People often use the words “cannabis” and “marijuana” interchangeably, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing.

What is Cannabis?

The word “cannabis” refers to all products derived from the plant Cannabis sativa. This plant contains about 540 chemical substances, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

What is Marijuana?

The word “marijuana” refers to parts of or products from the plant Cannabis sativa that contain substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the substance that’s primarily responsible for the effects of marijuana on a person’s mental state.

Industrial Hemp vs. Marijuana

Some cannabis plants contain very little THC. Under U.S. law, these plants are considered “industrial hemp” rather than marijuana. Industrial hemp is used for a variety of purposes, including textiles, paper, and food products.

It's important to understand the distinction between cannabis and marijuana, as they have different legal implications and uses. While both come from the same plant, the levels of THC present determine whether it is classified as marijuana or industrial hemp.