Marijuana, Hemp & Cannabis Differences

Marijuana is available in many different forms - and there are even more names for the various types. But what exactly are we talking about when it comes to marijuana, hemp or cannabis? What are the differences between the hemp plant and what can you do with its various forms?

First, a distinction must be made between hemp and cannabis. Both plants originate from the same mother plant – Cannabis Sativa L. This can quickly lead to confusion, but a differentiation is important as their uses are very different.

The flowers of cannabis contain resin with a higher proportion (up to 20%) of the mind-altering cannabinoid THC, which is why it is considered an intoxicant. The flowers are dried and are ultimately what is known as marijuana. They are also known by names such as weed, grass, pot, dope, or Mary Jane.

Depending on quality, origin, cultivation method, and degree of drying, marijuana is usually green to brownish, sometimes also white or slightly purple. When consumed for recreational purposes, marijuana is used for smoking in a hand-rolled cigarette (joint) with tobacco or in a bong.

Illegal marijuana sold on the streets can be cut in various ways, for example, with plant parts low in active ingredients ("hecke" or "trim"). Similarly, the dried flowers can be cut with various harmful substances such as potassium fertilizer, glass, lead, talcum powder, sand, or hairspray.

Hashish is the collected and usually pressed resin from the hemp plant. It can be obtained not only from the flowers but also from resin-covered leaves. Depending on the quality and production method, it can range from gray-brown to matte black. Hashish has a higher active ingredient content than marijuana.

Hemp or industrial hemp usually refers to what has been used for millennia to produce food, textiles, and paper. The plant, which is a genus within the family Cannabaceae, is one of the oldest cultivated plants worldwide and has been cultivated for over 10,000 years.

For years, it was an important raw material for the production of various products. Among other things, it is used to obtain hemp fibers, to produce clothing, ropes, and building materials. Furthermore, hemp can also be used as food: for example, pressed into cooking oil, processed into hemp bars, or as a superfood.

The hemp plant differentiates between male and female plants. Female plants have more leaves and special glandular hairs. They can secrete a sticky resin that contains a particularly high amount of THC. The hemp leaf also has a striking appearance: the leaves are finger-shaped and usually consist of seven individual leaves with finely serrated edges.

The plant preferably grows in tropical, Mediterranean, and temperate zones, but some varieties can also grow outdoors in regions like Central Europe from spring to autumn without problems. The industry still uses the fibers and oils (from the seeds of the plant) today, while the possession and trade of the flowers are prohibited.

Actually, Cannabis is the Latin word for hemp. In many countries, including Germany, however, the term is used for THC-containing products of the hemp plant. This means that under the name Cannabis, one understands the type of plant that bears psychoactively effective flowers in its female form.

Over time, it has been bred in such a way that it can also be distinguished visually from industrial hemp. While the latter usually grows very tall – up to 4 meters – and produces few side shoots, cannabis is generally smaller – 0.5 to 2 meters – and is characterized by its many branches.

Cannabinoids are found in every form of the hemp plant, the best known of which is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which has an intoxicating effect. CBD (Cannabidiol), on the other hand, is known for its relaxing, pain-relieving, and anxiolytic effects. Both cannabinoids are found in virtually every form of hemp and vary in content. However, industrial hemp contains a THC content of less than 0.2%.

However, the psychoactive substance is not only consumed as a drug, but is also increasingly used in medicine. It is similar with the cannabinoid CBD, which is used both in everyday life and in medicine. It is used for relaxation, as well as for combating sleep disorders or migraines. In high doses, it is used after chemotherapy or can help in the treatment of chronic diseases.

Since March 2017, medical cannabis has also been legal in Germany, i.e. doctors are allowed to prescribe it on a BtM prescription. For medical use, for example, the oral spray Sativex, which has an equally high THC and CBD content, is used. In addition, the cannabis oil Dronabinol and full-spectrum cannabis extract can now be prescribed. Furthermore, the prescription of medical cannabis flowers containing the active ingredients THC and CBD is also possible.

Generally speaking, there is a small but significant difference between hemp and cannabis, which is however very crucial. Marijuana describes only a part of the cannabis plant and refers to the dried flowers, which represent the most widely sold intoxicant worldwide. Marijuana is usually associated with a high THC content, and many do not tolerate its psychoactive effect well.

However, foregoing the many benefits of the cannabis plant entirely should be well considered. Because there is no other natural product that can be used so versatilely against pain as the cannabis plant.

In general, the hemp plant is a true all-rounder in many respects and has more applications than one would initially assume. If you want to experience the positive effects of the hemp plant, you can start by trying CBD products. Full-spectrum CBD products contain all the active ingredients of the hemp plant and can have a beneficial effect on body and mind.