If you are unsure about what exactly the term ‘Hemp’ refers to, you are not alone.
The term has recently been widely used in relation to CBD products where you may see the infamous green leaf in product logos.
But this image continues to create a negative impression, confusion, and questions about where the ingredients are from.
Do these products contain Marijuana? Will they get me high? Are they illegal?
In short, the answers are no, no, and no. Allow us to explain.
Hemp and Marijuana are Both Cannabis.
Hemp and Marijuana are not one in the same, but they are related.
Both names are referring to different varieties (or strains) of the Cannabis sativa plant.
They are distinguished from one another based on the level of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, they contain.
Strains of Cannabis with THC of 0.3% or less is considered Hemp, while varieties containing more than 0.3% are considered Marijuana.
Will the THC in Hemp Get You High?
THC is the molecule responsible for the intoxicating effects Marijuana is known for.
However, the amount found in Hemp varieties is so low that there are no intoxicating or psychoactive effects.
Hemp does contain larger amounts of other non-psychoactive cannabinoids like the well-Cannabidiol, or CBD.
Similar Appearances; Not So Similar Uses.
While some types of Marijuana and Hemp do have similar physical characteristics (such as in the shape of the leaves and the notorious pungent odor), there are distinct differences in the uses of the 2 plants.
Marijuana is grown solely for the flowers, where the highest concentration of THC resides.
Hemp, however, is cultivated for all parts of the plant and has thousands of product uses.
Like THC, CBD for use in products like CBD capsules is extracted from the flowers of Hemp plants.
In addition, the stalks of Hemp plants are used for fiber for textiles, the seeds for food, and the entire plant for animal feed or other uses.
The farming practices of Opulent maximize on this zero-waste philosophy, harvesting multiple times with one crop.
Hemp plants can also grow rapidly in many environments to heights of 3-5 meters, while Marijuana plants tend to be smaller and are often grown indoors in controlled environments.
Cannabis Prohibition No Longer Includes Hemp.
All Cannabis was made illegal in 1970 under the Controlled Substances Act, without any consideration for the differences in THC content or product uses.
This law inhibited the US from cultivating Hemp even though Hemp does not have the drug effects on which the law was based;
In 2018, The Hemp Farm bill passed, removing Cannabis with THC of 0.3% or less from the list, and returning it to status as an agricultural commodity.
So even though your CBD product logo may have a Cannabis leaf if the bottle says it contains Hemp, there is no cause for concern; neither from the effects, it will have on you or from the law.