If you feel confused about the difference between hemp and marijuana, don’t worry—you’re in good company. To the naked eye, they look almost identical. They smell similar, they have the same iconic jagged leaves, and they both belong to the exact same plant species: Cannabis sativa L.

However, in the eyes of the law and your body’s receptors, they are worlds apart. Here is a simple, beginner-friendly breakdown of what actually separates these two famous plants.

It’s All About the Magic Number: 0.3%

The primary difference between hemp and marijuana isn't about how they look, but what’s inside them. Specifically, it comes down to the concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound that produces a "high."

• Hemp: Legally defined as cannabis that contains 0.3% THC or less by dry weight. It is non-intoxicating, meaning it won't make you feel "stoned."

• Marijuana: Any cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% THC. Marijuana plants can often reach THC levels of 15% to 30% or higher.

The See-Saw Effect: Think of THC and CBD like a see-saw. Hemp is usually bred to be very high in CBD and very low in THC. Marijuana is typically bred to be high in THC and lower in CBD.

Physical Appearance: Can You Tell Them Apart?

While they are cousins, they’ve been "raised" differently for thousands of years, which has slightly changed their physical builds.

Different Jobs for Different Plants

Because their chemical makeup is so different, we use them for very different things.

The Versatility of Hemp

Hemp is often called "the plant of 10,000 uses." Because it’s hardy and non-intoxicating, it is used for:

• Wellness: CBD oils, gummies, and topicals.

• Nutrition: Hemp seeds (rich in Omega-3s) and hemp milk.

• Industry: Making durable fabric, paper, rope, and even "hempcrete" for building houses.

The Focus of Marijuana

Because of its high THC content, marijuana is almost exclusively used for:

• Recreation: For those looking for psychoactive effects.

• Medical Use: Prescribed in many states to help with severe pain, nausea from chemotherapy, or glaucoma.

The Legal Landscape in 2025

The legal difference is the most important part for consumers. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill (and recent updates in late 2025), hemp is federally legal in the United States. This is why you can buy CBD at the grocery store or online.

Marijuana, however, remains a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level, even though many individual states have legalized it for adult or medical use.

The Bottom Line

Hemp is for wellness and industry; marijuana is for intoxication and medicine. They may be part of the same family tree, but they have very different personalities. If you want the benefits of the cannabis plant without the "high," hemp-derived CBD is your go-to.