The Difference Between Hemp and Cannabis

The main difference between the Hemp plant and Cannabis plant is that the hemp plant has very little THC, the psychoactive component that gives you the “high” feeling. Cannabis plants have much higher THC percentages and can only be sold in legal states with a state legal license. Hemp however, can be sold in all 50 states and most countries. In the United States the legal limit of THC that can be sold with hemp is 0.3% THC. This small percentage is not enough to get you high but there are other cannabinoids that are still legal and still from hemp. The cannabinoids that make up these plants have been extracted in professional, FDA approved facilities. What is a cannabinoid? A cannabinoid by definition is any group of closely related compounds which include cannabinol and the active constituents of cannabis or hemp. There are many different cannabinoids in these plants and there are even cannabinoids found in other plants such as sunflowers, cacao, echinacea, black truffles, black pepper, cloves, broccoli, ginseng, and carrots.

Cannabinoids play a vital role in our bodies because we have what’s called an Endocannabinoid System. This system is made up of a very powerful vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors that are densely packed throughout our brains and bodies. We need these cannabinoids to maintain homeostasis and balance out our bodies. Our bodies get diminished of these cannabinoids because of the food we eat, air we breathe, and chemicals we touch. Check this article out from Harvard.

Now What Are The Different Cannabinoids Being Used Today?

Delta-9 THC

This potent cannabinoid is found at higher percentages in the cannabis plant, but lower in the hemp plant. THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive crystalline compound found in the plant that produces a “high”. It is a very mild form of LSD and you can definitely see why if you overdo it. The Delta-9 you may see on our site is hemp derived and below the legal limit of 0.3% THC.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD is the next most popular cannabinoid and has some amazing benefits without the high like THC. This cannabinoid started when the discovery led to treating seizures in epilepsy patients. The powerful anti-convulsant has helped many people with different medical conditions since then. Although we can’t make any claims here because of certain legal laws, we’ve seen CBD in action many times. This cannabinoid helps balance our endocannabinoid system, keeping us healthy.

CBN (Cannabinol)

CBN is a popular cannabinoid said to promote healthy sleep. This cannabinoid can be sedative without the high. CBN forms when THC is degraded due to age, heat, or light. If you’re going to try different CBD products, this one is definitely worth a try.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

CBG is an increasingly popular cannabinoid first synthesized in 1964, alongside THC, and has been studied extensively for its medicinal potential. It has said to be the “mother of all cannabinoids” because without it cannabis and hemp would have no high. Even though CBG itself doesn’t get you high, it is a great cannabinoid to put into your body. Research indicates CBG connects with both CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system throughout the body, making it be able to counteract the THC high.

Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC is the less potent psychoactive cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis that is similar to Delta-8 THC. This cannabinoid will produce a high but without the paranoia that some people get with Delta-9 THC. Delta-8 cannabinoid is found to have small amounts in the plants but it is now being extracted from legal hemp, allowing us to be able to sell it. This cannabinoid is banned in certain states including Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, and Vermont.

Delta-10 THC

Delta-10 is another less potent but psychoactive cannabinoid in the hemp and cannabis plant. Trace amount are found in the plants but it will get you high, but not like Delta-9 THC. The effects of Delta-10 have been reported as energizing compared to Delta-8 which was reported as sedating. This cannabinoid is banned in certain states as well including Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Utah, and Mississippi. 

THC-O

THC-O is another cannabinoid that has some users weary after studies came out – for vaping and smoking. Because this compound is created by chemically converting CBD into either delta 9 THC or delta 8 THC, and then converting those cannabinoids into their acetate ester form, it has the same chemical structure as Vitamin E, and not safe to smoke. This is not caused by the cannabinoid itself but only when heat is applied from vaporizers or lighters. In edible form THC-O will produce a high similar to Delta-9 THC.

HHC

HHC is a hemp derived cannabinoid that some called THC-lite. It produces a mild high and shows more promise in legal states because it’s not actually the same as THC. HHC was created in 1944 by American Chemist Roger Adams by adding hydrogen molecules from Delta-9 THC, converting THC to HHC. It is safe to consume and consumes have reported a light buzz with some relief.

THC-P

THC-P is another organic cannabinoid that is found in the hemp and marijuana plants. This cannabinoid’s molecular structure is completely different that Delta-9 THC and the effects will produce a high. The Italian researchers that discovered THC-P found that it binds to our CB1 receptors 33 times more effectively than Delta-9 THC, but binds more readily with our CB2 receptors. Does this mean it’ll get you 33 more times higher than THC? Not necessarily, because there is a limit on the amount of availability our receptors can handle at once.

THC-V

THC-V is a cannabinoid that has recently been studied as having some major benefits. This cannabinoid is more present in cannabis plants but can also be extracted from hemp plants. Known to some as “THC diet weed”, the cannabinoid has appetite suppressing effects.

Which Should You Try?

CBD and THC will always be the best cannabinoids to try. But depending on what state you’re in, it’s best to try them all overtime. Hemp and cannabis products are all about experimenting to see which ones you like best. There is a huge variety so have fun with it!