Hemp THC vs. Cannabis THC - What's the Difference?

Delta 9 THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive cannabinoid that is present in cannabis. It's what makes you "high". Cannabis, however, is not the only plant where the delta 9 THC chemical compound is found. The hemp plant also contains many of the cannabinoids commonly associated with cannabis including CBD, CBG, CBN, and THC.

So What is the Difference?

To put it very simply... nothing. Now don't get us twisted, there are technical differences, but for the person using the THC product- the hemp derived delta 9 THC will be identical to a cannabis derived version.

The difference is found in potency within the plants. Cannabis simply contains higher levels of THC, where hemp has less of the cannabinoid present. This doesn't mean that the edibles or drinks will be "weaker" or less potent, it only means that the company creating the product will need to use more raw plant to extract the same amount of THC. Think of it like making fresh orange juice. Maybe it takes 2 oranges to fill your glass, maybe it will take 15 oranges to fill your glass. Regardless of how many oranges used, you have orange juice in your glass. Whether your delta 9 THC was from cannabis or hemp, you have delta 9 THC.

Why Use Hemp Instead?

If cannabis has more THC present in the plant, why are we using hemp to get it? Because hemp is federally legal and cannabis is not. In 2018, the Farm Bill legalized hemp production, opening the market for hemp derived products even in states without recreational marijuana.