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Hemp Plant

Hemp Vs. Marijuana: What's the Difference?

Marijuana Plant

You may have seen store windows displaying hemp purses, clothing, or other products for sale. But, what exactly is hemp? Many people immediately think of marijuana when they see hemp products, and while the word "hemp" frequently appears in marijuana-related debates, hemp and marijuana are not the same thing. One of the most important differences is that marijuana can get a person high and hemp cannot.

What do hemp and marijuana have in common?

• Hemp and marijuana are varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant.
• It is illegal to grow both hemp and marijuana in the United States (although it is not illegal to sell or purchase hemp products—hence the hemp bags and dresses you see in store windows).
• The two plants have similar aromas when in bloom—however, only one produces an intoxicating effect when smoked.

How are hemp and marijuana different?

• Smoking marijuana will make the user high, and smoking hemp will not. Hemp contains less than 1 percent of the active ingredient THC, the substance that gives pot smokers a high. Marijuana plants, on the other hand, contain 10 to 20 percent THC.
• Marijuana plants and hemp plants have different appearances and are harvested differently. Marijuana plants tend to be short and bushy, while hemp plants can have stalks that are 25 feet high!
• Unlike marijuana, hemp has many uses. Over 25,000 products can be manufactured from hemp, including hair conditioner, diapers, insulation, carpets, paper, and perfume.

The hemp debate and the marijuana debate are often confused with each other. Proponents of legalizing hemp cultivation focus on the plant's many uses and the fact that it requires no pesticides in order to flourish. However, opponents express concern that permitting hemp cultivation would result in de facto legalization of marijuana cultivation because both hemp and marijuana come from the same plant.[1] Opponents also say that other raw materials are more economical than industrial hemp. Cultivating hemp is currently illegal in the United States, although hemp items are imported.

Marijuana, on the other hand, is illegal because of its health risks. Proponents of legalizing marijuana point to recent studies that show that there may be some medical benefits associated with marijuana use. But, any benefits of legalizing marijuana—medical or otherwise—have to be weighed against the disadvantages, such as the intoxicating effects of and serious health risks posed by marijuana.

During debates about the legal status of marijuana, the environmental and economic benefits of hemp may be used in arguments for the legalization of marijuana. But, hemp and marijuana are not the same thing, and the risk factor for marijuana legalization is much higher.

Sources:

[1] The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, 1998 National Drug Control Strategy, www.health.org/govpubs/ndcs98/iv-f.html, last referenced June 27, 2001.