First, it is important to explain the difference between hemp and marijuana. It is common for these two plants to be grouped as one and the same. However, hemp and marijuana are two distinct strains of the cannabis plant; they are cultivated for different purposes and react differently in the body.

Hemp pertains to a strain of Cannabis Sativa that has been bred precisely for oils and topical ointments, fiber used for clothing and construction, nutritional benefits, and a broad thriving variety of other purposes that do not involve the euphoria that is associated with marijuana. Hemp is a fast growing plant and was one of the first plants to be spun into usable fiber more than 10,000 years ago.

Marijuana is a slang term used to characterize strains of Cannabis Sativa specifically bred for resinous glands, which are very potent and grow on the flowers and some leaves. 

Scientifically, the difference between what we refer to as hemp and marijuana comes from the intention the strain was bred for. The main difference between hemp and marijuana is the level of THC in the plant. Hemp has high levels of cannabidiol (CBD) and very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Marijuana is recognized for having high levels of THC and lower in CBD. In order to be considered hemp, the plant must have less than 0.3 percent THC. High levels of THC are responsible for the intoxicating feeling that marijuana is known for.

This article first appeared on MadebyHemp.