Cannabis VS Hemp – What’s the Difference?

Dear Green Nurse,

Could you explain the difference between cannabis and hemp? I’ve always thought of cannabis primarily as a substance for recreational or medicinal use in some cases, while hemp is mainly associated with industrial applications. But how exactly does hemp contribute to healing?

Sincerely, 

Anonymous Newbie

Dear Anonymous Newbie,
Thank you for your question—it’s an excellent one. As a new medical cannabis patient, I made it a priority to thoroughly understand the differences between cannabis and hemp. I even visited cultivation facilities and hemp farms to learn firsthand about the distinctions between the two. While cannabis initially saved my life, hemp has become the steady, healing force and the primary source of my cannabinoids for healing multiple conditions and living my best life. My story of becoming a cannabis nurse can be found here and this first blog is my gift to you.

Cannabis vs. Hemp

 Understanding the Difference and Exploring Hemp’s Healing Benefits  

Over the past decade, natural wellness solutions have gained remarkable popularity, with Cannabis and Hemp emerging as two of the most prominent topics in holistic health. Although often grouped together, these plants are distinct, each offering unique benefits. From delivering therapeutic compounds to supporting sustainability, understanding their differences is essential to fully appreciating their potential. This blog explores the key differences between Cannabis and Hemp, with a focus on Hemp’s significant role in supporting healing and enhancing overall well-being. We’ll also examine how an increasing number of people are turning to hemp-based products for medicinal purposes.

Cannabis vs. Hemp – What’s the Difference?  

Before we explore Hemp’s healing properties, it’s essential to clarify the main differences between Cannabis and Hemp. Both come from the Cannabis sativa plant species, but their chemical composition, usage, and cultivation differ significantly.

Chemical Composition – The most significant distinction lies in their levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis.  

• Cannabis (Marijuana): Cannabis plants are bred to contain high levels of THC, typically ranging from 5% to 30%, making them psychoactive.  
• Hemp: By contrast, Hemp contains only trace amounts of THC—less than 0.3%—and high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound known for its therapeutic benefits (Small & Marcus, 2002).  

Uses  – Both cannabis and hemp have wide-ranging applications, but their end-uses differ.  

• Cannabis is widely used recreationally by adults for its high THC content, but it also serves as an effective medical treatment, especially for conditions that require higher initial doses of THC.
• Hemp is a remarkably versatile crop, valued for its use in sustainable textiles, construction materials, nutritious food products, and CBD-based wellness and medicinal products. 

Cultivation –  Industrial hemp is cultivated densely, with taller stalks designed for efficient fiber and seed production. In contrast, growing cannabis or hemp for medicinal purposes requires specialized techniques to promote the development of cannabinoid-rich flowers, typically focusing on the female plants. These distinctions underscore why hemp, renowned for its non-impairing properties, is celebrated as a vital asset within the health and wellness community. The CBD molecule remains the same, regardless of whether it’s derived from cannabis or hemp plants. The key difference lies in the cannabinoid profile. Cannabis plants generally have higher concentrations of THC, while hemp plants are naturally abundant in CBD and other minor cannabinoids, with only trace amounts of THC.

How Hemp Heals and Promotes Wellness – Hemp has emerged as a natural healer for both the body and mind. Packed with nutrients, therapeutic cannabinoids, and anti-inflammatory properties, Hemp provides a holistic approach to well-being. Hemp is abundant in CBD and other minor cannabinoids, all linked to a wide range of health benefits. Here’s how it supports healing:

• Pain Relief: CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce pain and inflammation. It has shown promise in managing chronic conditions such as arthritis and neuropathy (Philpott et al., 2017).  
•  Anti-Inflammatory Properties – Inflammation is the root cause of many chronic diseases, from heart conditions to autoimmune disorders. Hemp-derived products, rich in cannabinoids, can mitigate inflammation, supporting long-term health. 
• Anxiety and Stress Reduction:Research indicates that CBD may aid relaxation and support the management of conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder. (Blessing et al., 2015).  
• Sleep Improvement: CBD helps calm the nervous system and activate the body’s relaxation response, potentially enhancing sleep quality—a vital component of both physical and mental recovery.
•  Nutritional Benefits – Hemp seeds, often referred to as a superfood, are packed with essential nutrients, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, protein, and fiber. These elements support heart health, brain function, and digestive health.  (Callaway, 2004).   
• Topical Healing – Hemp-based balms and creams are popular for their skin-soothing properties. Effective in managing eczema, psoriasis, and even acne, Hemp is becoming a go-to for natural skincare.

Incorporating Hemp into Your Wellness Routine – The versatility of Hemp allows for its easy integration into daily life. Here are some ways to incorporate Hemp into your wellness regimen:

• Full Spectrum CBD Oil: Add a few drops of organic hemp-derived CBD oil into your morning coffee or tea to start the day with calm focus. 
• Hemp Protein: Enhance your post-workout recovery by blending hemp protein powder into your smoothie. For a versatile, nutrient-rich boost, try sprinkling hemp seeds over smoothies, yogurt, or cereal—they make a wholesome, health-promoting topping.
• Topicals: At the end of a long day, ease sore muscles and joints with a hemp-infused topical, available as a lotion, cream, or balm.

Final Thoughts – The differences between Cannabis and Hemp shouldn’t overshadow their individual contributions to holistic health. While Cannabis has its advantages within medicinal and recreational contexts, Hemp is a standout healer for a range of needs. Its high CBD content, nutritional value, and anti-inflammatory properties make it an indispensable resource for anyone exploring natural wellness solutions.  Make the choice today to incorporate Hemp into your wellness routine. The journey to holistic healing begins with non-impairing cannabinoids designed to support and nurture your endocannabinoid system.

Want to experience these benefits firsthand? 

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References  

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26341731/
Callaway, J. C. (2004). Hempseed as a nutritional resource: An overview. Euphytica, 140(1-2), 65–72.  https://assets.fsnforum.fao.org/public/discussions/contributions/Hempseed_as_a_nutritional_resource-_An_overview_2.pdf
Philpott, H. T., O’Brien, M., & McDougall, J. J. (2017). Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis. Pain, 158(12), 2442–2451.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28885454/
Small, E., & Marcus, D. (2002). Hemp: A new crop with new uses for North America. Trends in New Crops and New Uses, 284-326.  https://tmozart.com/hthemp/docs/hemp.pdf