Hemp Vs Cannabis
Hemp and cannabis are popping up more and more each year. Whether it’s their presence in the media, health and wellness stores, or legislation, these are two plants that are extremely relevant. But what’s the real difference between the two? If you’re curious about their differences, and what that means in terms of legality, then read on to learn the specifics when it comes to hemp vs cannabis.
In the meantime, if you’re interested in exploring hemp vs cannabis for yourself, check out our selection of hemp-derived products! Choose from blunts and prerolls.
The short explanation
Hemp and cannabis are, in fact the same plant. The difference between the two is something that was initially conceptualized in 1979 by botanist Ernest Small in his book “The Species Problem in Cannabis: Science and Semantics”. Small pointed out that there really is no difference between hemp and cannabis. So, he suggested that hemp be defined as cannabis containing .3% or less delta 9 THC. Through this definition, hemp is unlikely to get you high in its original form.
Uses
When it comes to hemp vs cannabis, their traditional uses are pretty opposite. Hemp has historically been used for production of goods like paper, rope, food, clothing, and textiles. While hemp is still relevant today, its potential has been recognized for thousands of years. The earliest documentation of hemp being used for fiber comes from China in 2800 BCE!
Cannabis, on the other hand, has historically been used for its effects on humans. Not only was hemp found in ancient Chinese records for producing fiber; cannabis was found listed in Emperor Shen Nung’s pharmacopoeia during the same time period. Though cannabis has been noted for its therapeutic effects for thousands of years, it has taken until modern times for it to become legal in the US (and only in certain states).
Legality
Recent legislation is what makes the topic of hemp vs cannabis so relevant today. In 2018, the farm bill legalized hemp on a federal level. This was done with the intent of promoting hemp as a crop to be used for things like clothing, rope, and food. Since there was all this hemp, CBD became really popular. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is found in hemp and cannabis. It became the latest cure-all for everything; I’m sure you remember seeing CBD lotions, gummies, oils and more in what seemed like every store or coffee shop.
The CBD craze had its limits, though; eventually, there was an abundance of CBD. Chemists realized they could use this hemp-derived CBD to make psychoactive cannabinoids. And, due to the verbiage of the farm bill, these were all technically legal on a federal level.
Cannabis, on the other hand, remains illegal on a federal level. However, many states have legalized cannabis for medicinal or recreational use. Currently, 24 states have legalized medical and recreational cannabis use, while another 14 have legalized cannabis for medical use only.
Today
The recent surge in popularity of cannabinoids like delta 8 and HHC is thanks to the legalization of hemp. Like I mentioned above, chemists began to make psychoactive cannabinoids from hemp. Suddenly, delta 8 and other similar cannabinoids were available everywhere– from gas stations, to head shops, to countless online vendors. While residents in states without legal cannabis rejoiced in this new, legal, and accessible way to enjoy a form of THC, not everyone was thrilled. Critics noted that the market was totally unregulated. This was different from cannabis, which, in states where it is legal, is subject to rigorous testing before landing a spot in a state-run dispensary.
Since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill and the boom in hemp-derived cannabinoids, individual states have responded with legislation of their own. Some states have affirmed the federal law and maintained the legality of hemp-derived cannabinoids. Others have implemented regulations such as age restrictions or testing requirements. However, still other states have imposed bans on these products altogether. Here you can find a map of each state’s laws on delta 8. These laws change rapidly, and some of the wording on the legislation is somewhat ambiguous, and arguably, open to interpretation and further loopholes. Definitely stay aware of what’s going on in your state before indulging in hemp-derived cannabinoids.
The importance of lab testing
As I mentioned above, most hemp-derived cannabinoids are not subject to the same level of scrutiny as cannabis products before they hit the market. Lab testing is absolutely essential to ensure that there are no harmful byproducts leftover from the cannabinoid conversion process. Additionally, it guarantees that you’re getting the correct cannabinoid content. Here at DVNT, we believe you deserve to know what you’re putting into your body. That’s why we share all of our lab test results right on our site. Shop here with confidence, and discover the joys of hemp safely.
The bottom line
The difference between hemp vs cannabis comes down to delta 9 THC content. Hemp is traditionally associated with producing useful items like clothing, rope and food. Cannabis has been praised for its therapeutic effects and enjoyable high. However, thanks to recent legislation, today hemp can be used to create other cannabinoids that can be used for the same purposes as cannabis. In terms of legality, hemp vs cannabis is an ever developing issue, and it will be interesting to see where things stand with both of these plants in another few years.