Hemp and marijuana are two popular names for the cannabis plant. The two plants are biologically the same species and they share the same DNA, in much the same way that dogs and wolves are related. But they also differ in many ways. The most important difference is in the chemicals they contain, as this determines their effect on the body as well as the legal status of the two plants. Learn about the difference between hemp and marijuana.

Many plants come in different varieties and cannabis is no exception. Hemp is a cannabis variety that contains no psychoactive chemicals. It looks different to marijuana, it’s grown differently and is used for many different things, none of which have anything to do with getting stoned or high. But because hemp and marijuana are different varieties of the same plant, it’s easy to get confused. Learn about the health benefits of Hemp.

Both the size and appearance of the plants help to tell them apart. Hemp plants are tall and thin, while marijuana plants are shorter and bushier. Hemp plant fibres are used to make things like fabrics and paper. Hemp seeds are pressed to make hempseed oil, which is used in cosmetics and dietary supplements. Marijuana plants are grown mainly for their flowers, but the leaves, stems and seeds also contain active drug. Marijuana is used recreationally but also medicinally, and it can be smoked or eaten, or taken in the form of an oil or vapour. Learn about the medical benefits of Marijuana.

Cannabis plants contain many different chemicals, the most well-known being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for marijuana’s psychological effects, and THC levels in marijuana plants can reach 35%. In contrast, hemp plants contain only low levels of THC, typically less than 0.3%, and hemp seeds contain no THC at all. So however much you take and however hard you try, hemp plants will never get you high. Because hemp varieties contain virtually zero tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), your body processes it faster than you can smoke it. Trying to use hemp to put you on cloud nine will only put you in bed with a migraine!

Learn about the history of cannabis and why our favourite plant is so misunderstood.