Is Hemp and CBD the Same? The Difference Between Hemp, CBD, and THC

Ever since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the agricultural production of hemp, there’s been a massive boom in the availability of hemp-derived products. 

But just as public interest has grown in CBD products due to their potential health benefits, so has the confusion between the different terms such as hemp, CBD, and THC. Some of these terms get used interchangeably by various sellers and informational pages online, which only adds to the perplexity.

So if you’re here, chances are that you’ve recently developed an interest in hemp or CBD products but are absolutely stumped with all the various terms being thrown around. Is hemp and CBD the same? We’ll talk about this and explain the differences between CBD vs THC effects and even provide you with a CBD vs THC chart to help you find what is best for you and what you need.

What is Hemp?

Just like marijuana, hemp is a cultivar or variety of the Cannabis Sativa plant family with tall, slender leaves that has long been cultivated for different purposes throughout recorded history. 

Being a sturdy and ecologically friendly plant, it’s used for making fabric, textiles, paper, and industrial goods such as construction materials. The seeds are abundant in nutrients such as fatty acids and protein and are used in many foods and beverages, including supplements.

If you want to understand whether hemp and CBD are the same, then the most important thing to know about this ‘pioneer plant’ is that it’s a rich source of CBD, a type of cannabinoid that is primarily derived from its flower. So essentially, CBD is a constituent of hemp.

Industrial hemp also contains trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), the main component of cannabis that is associated with the physical high. However, this amount of THC in hemp isn’t enough to have these psychoactive effects, which is why hemp is legal in most places and cannabis is not.

What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is a compound that is classified under cannabinoids, a group of over 100 chemicals that are constituents of the cannabis plant. It is the main component of CBD and its products and is not the same as hemp oil.

All plants under the cannabis family contain CBD but the concentration differs in each. Hemp is one variety that has some of the highest amounts of CBD and this is the reason why it’s used for most CBD products you’ll find in the market. 

Hemp and CBD come from the same hemp plant and are hence often misunderstood to be the same. Yet they are very different in their source, composition, and effects. CBD oil for instance is derived from the flower, stem, and leaves whereas hemp oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant.

CBD has numerous potential health benefits such as relief from pain, aches, sleeplessness, and stress. It is said to have a relaxing and calming effect but without the psychoactive effects of THC as you’ll see in the CBD vs THC chart below, which is why it has gained so much popularity in recent years.

Are Hemp and CBD the Same?

Now that you know the difference between hemp and CBD, the answer should be clear. But If you’re still confused, then let us summarize.

CBD is a chemical found in all cannabis plants, including the hemp plant which is a part of the marijuana family. One is a part of the other, so they’re not the same. 

As for hemp oil and CBD oil, though they might be used interchangeably, they’re very different. The former has immense proven nutritional value and physical health benefits along with wide usage, whereas the latter offers many potential psychological benefits and has only recently started attracting a consumer base.

Now you’re clear on the fact that hemp and CBD and their oils are not the same, but you still might have questions about THC and CBD vs THC effects. Let’s explain their differences.

What is THC?

THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is another cannabinoid compound present in marijuana plants. It shares the same chemical formula with CBD but a completely different structure, which makes the properties and effects of these two compounds different.

Our brains contain certain receptors that are associated with memory, thinking, coordination, and other functions. These receptors are activated by our body’s natural cannabinoids. THC is similar to these naturally produced cannabinoids so it also activates these receptors but with a heightened effect.

THC and CBD are both present in the same hemp plant as well but the concentration of THC in hemp is very low compared to CBD. However, THC exists at a far higher concentration in the cannabis plant and is the main reason for the plant’s psychological effects on the brain.

CBD vs THC Effects

The effects of CBD vs THC share some similarities but they’re actually quite different for the most part as you’ll see in the CBD vs THC chart below. This is why THC and CBD, both present in the same hemp plant, have different legal standings and why hemp with a lower amount of THC is preferred for making CBD products.

As mentioned earlier, THC directly activates the receptors in the brain causing the so-called euphoric high and affecting our sense of memory, time, pleasure, perception, and more—which is why it’s psychoactive and addictive and can lead to feelings of anxiety in some people.

As for CBD, it’s not exactly clear how they interact with the receptors, but it’s believed to work differently than THC, leading to feelings of calm, relaxation, and overall well-being without the addictive high.

Your Go-To Place for Hemp Flower & CBD Products

Now that we’ve answered your questions on whether hemp and CBD are the same and the difference between CBD vs THC effects, you should be well-informed to give CBD products a shot and experience their potential benefits yourself. 

Rogue Origin is a USDA-certified producer of all-natural hemp flower, gummies, prerolls, softgels, and more with high CBD concentrations. Our products are a non-addictive way to experience a calming effect. Explore our range of products now!