In recent years, there has been a tremendous surge in interest surrounding cannabis and its various derivatives. You've probably come across terms like marijuana, weed, and hemp. But are they all the same? If not, what sets them apart? In this blog post, we'll dive into the distinctions between these terms and clarify the confusion.
Cannabis: The Umbrella Term
At its core, cannabis is a genus of flowering plants in the Cannabaceae family. This is the overarching term, under which marijuana and hemp fall. So, when we talk about cannabis, we could be referring to either of its main species, Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa, or even the less common, Cannabis ruderalis.
Marijuana vs. Weed
Marijuana is a term that primarily refers to the psychoactive varieties of cannabis plants, which are cultivated for their high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. THC is the principal psychoactive compound that gives users the sensation of being “high.”
But here's where it gets a tad tricky. The term weed is colloquially interchangeable with marijuana. It's slang, much like "pot" or "grass." So, when someone mentions they're smoking weed, they're generally referring to the THC-rich strains of the cannabis plant, essentially marijuana.
Hemp: The Industrial Powerhouse
Unlike marijuana, hemp is a type of cannabis that contains 0.3% or less THC content by dry weight. This definition was legally established in the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill. Because of its low THC content, hemp won’t get you “high.”
What makes hemp unique and highly sought after is its versatility. It's a powerhouse in the industrial world. Hemp fibers can be used in everything from clothing to paper, and its seeds are a nutritious food source rich in essential fatty acids. Additionally, hemp is also the primary source of cannabidiol (CBD), another cannabinoid which has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic properties without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
Why the Confusion?
The terms have often been used interchangeably in media and conversations, leading to confusion. Historically, regulatory and prohibitionist policies didn't differentiate between THC-rich cannabis and its non-psychoactive counterpart. They were all simply "marijuana" in the eyes of the law, leading to decades of misinformation. Only in recent years, with the global shift towards legalization and research, have we started delineating between these terms with more precision.
Quick Comparison
- Cannabisis the overarching term for the plant species.
- Marijuanais the THC-rich variety of cannabis that induces psychoactive effects.
- Weedis a slang term for marijuana.
- Hempis a type of cannabis with low THC, known for industrial and nutritional uses.
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