🌿 Hemp vs Cannabis. What’s the Difference (and Why It Matters)

Hey friends, Buddy here 👋 Let’s clear up a classic bit of cannabis confusion: what’s the actual difference between hemp and cannabis?

They’re related, sure. But they’re not the same, and knowing the difference helps us all understand the plant a little better (and break down a bit more stigma while we’re at it).

Let’s break it down, calmly and clearly.

🌾 Same Family, Different Jobs

Hemp and cannabis both come from the Cannabis sativa plant species. So they’re kind of like cousins, genetically similar, but grown for very different reasons.

• Hemp is grown for industrial use (like textiles, rope, building materials, and CBD products).

• Cannabis (aka marijuana) is grown for medical or recreational use because of its higher THC content.
  

"It’s like the difference between a guard dog and a sheepdog. same species, totally different vibes."

Quick tip: The big legal difference? THC levels. Hemp contains 0.2% THC or less in the UK. Cannabis contains more.

🧵 What Can Hemp Actually Do?

Turns out, hemp’s one useful plant:

• Clothing & textiles 🌂

• Biodegradable plastics

• Building materials (like hempcrete)

• Skincare & body products

• High-CBD, low-THC extracts

Hemp is legal to grow in the UK under licence, but it’s heavily regulated.

"Hemp isn’t just a hippie thing from the '70s, it’s a multi-billion-pound industry with planet-friendly potential."

🔍 And What About Cannabis?

Cannabis is grown for its cannabinoids, especially:

• THC (the one that causes the high)

• CBD (non-intoxicating but therapeutic)

Medical cannabis products in the UK are prescribed with controlled levels of these compounds, depending on a patient’s needs.

So while hemp can legally be sold in high-street shops as CBD oil, cannabis-based products are prescription-only.

Buddy tip: Always check labels and know what’s in your product.

🌧️ Why People Get Confused

Here’s where the wires get crossed:

• Hemp and cannabis look very similar

• CBD can come from both

• Media has blurred the lines
  

"If hemp had a PR agent, they’d be begging for a rebrand."

Education is key, and that's what we're here for.

🔄 Hemp, Cannabis & the Law In the UK:

• Hemp: legal to grow under licence, but you can’t harvest the flowers for CBD unless authorised.

• CBD: legal if derived from approved hemp strains with under 0.2% THC.

• Cannabis: Class B drug, unless prescribed.

The laws are slowly changing, but we’re not there yet.

🫵 Buddy’s Takeaway

So there you have it: hemp and cannabis are two sides of the same leafy coin, related, but grown with totally different intentions.

Next time someone says, "But isn’t hemp just weed?" you’ll know what to say.

Stay smart, stay curious,

Buddy 🌿