The difference between Hemp and Marijuana Explained

Hemp and marijuana are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, these two plants are different from each other in many ways, including their physical appearance, chemical composition, and legal status. In this article, we will explore the difference between hemp and marijuana.

Physical Appearance

One of the most obvious differences between hemp and marijuana is their physical appearance. Hemp is a tall, slender plant that can grow up to 7 meters in height. Its leaves are narrow and have a jagged edge, and its stems are long and fibrous. The plant has a single stalk with few branches and can have both male and female plants. On the other hand, marijuana is a shorter, bushier plant that usually grows up to 2 meters in height. Its leaves are wider and more rounded than those of hemp, and its stems are shorter and thicker. Marijuana plants have multiple branching stalks and can also have both male and female plants.

Chemical Composition

Another important difference between hemp and marijuana is their chemical composition. Both plants belong to the cannabis family, but they contain different levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives users the “high” sensation. Marijuana plants have high levels of THC, typically ranging from 5% to 20%. In contrast, hemp plants have low levels of THC, typically less than 0.3%. CBD is another compound found in cannabis that does not produce the psychoactive effects of THC. Hemp plants have high levels of CBD, while marijuana plants have lower levels of CBD.

Legal Status

In South Africa, hemp is legal to cultivate, process, and trade for commercial and industrial purposes, as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis.

In September 2018, the Constitutional Court of South Africa ruled that the prohibition of the personal use and cultivation of cannabis was unconstitutional and ordered the government to change the laws surrounding cannabis. The court gave parliament 24 months to amend the legislation related to cannabis use and cultivation.

In 2020, the South African government enacted new regulations that legalized the cultivation of hemp for industrial and commercial purposes. These regulations allow individuals and companies to apply for licenses to cultivate, process, and trade hemp and its derivatives.

Under these regulations, hemp farmers are required to obtain a permit from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to cultivate and sell hemp. The permit requires farmers to comply with specific conditions, such as ensuring that their hemp crop contains less than 0.3% THC and keeping accurate records of their cultivation and sales.

It is important to note that while hemp cultivation is legal in South Africa, the cultivation of cannabis for recreational use is still illegal. The government has not yet fully decriminalized cannabis for personal use, and possession or use of cannabis for recreational purposes can result in fines or imprisonment.

Uses

Hemp and marijuana have different uses due to their chemical composition. Hemp is primarily used for industrial purposes, such as making paper, textiles, and construction materials. It can also be used to produce CBD oil, which is used for medicinal purposes. Marijuana, on the other hand, is primarily used for recreational and medicinal purposes due to its high levels of THC. It is also used to produce CBD oil, but the THC content must be low to comply with legal requirements.

Conclusion

Hemp and marijuana are two different plants with distinct physical appearance, chemical composition, legal status, and uses. While they are both part of the cannabis family, they differ in their levels of THC and CBD, which determine their psychoactive effects and legal status. Understanding the differences between hemp and marijuana is important for consumers, policymakers, and businesses operating in the cannabis industry.

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