Marijuana, Hemp, and Cannabis: What’s the Difference

Many people use the words “marijuana,” “hemp,” and “cannabis” like they mean the same thing—but they don’t. These terms describe different types of the cannabis plant and how they are used. Whether you’re buying CBD oil, cannabis flower, or hemp clothing, it’s important to understand what these words really mean.

Here’s a clear breakdown to help you shop smarter and understand the law.

Cannabis Is the Plant Family

“Cannabis” is the scientific name for a plant genus that includes several types of flowering plants. The two main species used by humans are:

Cannabis sativa
Cannabis indica

All marijuana and hemp products come from these cannabis species. The differences between them depend on how they’re grown and how much THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) they contain.

What Is Marijuana?

“Marijuana” is the common name for cannabis that has a high amount of THC—the chemical that makes people feel high.

Key facts:

Usually contains more than 0.3% THC by dry weight
Can be used for recreational or medical purposes
Comes in forms like flower, vape, oils, and edibles
Regulated or restricted in many states

Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, but many U.S. states have legalized it for adult or medical use.

What Is Hemp?

“Hemp” refers to cannabis that has a very low THC content—by law, less than 0.3% THC.

Key facts:

Non-intoxicating—won’t get you high
Grown for industrial and wellness products
Used to make CBD oil, textiles, paper, building materials, food, and more
Legal in all 50 states since the 2018 Farm Bill

Hemp looks and smells like marijuana, but it doesn’t produce the same effects because of its low THC.

What About CBD and THC?

CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two of the most well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis.

CBD is usually extracted from hemp
THC is found in higher amounts in marijuana
Both interact with your body differently and are used for different purposes

Products made from hemp often contain CBD and very little THC, making them legal and widely available. Marijuana-based products usually contain much more THC and are only sold in legal dispensaries.

Cannabis Species Breakdown

There are three main species of cannabis:

Cannabis sativa – Taller plants with narrow leaves; often higher in THC and used for both marijuana and hemp
Cannabis indica – Shorter plants with broad leaves; often relaxing and high in THC
Cannabis ruderalis – Small, wild variety; not commonly used but sometimes bred into hybrids for its auto-flowering traits

Today’s cannabis strains are often hybrids, meaning they combine genetics from sativa, indica, and ruderalis to get specific effects or growth patterns.

Why the Confusion?

The terms “marijuana,” “hemp,” and “cannabis” are often mixed up for these reasons: