What is the difference between hemp and cannabis?

Hemp and cannabis (marijuana) are both Cannabis sativa plants, but they are legally distinguished by THC content. Hemp contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight and is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Cannabis (marijuana) contains more than 0.3% THC and remains federally prohibited.

Does hemp get you high?

Hemp flower will not produce significant intoxication because it contains less than 0.3% THC. CBD-rich hemp may produce calming or therapeutic effects without psychoactive intoxication. However, smoking hemp flower may cause minor effects in sensitive individuals.

Is hemp the same as CBD?

No — hemp is a plant, while CBD is a compound. Hemp plants produce CBD (and other cannabinoids), but CBD can also come from cannabis (marijuana) plants. Hemp-derived CBD is federally legal. Cannabis-derived CBD is subject to state cannabis laws.

Hemp vs. Cannabis: What Is the Actual Difference?

Hemp and cannabis are both varieties of the same plant species: Cannabis sativa. The difference between them is entirely legal, not botanical. In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill defined hemp as cannabis containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. Any cannabis plant exceeding that threshold is legally classified as marijuana and regulated under controlled substance law.

The Legal Distinction

Under federal law, hemp is an agricultural commodity that can be grown, sold, and processed across all 50 states. Hemp-derived CBD products are broadly legal at the federal level (though FDA regulation of CBD as a dietary supplement is still evolving). Cannabis (marijuana) remains a Schedule I controlled substance federally, though 24+ states have legalized it for adult use and 38+ states allow medical cannabis programs.

Hemp vs. Cannabis: Side-by-Side

Factor	Hemp	Cannabis (Marijuana)
THC content	≤0.3% (federal limit)	Typically 10-35%+
Federal legal status	Legal (2018 Farm Bill)	Schedule I controlled substance
CBD content	Can be very high (10%+)	Varies (typically 0.1-25%)
Intoxicating	No (unless used in extreme quantities)	Yes (from THC)
Drug test risk	Low-moderate (trace THC can accumulate)	High (THC detected weeks after use)

Can Hemp Products Cause a Failed Drug Test?

Yes, this is a documented risk. Hemp-derived CBD products labeled "full-spectrum" contain up to the legal 0.3% THC limit. Regular consumption of high doses of full-spectrum CBD can cause THC metabolite accumulation in body fat, potentially leading to a positive urine drug test. Broad-spectrum CBD (with THC removed) and CBD isolate products carry a much lower risk, but "zero THC" claims on product labels are not always accurate.

Uses of Hemp

Beyond CBD, hemp has a wide range of industrial applications. Hemp fiber is used in textiles, rope, and building materials. Hemp seeds are highly nutritious, containing complete protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and various minerals. Hemp biomass can be used for biofuel. The legalization of hemp in 2018 has opened up a rapidly growing agricultural sector.