What do I call it? Hemp vs. Cannabis vs. Marijuana
While cannabis, sometimes called marijuana, and hemp come from the same species of plant, the distinction is in their cannabinoid profile. Cannabis and hemp also have different commercial and industrial uses.
Cannabis
Cannabis refers to all products derived from the cannabis sativa plant regardless of its cannabinoid profile. However, many people use ‘cannabis’ synonymously with ‘weed,’ ‘pot’ or any other product that contains more than 0.3% THC. Cannabis derived cannabinoids with high THC potency has an intoxicating effect, which causes the euphoric experience or in simple terms, gets you high.
Hemp
Cannabis and hemp are taxonomically the same plant, but in order to be classified as hemp, the plant must contain less than 0.3% THC. Hemp-derived cannabinoids have been federally legal since the Farm Bill passed in 2018 and are classified as non-intoxicating. You can experience the full health benefits of the plant without feeling high.
Marijuana
Although the plant had previously been known as “cannabis” in the US, anti-cannabis activists began referring to it by its Spanish name, “marihuana,” to further tie its use to immigrants and drive political momentum behind the war on drugs. Many people avoid this term now for its bigoted connotations.
