Hemp or cannabis: Why two words for a single plant?
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Reading time 4 min
CONTENTS
Are hemp and cannabis two different plants? Not really, and let me set the record straight. Both names refer to the same botanical species, Cannabis sativa L. The main difference lies in the context. I’ll explain so you can make a more informed decision when buying CBD.
Things to remember
- Hemp and cannabis belong to the same species, Cannabis sativa L.
- Hemp primarily refers to agricultural crops with low THC content and their industrial uses.
- "Cannabis" is a broad term whose meaning varies depending on whether the context is scientific, commercial, or legal.
A plant with several names
Cannabis belongs to the genus Cannabis, which is part of the Cannabaceae family, and its botanical name is Cannabis sativa L.
" Hemp " is generally the term used to refer to varieties cultivated for agricultural and industrial purposes to produce fiber, seeds, seed oil, or for other authorized uses.
The term “cannabis,” on the other hand, is broader. It can refer to the plant itself, its flowers, its resin, or various products derived from it.
"Hemp" is primarily an agricultural term
When we talk about hemp cultivation, we generally think of it in terms of agriculture. Varieties are selected for different characteristics, such as fiber yield, seed production, climate adaptation, or cannabinoid content, depending on the specific sector.
The European Commission defines hemp as Cannabis sativa L. but with a very low THC content under the Common Agricultural Policy. Agricultural hemp is primarily grown for industrial uses.
Under the European CBD legislation, agricultural regulations specify, among other things, a THC limit of 0.3% for hemp covered by these provisions. The varieties used must also meet the requirements set forth in European regulations.
A hemp plant can naturally produce CBD, CBDA, THC, and other cannabinoids. The proportions produced are influenced primarily by the genetic characteristics of the variety. Therefore, the term “hemp” does not mean a plant without THC or a plant without cannabinoids.
"Cannabis" is a much broader term
In everyday language, the word “cannabis” is often associated with THC-rich flowers or narcotics. Botanically speaking, however, the term has a much broader meaning.
The EUDA uses the term “cannabis” to refer to the Cannabis sativa L. plant and various products derived from it. The THC concentration can vary greatly depending on the variety and the part of the plant.
In commerce, the word "hemp" can have a very specific meaning
When you buy a CBD product, you often come across the word “hemp.” For example, you’ll find CBD hemp flowers, hemp extracts, hemp seed oil, and so on.
However, these terms do not necessarily refer to the same substance. Hemp seed oil, for example, is derived from the seeds. It should not be confused with CBD oil, which contains an extract from flowers or other above-ground parts of the plant that are rich in cannabinoids.
A hemp flower, on the other hand, refers to the plant’s flowering part. The word “hemp” therefore provides a clue as to the plant of origin, but it is not enough to determine the exact composition of the product. To do that, you need to look at the ingredients, the listed cannabinoids, and—when available—the lab reports.
In law, the same word can have different meanings
This is where I really want to clear up any confusion. There is no single legal definition of cannabis that would apply the same way in every country.
Each state may have its own rules regarding the cultivation, possession, and sale of flowers, extracts, or products containing cannabinoids.
In particular, the EUDA emphasizes that European countries may apply different rules to cannabis-derived products, even when they are derived from hemp varieties authorized for agricultural use.
A product may therefore be derived from a legally cultivated Cannabis sativa L. plant and still be subject to specific regulations once it has been processed or marketed.
That’s why it’s best to avoid oversimplifications like, “It’s hemp, so it’s legal everywhere,” or “It’s cannabis, so it must be illegal.”
The legal situation depends on the product, its composition, its intended use, and the country in question.
So, what's the difference between hemp and cannabis?
Botanically speaking, it is the same reference species: Cannabis sativa L.
In agriculture, the term “hemp” refers primarily to varieties of Cannabis sativa grown under regulated conditions, particularly for their fibers and seeds, and with a low THC content.
In the marketplace, the word “hemp” is often used to indicate the plant-based origin of a raw material or product.
In everyday language, the word “cannabis” refers more broadly to the plant and its products, and is strongly associated with products high in THC.
Finally, from a legal standpoint, neither of these two terms is sufficient on its own to determine a product’s status.
Ultimately , it is the same plant species, but different terms allow us to discuss different crops, uses, and regulatory frameworks.
Article written by Benjamin Poirel-Nadal
Passionate about natural well-being and plants with multiple virtues, I've been exploring the benefits of CBD and its various forms for several years.
My aim? To share with you clear information, honest opinions and practical advice to help you integrate CBD into your daily life with confidence and serenity.
