Certified Marijuana Doctors - Cannabis Card

Cannabis, marijuana, and hemp refer to different aspects of the same plant species but have distinct differences:

Cannabis

• Cannabis is the overarching genus of the plant family that includes several species and subspecies.
• It encompasses both marijuana and hemp.
• Cannabis plants contain various cannabinoids, with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) being the most well-known.

Marijuana

• Marijuana typically refers to cannabis plants that contain higher levels of THC, the psychoactive compound that produces a "high."
• It is primarily used for medicinal and recreational purposes.
• Legality varies widely depending on the region, with some places allowing medical use, recreational use, both, or neither.

Hemp

• Hemp refers to cannabis plants that contain very low levels of THC (typically less than 0.3% by dry weight) and are cultivated for industrial purposes.
• It is used in a variety of products, including textiles, paper, biofuel, building materials (like hempcrete), and food products.
• Hemp is also a source of CBD, which is used for its potential therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.
• Hemp is legal in many more places compared to marijuana due to its low THC content and its industrial uses.

Key Differences

1. THC Content:

   • Marijuana: High THC content (often above 0.3%).
   • Hemp: Low THC content (0.3% or less).

2. Use:

   • Marijuana: Medicinal and recreational use.
   • Hemp: Industrial and commercial use, including textiles, food, and CBD products.

3. Legality:

   • Marijuana: Varies by region, often heavily regulated or illegal.
   • Hemp: More widely legal due to its low THC content and industrial uses.
   • The Federal Farm bill allows 0.3% THC in hemp products in all states.

4. Plant Structure:

   • Marijuana: Generally grown to maximize THC production, often with bushy plants and more flower buds.
   • Hemp: Typically grown for height and fiber production, resulting in taller, skinnier plants.
   • HIGH CBD Marijuana plants are grown just like marijuana, the appearance is the same however they are Low in THC.