The terms cannabis, hemp, and marijuana are often used interchangeably, but there is a very real difference between the three words. Understanding the nuanced differences between them is crucial, whether you’re a consumer, policymaker, entrepreneur, or investor. Clarifying these terms is essential to navigating this rapidly maturing industry with accuracy and integrity. If you’re curious about cannabis vs marijuana vs hemp, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s get into it.
RELATED: Can you ship weed? The answer may surprise you
Cannabis: The Umbrella Term
“Cannabis” is the scientific genus that refers to a family of plants that includes both hemp and marijuana. Much like how all squares are rectangles but not all rectangles are squares, all marijuana and hemp plants are cannabis, but not all cannabis is marijuana or hemp.
Cannabis plants are typically classified into three species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Though most commercial cultivation today involves hybrids, this botanical classification forms the foundation for both industrial and medicinal applications.
Cannabis contains more than 100 cannabinoids, the most notable of which are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), responsible for the psychoactive “high,” and CBD (cannabidiol), which is mostly non-intoxicating and associated with a wide array of therapeutic benefits.
In addition to CBD and THC, emerging cannabinoids like CBN (cannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol), and THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) are gaining popularity for their unique properties. CBN is often used in sleep formulations due to its sedative potential, while CBG is being studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. THCA, a non-psychoactive precursor to THC, may offer therapeutic benefits without inducing a high unless it’s heated or decarboxylated.
RELATED: What does bad weed look like? How to tell if your weed is trash
These cannabinoids can be extracted from either marijuana or hemp. Thanks to advanced processing methods, they are chemically identical regardless of their source. However, some users report subtle differences in effect between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived cannabinoids, particularly with Delta-9 THC. Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC can legally exist in beverages and edibles under 0.3 percent dry weight, and while it still delivers a psychoactive experience, some argue that the nuanced entourage effect of marijuana-derived products feels different.
Hemp: The Industrial Powerhouse
Hemp refers to Cannabis sativa plants that contain 0.3 percent THC or less by dry weight, according to U.S. federal law. Because of its negligible THC content, hemp does not produce overtly psychoactive effects. What it lacks in buzz, it makes up for in versatility.
For centuries, hemp has been cultivated for industrial and agricultural use. Its fibers are used in textiles, construction materials like hempcrete, rope, bioplastics, and paper. Its seeds are nutrient-rich and often cold-pressed for oil or added to foods as a plant-based protein source.
RELATED: Hemp clothing for a fashionable, sustainable future
In recent years, hemp has become the primary source for CBD extraction in legal wellness markets. Hemp-derived CBD is now infused into everything from skincare products to sleep aids and pet treats, creating a booming market projected to surpass $20 billion globally.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the regulated cultivation and sale of hemp in the U.S., opening the floodgates for CBD-based businesses while still prohibiting THC-rich marijuana under federal law.
Marijuana: The Psychoactive Side of Cannabis
Marijuana typically refers to Cannabis sativa or indica plants that contain more than 0.3 percent THC and are cultivated for their psychoactive properties. While “marijuana” is widely used in legal and medical contexts, the term has a controversial history tied to anti-immigrant propaganda in the early 20th century. Many industry professionals and advocates now prefer terms like “cannabis” or “THC-rich cannabis.”
Marijuana is consumed in various forms, including smoked, vaporized, ingested, or applied topically to deliver both recreational highs and therapeutic effects. The medical marijuana movement, which began in California in the 1990s, helped destigmatize cannabis and paved the way for today’s robust legal markets in over 30 U.S. states.
RELATED: This is the biggest mistake people make at dispensaries
Medicinal marijuana is used to treat conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, and nausea related to chemotherapy. The FDA’s approval of Epidiolex, a cannabis-derived medication for epilepsy, was a pivotal milestone in the shift toward cannabis legitimacy in the pharmaceutical industry.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Hemp | Marijuana |
| THC Content | ≤ 0.3% | > 0.3% |
| Psychoactive? | Not Overtly | Yes |
| Legal Status | Federally legal (with regulation) | Federally illegal (some states legal) |
| Primary Uses | Industrial, wellness, nutrition | Recreational, medical |
What About Hemp THC?
After the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp nationwide, intoxicating hemp products began popping up. Delta-9 THC drinks have become especially popular; globally, the category was valued at more than $3 billion in 2024. But if hemp must contain less than 0.3 percent THC to be legal, how do infused beverages or edibles make the cut?
The key is the “dry weight” definition. When you factor in the weight of other ingredients, like sugar and flavorings, the small amount of THC meets the threshold. While some states are moving to ban intoxicating hemp products, they’ve become especially popular in places without regulated cannabis sales. Mindful producers can respect the law and make consumers happy.
Another top-selling product in prohibition states is THCA flower. The bud is defined as hemp, but it gets people high. How is this allowed?
Once again, it goes back to the federal definition of hemp, which is cannabis containing less than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight. In its raw plant form, cannabis produces THCA, which is the molecular precursor to THC. Once it’s heated, it becomes THC and produces psychoactive effects.
All marijuana is technically THCA flower. But since hemp producers are able to test their products in a way that reveals high THCA content and low THC, it’s technically legal according to the Farm Bill. While officials have tried to push back on this assertion, saying THCA flower is illegal, the law has yet to change.
RELATED: This is the biggest misconception about cannabis
Looking Ahead
With federal rescheduling of cannabis potentially on the horizon, understanding these distinctions will help inform smart regulation and better consumer education. Merging the scientific taxonomy with cultural understanding is key to breaking stigma, promoting innovation, and building trust across the cannabis supply chain.
As public acceptance and legislative momentum continue to rise, so too must our clarity in communication. Whether you’re building a cannabis brand, investing in cannabis stocks, or simply curious about cannabinoids, knowing the difference between hemp, marijuana, and cannabis can help you navigate this green frontier with greater confidence.
*This article was submitted by a guest contributor. The author is solely responsible for its content.