Cannabis legalization is happening everywhere. People are becoming familiar with terms like hemp vs marijuana vs CBD. But what’s the difference between the three?
This article will review hemp vs marijuana vs CBD, so you know what you are getting.
Hemp vs Marijuana
Let’s start the hemp vs marijuana vs CBD debate by breaking down the differences between hemp and marijuana. Both are cannabis plants that belong to the cannabis sativa species. The difference lies in the effects.
Marijuana is rich in THC, the cannabis constituent that gets you high. Hemp contains less than .03% THC, not enough to get you high.
Hemp also grows differently than marijuana and has different uses than marijuana. But we’ll get to that later.
Hemp vs Marijuana vs CBD
Hemp and marijuana are different types of cannabis plants. THC is a psychoactive compound found in the marijuana plant. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that can be found in both plants. It is in parts of the plant with no more than .03% THC.
CBD has similar benefits to THC but also has varying effects.
Hemp vs Marijuana vs CBD Legality
Legality is also an issue in the hemp vs marijuana vs CBD debate.
The 2018 Farm Bill made it legal to grow hemp or cannabis containing less than .03% THC. It also made hemp-derived CBD products federally legal.
Marijuana, on the other hand, is legal in most states. However, laws vary. Every state has limits concerning the amount of marijuana you can grow or possess.
Some allow marijuana for medical use only. Others allow it for medical and recreational use.
In some states, it’s still totally illegal.
Many current laws do not differentiate between THC and CBD and apply the same limitations.
Hemp vs Marijuana vs CBD Uses and Benefits
Hemp vs marijuana vs CBD also differ in terms of their uses. Here’s a breakdown of what each has to offer.
Hemp
Hemp is a well-loved crop because of its purifying effects. It captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to clean the air. It also contains nutrients that help soil regenerate. It grows quickly and does not require as much water and pesticides as most plants.
The plant is also useful for a variety of practical and industrial needs. These include:
- Textiles: Hemp is often included in textile manufacturing because it is incredibly strong. It is also highly breathable, it retains color well, and it naturally filters UV light.
- Food: Hemp is often incorporated into food products. It is rich in fiber, protein, and other vitamins and minerals.
- Construction: Hemp is used in construction materials like lime hemp concrete, hemp wool, and fiber-board insulation. It promotes energy efficiency in the construction process.
- Paper Production: Hemp can be used to make paper. It reduces the need to destroy trees.
- In Cosmetic Products: The plant is often used in cosmetic products because it hydrates skin without clogging pores.
- Plastic Substitute: Hemp is a good substitute for plastic because it does not harm the environment. It is often used in industries like car manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, and railway.
- Energy Production: The plant can be used to make biofuels.
Marijuana
Unlike hemp, marijuana is not an environmental crop. It diverts water from watersheds. It also could contribute to soil erosion.
However, steps are being taken to make cannabis cultivation more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, it offers several health benefits including the following.
- Reduces Anxiety: THC has been shown to lower anxiety, especially when administered at lower doses. However, some say it increases anxiety.
- Reduces Pain and Inflammation: THC’s ability to relieve pain and inflammation makes it an effective complementary medication.
- Controls Nausea and Vomiting: The plant’s ability to control nausea and vomiting makes it effective in increasing appetite in people with cancer, AIDS, and other diseases and those taking chemotherapy
- May Treat Cancer: Some studies have revealed that THC may kill cancer cells and slow tumor growth
- Reduces MS Symptoms: The plant relaxes tight muscles in people with multiple sclerosis
- Decreases Glaucoma Pain: Marijuana has been shown to lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma
CBD
CBD can be derived from the hemp plant or the marijuana plant, so its environmental effects as a crop vary. It provides the following benefits.
- Reduces Anxiety: CBD reduces anxiety regardless of the dose. It is effective in minimizing PTSD symptoms.
- Treats Epilepsy: CBD treats rare types of epilepsy. There is even an FDA-approved CBD drug on the market
- Reduces Pain and Inflammation: Like THC, CBD can reduce pain and inflammation. It is often used to treat arthritis.
- Protects Against Neurological Diseases: CBD’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects make it effective in protecting against cognitive degeneration. It helps prevent Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other diseases.
- Treats Opioid Addiction: Studies have shown that CBD may help people who are dependent on opioids by reducing symptoms of withdrawal.
- Alleviates ALS Symptoms: THC and CBD can be used together to reduce muscle spasticity related to ALS.
- Eases Diabetic Complications: CBD may reduce the effects of high glucose levels. It decreases resistance to insulin and aids with insulin release.
Conclusion
To sum up the hemp vs marijuana vs CBD dilemma:
Hemp and marijuana are both types of cannabis plants. The marijuana plant has a high concentration of THC. Hemp plants have a THC concentration of .03% or lower.
CBD is a compound with low levels of THC (.03% or lower) that can be found in either plant.
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