Hemp vs. Cannabis: What’s the Difference?
Hemp vs. Cannabis: What’s the Difference?
Hemp and cannabis come from the same plant—but serve very different purposes. Here's a simple breakdown of what sets them apart.
The word “cannabis” is often linked to recreational or medical use, while “hemp” brings to mind eco-friendly textiles or skincare. But both refer to the same plant species: Cannabis sativa. So why the distinction? And what really differentiates the two? Let’s clear things up.
1. One Plant, Many Uses
Hemp and cannabis both come from Cannabis sativa.
The difference lies in the cultivar, THC content, and intended use:
- Industrial hemp: contains less than 0.3% THC; grown for fiber, seeds, or oil
- Recreational/medical cannabis: rich in THC or CBD; cultivated for its effects on the body
👉 It’s all about genetic selection and intended purpose.
2. Hemp: A Legal, Multi-Purpose Plant
Legally grown hemp in Europe must contain less than 0.3% THC.
🌾 Main applications:
- Textiles: clothing, rope, eco insulation
- Food: omega-3-rich seeds, cold-pressed oil
- Skincare: hydrating hemp seed oil
- Paper and construction: raw hemp, hempcrete, and bio-based materials
📌 Hemp is fully legal in France and even supported by certain agricultural policies.
3. Cannabis: For Medicinal or Psychoactive Use
“Cannabis” usually refers to strains high in THC or CBD, cultivated for their resinous flowers.
💊 Usage varies by country:
- THC is psychoactive → banned in France (except in clinical trials)
- CBD is non-psychoactive → legal if derived from approved hemp varieties
👉 In short, cannabis is defined by its active compound content.
4. Why the Confusion?
- Cannabis stigma made “hemp” the safer, more neutral term
- Many businesses (textile, wellness, cosmetics) prefer to say “hemp”—even for CBD
- In reality, they refer to the same plant, just with different uses and regulations
Hemp and cannabis are two sides of the same plant, but used in vastly different ways. One is legal, industrial, and sustainable. The other is more controversial—therapeutic or recreational depending on the country. Understanding the distinction helps debunk common myths and better navigate today’s fast-growing cannabis market.