The Differences Between Hemp and Marijuana

Hemp and marijuana both come from different kinds of cannabis plants. Hemp refers to a strain of cannabis sativa plants. However, while some cannabis sativa plants grow marijuana, hemp plants contain less than 0.3% THC and high levels of CBD. 

Marijuana can come from all kinds of cannabis plants- indica, sativa or hybrid. However, these plants grow flowers that contain high levels of THC, known for producing psychoactive effects when consumed.

In many countries, hemp and marijuana also differ in their legal status. Hemp is often classified separately from cannabis as hemp products don’t get you high. As such, you can legally use hemp-based CBD products even in places or situations where marijuana isn’t legal. Marijuana is still illegal in many parts of the world, although adults in Canada can use it legally, subject to provincial laws.

Uses of Hemp

Both hemp and marijuana have different uses. While marijuana is usually used for its psychoactive effects and medical benefits, hemp is much more diverse. In fact, you can find hemp in all kinds of unique products.

Hemp is used for various commercial products such as hemp clothing, hemp shoes, and hemp jewelry. It’s also used for things like paper, rope, textiles, bioplastics, and biofuel. You can also find many hemp supplements and oils, many of which use hemp seed oil that contains high levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids as well as a range of vitamins and other nutrients.

Many CBD products are also derived from hemp, especially as hemp contains high levels of CBD with only trace levels of THC. You can buy CBD products online in various forms, such as CBD Tinctures, CBD Tea, CBD Gummies, CBD Topicals, and many more. All of these are safe to use without any risk of getting high or harmful side effects.

Uses of Marijuana

Marijuana is often used both as a recreational and medical substance. While smoking and vaping marijuana are popular ways to use it, you can now also find a variety of marijuana-infused products that offer alternative methods of consumption.

You might know Marijuana Flower as weed, cannabis or bud. It’s great for grinding and smoking in a joint, bong or pipe. It’s also great for vaping as it enables you to absorb the THC fast, giving you a recreational high and medical benefits. Concentrates are another popular option. These are made by extracting the THC from marijuana into various forms. Concentrates are ideal for vaping or dabbing.

Another popular option is Edibles. These are marijuana-infused food products that give you an especially powerful and long-lasting high. Vape Products such as marijuana-infused vape juices and pods are another great option for users who enjoy vaping. You can also use Topicals. These absorb THC into the skin without getting you high, although they can be great for pain relief and counteracting skin problems.

Conclusion

While both hemp and marijuana are cannabis-based products, there are some important differences in the ways they’re used, their effects when consumed, and their legal status. However, users in Canada can use both hemp and marijuana products legally. You can find a range of marijuana and CBD products online at Leaf2Go.ca.