Is Hemp Cannabis? Differences and More
With so many regulations that can vary from state to state and the colorful history of cannabis and hemp, as well as the terminology used to describe it, many, many people get confused. This confusion tends to generate concerns and misleading conclusions when it comes to hemp and even hemp paper products. One of the biggest questions people have is what hemp vs cannabis is. So, is hemp cannabis? Is hemp marijuana? What’s the difference? We’ve got all the answers below.
First off, is hemp cannabis?
Hemp is actually cannabis, but it is not as straightforward as it seems. Technically, hemp plants are a variety of plants that belong to the cannabis family. Unlike many other types of cannabis, hemp contains incredibly low amounts of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). By contrast, most types of cannabis contain high amounts of THC, which is why these plants are highly regulated.
Therefore, while the two plants may belong to the same family, their characteristics can be highly different. Some may even say the two are relatively opposing when it comes to biological properties.
Hemp vs Cannabis – The Facts
Hemp and cannabis share a botanical lineage, but they are cultivated for very different purposes. Hemp is primarily grown for its industrial uses, thanks to its strong fibers which can be turned into textiles, paper, bioplastics, and more.
The legal definition of hemp specifies that it must contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight, which is why it’s non-psychoactive and legal in many contexts where cannabis is not. Cannabis, on the other hand, is often grown for its psychoactive effects, due to its high THC content, which can range from 5% to over 30%.
A quick rundown of the main differences between hemp and cannabis include:
- Due to its low THC content, hemp is often legally distinguished from other cannabis plants, which are more heavily regulated or outright illegal in many places because of their psychoactive properties.
- Hemp is primarily used for industrial purposes like textiles, paper, food (hemp seeds), construction materials, and CBD production for health products without psychoactive effects, while cannabis is grown for its psychoactive and medicinal effects.
- Hemp is grown more like a crop with dense plantings for fiber or seed, whereas cannabis is usually grown in more controlled spaces to maximize bud development.
- Hemp has been bred specifically to reduce THC levels, while cannabis has been selectively bred for high THC content or balanced THC/CBD ratios for medical use.
A Look at How We Ended Up Here
The journey of hemp and cannabis in the U.S. has been tumultuous. Initially, hemp was a crop of significant economic value, used extensively for sails, ropes, paper, and even to craft uniforms and supplies for American soldiers. However, the early 20th century saw a shift with the introduction of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which didn’t distinguish between hemp and marijuana. Take a look at the road from hemp being a highly valuable agricultural product to its prohibition and how hemp vs cannabis, legally speaking, today.
The History of Hemp
Hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years around the world for its utility. It was one of the first plants spun into usable fiber 10,000 years ago. In America, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew hemp on their plantations. It was a staple crop until the prohibition era, when misguided policies lumped hemp in with marijuana, creating decades of unnecessary restrictions.
How Hemp Became Restricted
The confusion between hemp and marijuana led to hemp’s inclusion in the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act. This act effectively banned cannabis without any real consideration of hemp’s industrial uses, or its potential medicinal value. The prohibition was fueled by economic interests, racial biases, and misinformation, leading to a long period where hemp was largely forgotten in the U.S. By the year 1970, cannabis of any form, including hemp, was just as closely controlled and illegal as illicit substances.
When Things Changed
The turning point came with the 2014 Farm Bill, which allowed states to grow hemp for research under strict conditions. This was followed by the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp from the list of controlled substances, defining it by its low THC content. This bill has allowed for a resurgence of hemp farming and has sparked an industry boom in hemp-derived products, such as those made from CBD (cannabidiol), which is the primary cannabinoid in hemp and not at all intoxicating.
So, hemp paper products are legal, right?
Yes! Hemp paper products are indeed legal in the United States, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This legislation removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, recognizing it as an agricultural commodity when it contains no more than 0.3% THC. This means that hemp paper, along with a variety of other hemp-derived products, can be legally produced, sold, and used across the country.
Hemp paper is not just legal; it’s also an environmentally superior choice compared to traditional paper. Hemp grows quickly, requires less water, and replenishes the soil, making it a sustainable alternative to products made from wood pulp. Moreover, the production of hemp paper avoids many of the environmental downsides associated with conventional paper manufacturing, like deforestation and pollution from chemical processes.
Check Out the Fully Legal Hemp Paper Products Available at Mill26
Mill26 offers a range of hemp paper products that are not only legal but environmentally friendly. From hemp paper bags to business cards, hemp paper rolls, and more, these items support sustainable practices and are free from the psychoactive compounds that cause legal concerns about cannabis. Whether you’re looking for supplies for your dispensary, packaging solutions for your product, or something else, Mill26 has you covered with high-quality, hemp-based options that are both legal and innovative. Be sure to explore our full collection.
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