Hemp leaves on a wooden surface

420 Special: What Makes Cannabis, Hemp, and Marijuana Unique

It’s almost 4/20! So, in celebration of the most chill day of the year, we’re gearing up to educate everyone on the differences between cannabis, hemp, and marijuana. Before we begin, let’s be clear that all of FAB CBD’s cannabidiol extract comes from hemp. Therefore, it legally contains less than 0.3% THC. And now, onto the good stuff!

Knowing the Difference Between Cannabis, Hemp, and Marijuana

For starters, CBD is a cannabinoid that comes from one of the plants in the cannabis family. In fact, there are over 100 cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis family of plants. When it comes to knowing the difference between cannabis, hemp, and marijuana, it’s easiest to simply think of cannabis as the mother plant for both marijuana and hemp. And even though cannabinoids are found in both hemp and marijuana, the big difference between the two plants is in the THC levels.
A young woman looking at her laptop and making a confused expression
It’s no surprise that it can be extremely confusing to keep up with all the new information and advancements that are coming out of the CBD industry lately. There are a lot of differences between CBD oil and medical marijuana, so when it comes to venturing into the world of CBD, it pays to do your research and learn all that you can about the different plants and the products that are created from them.

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis refers to a family of plants with many uses. Interestingly, the plant's fibers can be used as a material for rope or clothing. The chemical compounds found within the cannabis plant have been used medicinally for many years. What most people who are new to CBD may not realize is that hemp and marijuana are both found within the cannabis family. Each variety of plant contains a broad range of chemical compounds, but the major difference between these two plants lies within their levels of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound responsible for creating that well-known "high" sensation.

What is Hemp?

Hemp is a variety of cannabis plant that naturally contains less than 0.3% THC. Since hemp contains low levels of THC, most all CBD products are created from it. By federal law, all CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill which removed hemp from the Controlled Substances List. Since hemp is legal for manufacture and distribution, a lot of products are created from it. Aside from various types of CBD products, beauty products as well as some organic clothing lines are sometimes made from hemp.
A burlap sack of hemp seeds, a clear glass bottle of CBD oil, and a wooden spoon with ground up hemp
Hemp is extremely ideal in the world of CBD production because of its low levels of THC and high levels of CBD. Moreover, in states where marijuana is illegal, hemp is most often an acceptable legal substitute. You should still, however, look into your state’s specific laws regarding CBD, because even though CBD products crafted from hemp are legal on the federal level, they may not be legal per your state. If you are just beginning your research into CBD products, you should know that all of FAB CBD’s products are crafted from hemp that is grown and cultivated in Colorado. All of FAB CBD’s products contain less than 0.3% THC and come in a host of fun varieties from CBD oil, to “Anytime” Chews, “Nighttime” PM CBD Chews, Topical CBD Cream, CBD Salve, and THC-free Calm & Cool CBD Dog Treats for that favorite pup in your life.

Full-Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolate Products

Before we can move on, and before you purchase any type of CBD (if you are new to taking CBD), you should understand the difference between full-spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate products. In the ever-expanding world of CBD products, things can become quite confusing very fast. Full-spectrum products, like the ones expertly crafted at FAB CBD, contain all of the beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals that the hemp plant has to offer. Full-spectrum products also contain less than 0.3% THC. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot get high from using full-spectrum CBD products.
A collection of FAB CBD products in front of a purple background
Broad spectrum products are similar to full-spectrum products, however, they do not contain any THC. So, if you have concerns about THC or if you simply do not want to use a product with THC in it, then broad spectrum products will be your best option. Lastly, CBD isolate products, as the name suggests, contain only CBD and are roughly 99% pure CBD. Even though these products do not contain any terpenes, other cannabinoids, phytonutrients, vitamins, or minerals, you will still be able to benefit from what the isolated CBD has to offer.

What is Marijuana?

Most people are familiar with marijuana, but might not know how it differs from hemp. Marijuana is also a variety of the cannabis plant. However, this plant contains up to 40% THC in it, and therefore, will cause you to feel a psychoactive “high” sensation after using it. Even though marijuana has been illegal for a very long time, some states are passing laws to legalize it in medical and recreational capacities. Currently, marijuana is legal in about half of the states within the US.
lush hemp plants with overlapping, vivid green leaves
As far as looks go, the marijuana plant does differ in appearance from the hemp plant. For example, marijuana typically has wider leaves and more dense buds, while hemp has skinnier leaves that grow more towards the top of the plant.

Cannabis vs Hemp vs Marijuana: Our Takeaway

By now, any confusion over cannabis, hemp, and marijuana should be fairly cleared up for you. So, with your new-found knowledge, you now have a better understanding about the make-up of various CBD products so that you can either continue on in your research or begin your search to purchase a product that is best suited for your needs. If you are venturing out into the world of CBD, then FAB CBD is an amazing place to start. All of FAB CBD’s products are made from high quality hemp that’s been grown and cultivated in Colorado. FAB CBD has an amazing line of products including full-spectrum oils in strengths of 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 2400mg, and in citrus, mint, natural, berry, and vanilla flavors. If oils aren’t your thing, or if you’re trying to soothe some achy muscles, then the Topical CBD Cream or CBD Salve will be right up your alley.

 If, however, you’re one of those individuals who’s always on the go, or are someone who needs a little help getting a restful sleep at night, then the “Anytime” CBD Chews or “Nighttime” PM CBD Chews will fit the bill. Both products offer CBD in a delicious gummy form that’s easy to take along with you. Regardless of which products you choose, as long as you take some time into researching both the brand and the products, as well as any other questions you may have along the way, you’ll be in great shape for when you’re ready to make your final purchase. Remember, the world of CBD doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This 4/20, chill out and have some fun learning something new, unusual, and interesting about cannabis, hemp, marijuana, CBD, THC, or any other cannabis-related topic that sparks your curiosity.