What's the difference between hemp and marijuana?

The terms “hemp” and “marijuana” each have a historical definition, but “hemp” is now legally defined under US federal law.

Both terms describe different products that come from the same plant, cannabis sativa. Traditionally, “hemp” described the strain of the plant that had been selected for its woody fibers to make products like rope and paper. “Marijuana” described the strain of the plant grown for its flowers containing THC, the cannabinoid responsible for its psychoactive effects.

Since the passage of the US Farm Bill in December 2018, hemp is now legally defined as cannabis sativa plants containing less than 0.3% THC content. Hemp is now federally legal, but in some states, like South Dakota and Idaho, the manufacture and possession of hemp remains illegal under state law.

Most hemp today is grown for its flowers, used to make CBD products. The dried flowers have the same appearance and odor to marijuana, but contain less than 0.3% THC.