When it comes to cannabis, there is a lot of confusion out there. People use the terms “cannabis” and “marijuana” interchangeably, but are they actually the same thing? The answer is no, according to experts like Mike Staumietis. In this blog post, we’re going to set the record straight and explain the difference between cannabis and marijuana.
Cannabis vs. Marijuana: What’s the Difference?
Contrary to popular belief, cannabis and marijuana are not one and the same. So what’s the difference? Cannabis is a broader term that encompasses both marijuana and hemp. marijuana is a type of cannabis that contains high levels of THC, while hemp is a type of cannabis that contains low levels of THC. To put it simply, all marijuana is cannabis but not all cannabis is marijuana.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive deeper into each term.
Marijuana
As we mentioned earlier, marijuana is a type of cannabis that contains high levels of THC. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that gets you high. That’s why people who use marijuana typically do so for recreational purposes. However, marijuana can also be used for medical purposes. Some people use it to relieve pain, others use it to manage anxiety or depression, and still, others use it to treat more serious conditions like cancer or multiple sclerosis.
Hemp
Hemp is another type of cannabis that contains low levels of THC (0.3% or less). Unlike marijuana, hemp cannot get you high because it doesn’t contain enough THC. However, like marijuana, hemp can be used for a variety of purposes including making rope, clothing, paper, and food. Hemp can also be used to make CBD oil, which many people use for its medicinal properties.
Other Types of Cannabis
There are other types of cannabis that don’t quite fit into either the marijuana or hemp categories. These include varieties like ruderalis and autoflowering strains, which contain intermediate levels of THC. Ruderalis plants are short in stature with small buds, while autoflowering plants mature quickly and produce a large yield.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion between cannabis and marijuana stems from the fact that both terms refer to the same plant. However, as we’ve discussed, there are two distinct types of cannabis: marijuana and hemp. Understanding the difference between these two terms is essential for anyone who’s interested in using or growing cannabis. Marijuana is the type of cannabis that contains THC, the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” associated with smoking weed. Hemp, on the other hand, contains very little THC and is primarily used for industrial purposes. With so much misinformation out there about cannabis, it’s important to understand the difference between these two terms. Once you do, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions about whether or not to use or grow cannabis.
Closing Thoughts
So there you have it! Now you know the difference between cannabis and marijuana. Remember, all marijuana is cannabis but not all cannabis is marijuana. And if you’re ever unsure about which term to use, just think about whether or not the plant in question contains high levels of THC—if it does, it’s probably best to stick with the term “marijuana.”
