What’s the difference between marijuana CBD and hemp CBD?
Article written by
Olivia SwannMarketing Associate
Content reviewed by
Dr. June ChinChief Medical Officer
Cannabidiol (CBD) has become an increasingly popular wellness ingredient. CBD itself is the same compound whether it’s sourced from marijuana or hemp, but not all CBD products are created equal.
Key differences in hemp CBD vs. marijuana CBD
CBD can come from either hemp or marijuana. The most significant difference lies in the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.
THC is a psychoactive compound that produces a “high.”
Legally, hemp is defined as cannabis containing no more than 0.3% THC. Marijuana, on the other hand, can contain much higher levels of THC, and the exact amount can vary depending on the strain.
Even though the CBD molecule is exactly the same regardless of the source, the type of plant it comes from influences how the product is regulated and how much THC or other cannabinoids it may contain.
Leafwell language note: “Cannabis” vs. “marijuana”
The term “marijuana” has a complicated history and ties to racism in the early 1900s, when it was used during cannabis prohibition to fuel xenophobia against Mexican immigrants. We prefer the term “cannabis,” which is the plant’s scientific name.
However, for clarity, we’ve opted to use “marijuana” in some mentions to help distinguish THC-rich cannabis from hemp, which is also a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant.
Is hemp-derived CBD less effective?
Hemp CBD can be less effective than CBD from marijuana, but this isn’t always the case.
Hemp-derived CBD is often made from plants with lower levels of other compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes. These compounds contribute to the entourage effect. The entourage effect is a theory that suggests cannabis compounds work better and produce greater health effects when used together than they do alone.
Marijuana plants typically contain a more complete profile of cannabinoids. As a result, marijuana-derived CBD may feel more potent to some, mainly when it’s used to help with things like chronic pain or severe anxiety.
That said, many full-spectrum hemp CBD products can still offer benefits, especially for stress, inflammation, and sleep support.
However, definitive evidence for these potential benefits is still lacking, particularly when it comes to over-the-counter CBD products.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of any CBD product depends on several factors, such as:
- Your body’s individual chemistry
- The dosage
- The type of extract (full-spectrum vs. isolate or “THC-free”)
- The quality of the product
Is marijuana-derived CBD legal?
Marijuana-derived CBD is only legal in states that have established medical or adult-use recreational cannabis programs. That’s because it often contains more than 0.3% THC.
In medical-only states that don’t have recreational cannabis laws, you’ll need a medical marijuana card to access marijuana-derived CBD. You can still buy it in states that have recreational cannabis programs, but rules on purchase and possession limits may vary.
Regulations vary widely from state to state, so it’s essential to know your local laws before buying or traveling with marijuana-derived CBD.
Also, even though the use of marijuana-derived CBD is legal in some states, it remains illegal at the federal level. As a result, access is limited to certain dispensary systems.
If you live in a state that doesn’t have a medical or recreational cannabis program, opt for hemp-derived CBD products, which are legal under federal law.
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Which type of CBD is right for you?
The right choice depends on your personal health goals, local laws, and how your body responds to THC:
- Hemp CBD: If you’re looking for something easily accessible, non-intoxicating, and legal in all 50 states, consider hemp-derived CBD. According to anecdotal reports, it may promote general wellness, reduce stress, and support sleep.
- Marijuana CBD: If you need relief for a specific medical condition and you live in a state with an established medical or recreational marijuana program, consider marijuana-derived CBD. It offers a more complete cannabinoid profile and potentially greater therapeutic effects, especially if higher levels of THC are helpful for you.
The bottom line: Whether it’s from hemp or marijuana, CBD offers a lot of potential benefits
The main differences between hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD are in their THC content and legal status, not the CBD itself.
Hemp-derived CBD has low THC levels and is widely available and legal. Marijuana-derived CBD has higher THC levels, which may offer more potent effects, but it comes with more legal restrictions.
If you’re just getting started, hemp CBD is a great, accessible entry point. If you’re managing more complex symptoms and live in a state where medical or recreational use is legal, marijuana-derived CBD might be worth exploring, especially under the guidance of a medical professional.
Resources
- 2018 Farm Bill. https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-bill/2018-farm-bill
- Clinicians’ guide to cannabidiol and hemp oils. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31447137/
- Lack of evidence for the effectiveness or safety of over-the-counter cannabidiol products. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7491225/
- Therapeutic efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD): A review of the evidence from clinical trials and human laboratory studies. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7880228/
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will CBD get me high?
Can I fail a drug test if I use CBD?
What’s the difference between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate?
- Full-spectrum: This type of CBD includes all of the cannabinoids found in the plant, including trace amounts of THC.
- Broad-spectrum: This type of CBD contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes, but the THC has been removed.
- Isolate: This pure type of CBD has no other plant compounds, which is ideal if you want to avoid THC entirely.
Does hemp-derived CBD help with pain, anxiety, or sleep?
- Chronic pain and inflammation
- Mild to moderate anxiety
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
