What Is Hemp? Definition, Uses, and How It’s Different From Marijuana
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for industrial and medicinal uses. It is one of the fastest growing plants on Earth and was one of the first plants to be spun into usable fiber 50,000 years ago.
In the United States, "hemp" has a specific legal definition that separates it from "marijuana."
The Legal Definition of Hemp
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is defined as cannabis with a Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of 0.3% or less on a dry weight basis.
- Hemp: < 0.3% THC
- Marijuana: > 0.3% THC
This distinction is purely legal, not botanical. Both are the same plant species, but hemp has been selectively bred to minimize psychoactive cannabinoids (THC) while maximizing fiber, seed, or non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD.
Uses of the Hemp Plant
Hemp is often called a "whole plant" crop because every part of it can be used:
- Stalk (Fiber): Used for textiles, rope, paper, bioplastics, and building materials (hempcrete).
- Seed (Grain): Highly nutritious, rich in healthy fats and protein. Used in food (hemp hearts) and body care (hemp seed oil).
- Flower (Cannabinoids): The resin-rich flowers contain CBD (cannabidiol) and terpenes, used for wellness extracts.
Hemp vs. Marijuana: The Key Differences
| Feature | Hemp | Marijuana |
|---|---|---|
| THC Content | Low (< 0.3%) | High (5–30%+) |
| Psychoactive? | No | Yes |
| Primary Use | Industrial, Food, CBD | Medical, Recreational |
| Growth Style | Tall, row crops (fiber) or bushy (flower) | Bushy, controlled environment |
Why This Matters for CBD
When you buy "Hemp-Derived CBD," it means the extract comes from compliant hemp plants. This ensures the product is federally legal and non-intoxicating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can smoking hemp get you high?
No. Compliant hemp contains trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), which is not enough to produce a psychoactive "high."
Is hemp the same as CBD?
No. Hemp is the plant. CBD is a compound found in the plant. You can have hemp textiles that contain no CBD, and you can have marijuana plants that contain CBD.
Is growing hemp legal?
Yes, but it is a regulated crop. Farmers must be licensed by their state department of agriculture or the USDA.
Sources & References
Content on Laura's Hemp is reviewed for accuracy. Citations and testing data are kept up to date.