The world of cannabis can feel like a maze of confusing words. You hear terms like hemp, marijuana, and cannabis used all the time. Many people think they are totally different plants. In fact, they are all part of the same family.

Legally and scientifically, the line between hemp vs cannabis comes down to one tiny number. Understanding this difference helps you stay safe and follow the law. Here is everything you need to know about these plants and the products made from them.

What is the difference between hemp vs cannabis?

There is no botanical difference between hemp and cannabis. They are both the same species: Cannabis sativa L. The real difference is a legal one based on how much THC is in the plant. THC is the part of the plant that makes you feel "high."

Hemp: This is cannabis that has 0.3% or less THC by dry weight. It will not get you high.
Cannabis (Marijuana): This is cannabis that has more than 0.3% THC. These plants can have up to 25% or 30% THC.

What is hemp used for?

Hemp is an amazing plant that can be used for thousands of things. Because it has almost no THC, it is grown more like a farm crop than a drug.

CBD Products: Most CBD oil in stores comes from hemp.
Textiles: Hemp fibers make strong clothing, rope, and paper.
Food: Hemp seeds are a "superfood" full of protein and healthy fats.
Construction: "Hempcrete" is a sturdy, eco-friendly building material.

What is cannabis (marijuana) used for?

When people say "cannabis" or "marijuana," they usually mean the plant used for its effects on the mind and body. At Dark Horse in Albany, we focus on high-quality cannabis for those looking for the full experience.

THC Effects: Used for the "high" or for deep relaxation.
Medical Use: People use it for pain, sleep, and many other health needs.
Hash and Hashish: These are strong concentrates made from the resin of the cannabis plant.

Comparison Table: Hemp vs. Cannabis

Feature	Hemp	Cannabis (Marijuana)
THC Content	0.3% or less	More than 0.3%
Will it get you high?	No	Yes
Federal Status	Legal (2018 Farm Bill)	Illegal (Schedule 1)
Main Uses	CBD, Food, Paper, Fiber	THC, Medicine, Relaxation

Is there a difference between CBD from hemp vs cannabis?

The short answer is no. On a molecular level, CBD is CBD. Your body cannot tell if the CBD came from a hemp plant or a marijuana plant.

However, the "company" the CBD keeps is different. CBD from hemp is often sold as CBD isolate or broad spectrum (no THC). CBD from cannabis is often full spectrum, meaning it stays with higher levels of THC. When CBD and THC work together, it is called the "entourage effect." Many people find this works better than CBD alone.

What are Hash and Hashish?

Hash (or hashish) is a very old way of using cannabis. It is made by collecting the sticky crystals, called trichomes, from the plant. These crystals are pressed into bricks or balls.

Hash is much stronger than regular flower. While hemp can technically be used to make hash, it is almost always made from high-THC cannabis. It has a rich, earthy smell and is often smoked in a pipe or rolled into joints.

The Racist History of the word "Marijuana"

It is important to know that the word "marijuana" has a dark past. In the early 1900s, the U.S. government used the word to make cannabis sound "foreign" and "dangerous."

According to historical records, the term was pushed by politicians to target Mexican immigrants and Black Americans. By linking the plant to these groups, they were able to pass laws to make it illegal. Today, many people in the industry prefer the word "cannabis" because it is the scientific name and does not carry that history of prejudice.

Original Insight from Dark Horse: We see a "purity shift" in 2026. Local Albany shoppers are moving away from "gas station CBD" (hemp-derived) and coming into licensed dispensaries for "whole-plant" products. They want the safety of lab testing and the better results that come from plants grown for human consumption, not industrial fiber.

Research & Factual Summary

THC Limit: The 0.3% THC limit was first proposed by scientist Ernest Small in 1979 as an arbitrary way to tell the plants apart (Source: NCBI).
Legality: The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act (Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture).
Public Opinion: A 2025 study found that 67% of U.S. adults support the total legalization of marijuana (Source: Pew Research Center).
Health Claims: The FDA has only approved one CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, for treating seizures (Source: FDA).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hemp vs cannabis?

They are the same plant species. Hemp has almost no THC (0.3% or less), while cannabis has much more.

Will hemp CBD show up on a drug test?

It is rare, but possible. "Full spectrum" hemp products have tiny amounts of THC that can build up in your body over time.

Is hemp legal in New York?

Yes. Hemp is legal under federal and state law. Cannabis is also legal for adults 21+ in New York.

Can you smoke hemp?

You can, but it won't get you high. People smoke hemp flower for the relaxing effects of CBD without the "fog" of THC.

Is hashish stronger than weed?

Yes. Hashish is a concentrate. It usually has a much higher percentage of THC than the raw flower.

What is CBD vs THC?

CBD is non-intoxicating and used for wellness. THC is psychoactive and causes the "high.

Are you 21 or older?