Hemp vs Marijuana: What Are the Differences?

Don’t miss important updates about Louisiana’s marijuana program. Subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest straight to your email!

Hemp and marijuana are often confused, but they are not the same. While they come from the same plant species, they are used for different purposes, regulated differently, and contain very different levels of THC.

Understanding the difference is especially important in Louisiana, where medical marijuana is legal but recreational use is not. At the same time, federal laws around hemp and marijuana are continuing to evolve, making it more important than ever to stay informed.

What Is Hemp?

Hemp comes from the same plant as marijuana, but hemp contains very low levels of THC. THC is the compound responsible for the “high” feeling often associated with marijuana.

In addition to its psychoactive effects, THC also has therapeutic benefits. It is commonly used to help with symptoms such as pain, nausea, inflammation, appetite loss, and sleep issues. The level of THC plays a big role in how strong these effects are, which is why marijuana products, containing higher amounts of THC, are often used in medical settings, while hemp products are typically non-intoxicating and used for more general wellness purposes.

In Louisiana, hemp products must follow state-specific regulations, including requirements for testing, labeling, and THC limits, especially for consumable products like gummies, beverages, and oils. These products are commonly found in retail locations such as smoke shops, CBD stores, convenience stores, and even some grocery stores, as well as online. However, some hemp-derived products may not always be carefully regulated, which can lead to inconsistencies in quality and potency.

There is also growing concern at the federal level about intoxicating hemp-derived products. Under federal law, hemp is legal as long as it contains no more than 0.3% THC. This rule comes from the 2018 Farm Bill, which made hemp and hemp-derived products legal nationwide within that limit.

However, some manufacturers have used this definition to create products that still produce psychoactive effects, often by modifying hemp-derived compounds. Since these are still considered hemp products, they can be sold outside of the regulated marijuana system, creating what many see as a legal loophole.

Lawmakers have recently begun targeting these products in federal funding discussions, aiming to close this loophole. As a result, stricter rules, or even bans, on certain intoxicating hemp-derived products could happen in the near future.

Because of this uncertainty, hemp products, especially those designed to mimic the effects of marijuana, may become harder to find or face tighter restrictions. For patients in Louisiana, this highlights the importance of choosing regulated options, like medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries, where products are tested, consistent, and approved for safe use.

What Is Marijuana?

Marijuana is another variety of the same cannabis plant, but it contains much higher levels of THC. 

Because of its higher THC content, marijuana is used for both medical and therapeutic purposes. It can come in many forms, including flower, oils, edibles, tinctures, and topicals.

The Key Difference: THC Content

The main difference between hemp and marijuana comes down to THC levels.

• Hemp: Contains 0.3% THC or less

• Marijuana: Contains higher levels of THC

Medical Marijuana in Louisiana

In Louisiana, marijuana is legal for medical use. Patients with a recommendation from a licensed marijuana doctor can legally access marijuana products from dispensaries.

To participate in the medical marijuana program in Louisiana, patients must first qualify and be evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider.

In Louisiana, a marijuana physician can recommend medical marijuana for any condition they determine could benefit from the use of therapeutic marijuana as a treatment. This gives doctors flexibility to use their medical judgment based on each patient’s unique needs. Some common conditions include chronic pain, cancer, PTSD, and epilepsy.   

Once approved, patients can legally access marijuana products from licensed dispensaries. Many forms are available, including flower, oils, edibles, tinctures, and topicals.

At Louisiana Marijuana Card, we make the process simple and convenient. Our team offers easy telemedicine appointments, so you can get evaluated from the comfort of your home. Our licensed doctors handle your recommendation and guide you through each step, making it fast and stress-free to get approved.

This system ensures that patients receive guidance from medical professionals and gain access to safe, regulated products.

Federal Marijuana Laws

At the federal level, marijuana is still considered a controlled substance. However, a major shift is currently underway. A recent executive order directed federal agencies to review how marijuana is classified, officially starting the process of rescheduling it under federal law. As a result, there has been a push to move marijuana from a Schedule I substance to a Schedule III substance. This change would recognize its accepted medical use and could impact research, business regulations, and how marijuana is treated in healthcare.

Even if rescheduling is finalized, marijuana would not automatically become legal nationwide. State laws would still control how marijuana is accessed and used.

Why This Difference Matters

Understanding the difference between hemp and marijuana is important for both legal and health reasons.

• Hemp products are widely available, but their quality and safety may vary depending on where they are purchased.

• Marijuana products sold through licensed dispensaries are carefully tested and regulated to ensure patient safety and consistency.

For patients in Louisiana, this distinction is especially important because hemp and marijuana products can have very different effects. Hemp products are typically non-intoxicating and often used for general wellness, while marijuana products contain higher levels of THC and are used for more noticeable therapeutic effects.

Final Thoughts

While hemp and marijuana come from the same plant family, they are very different in terms of THC content, effects, and legal status.

• Hemp contains very little THC and does not produce a high

• Marijuana contains higher THC and can produce intoxicating effects

• In Louisiana, marijuana is legal through the medical marijuana program

Knowing the difference helps you stay informed and make the best decision for your needs, especially if you are considering medical marijuana as part of your treatment plan.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Medical marijuana is legal in the state of Louisiana, and you can get your medical marijuana card today! It is now easier than ever to get your card, so if you think marijuana may benefit you, what are you waiting for?

If you aren’t sure if you qualify for a card, we can help! Just give us a call, and we can answer any questions you may have.

Marijuana is an excellent alternative medicine that offers natural, safe, and legal relief for an array of symptoms. If you think marijuana could help some of your symptoms, what are you waiting for?

Schedule an evaluation online today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors to see if you qualify for your medical card. Not only will you discuss your condition and options, but you can do so through a virtual appointment in the safety of your own home!

---

Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!

For more blogs like this, plus patient resources and state updates, sign up for our newsletter!