Hemp VS Marijuana

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Hemp vs. Marijuana
You may have seen store windows displaying hemp purses, clothing, or other products for sale, but, what exactly is hemp? Many people immediately think of marijuana when they see hemp products, and while the word "hemp" frequently appears in marijuana-related debates, hemp and marijuana is not the same thing.
Hemp is the common English name for the plant that is botanically known as cannabis sativa L. Some strains of this plant are rich in a substance called THC which has euphoriant and medicinal properties. THC rich cannabis hemp is also known as "Indian hemp" and it is consumed for medicinal, recreational or spiritual purposes in two primary forms: As dried leaves and flowers ("marijuana") or as compressed resin and ground plant material ("hashish"). It is either inhaled or eaten. One of the most important differences is that marijuana can get a person high and hemp cannot. The hemp debate and the marijuana debate are often confused with each other. Supporters of legalizing hemp cultivation focus on the plant's many uses and the fact that it requires no pesticides in order to flourish. However, opponents express concern that permitting hemp cultivation would result in the legalization of marijuana cultivation, because both hemp and marijuana come from the same plant (The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 2001). Opponents also say that other raw materials are more economical than industrial hemp. Cultivating hemp is currently illegal in the United States, although hemp items are imported.
What do hemp and marijuana have in common? Hemp and marijuana are part of the Cannabis sativa plant. The two plants have similar aromas when in bloom—however, only one produces an intoxicating effect when smoked.
Think of hemp as being a cousin to marijuana. Both hemp and marijuana come from the Cannabis family, although many unknowingly us...