The difference between hemp and marijuana is what they are bred for: both are Cannabis sativa L., but hemp is low in THC and marijuana is high in THC. Hemp is grown for fibre, seed and CBD and must stay under a legal THC limit, 0.3% in EU farm rules. Marijuana is bred for THC, the compound that causes intoxication. "Cannabis" is the name of the plant that covers both.
Key facts
- Species
- Hemp and marijuana are both Cannabis sativa L.
- EU hemp THC limit (as of October 2026)
- Approved varieties up to 0.3% THC (European Commission).
- Main cannabinoid in hemp
- Usually CBDA, the acid form of CBD (Taura et al., 2007).
- Genetics
- In 124 samples, hemp and marijuana differed across the whole genome (Sawler et al., 2015).
- Known compounds
- More than 100 cannabinoids among over 560 constituents of cannabis (ElSohly et al., 2017).
- Formula Swiss oils
- 99.9% of our batches measure between 0.12% and 0.17% THC.
What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?
| Point | Hemp | Marijuana |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Cannabis sativa L. | Cannabis sativa L. |
| Bred for | Fibre, seed and CBD | THC-rich flowers |
| THC | Low; up to 0.3% for approved EU varieties | High |
| Main cannabinoid | Usually CBDA (CBD) | THCA (THC) |
| Intoxicating | No | Yes |
| Legal status in the EU | Farmed under EU agricultural rules | Controlled as a drug in many countries |
The deciding factor is THC. In EU agricultural rules, hemp means approved Cannabis sativa varieties whose THC content does not exceed 0.3% (European Commission). Other countries set their own limits. A low-THC label says nothing about CBD content; that needs a lab test.
Is hemp the same as cannabis?
Hemp is one kind of cannabis. Cannabis is the plant genus, and Cannabis sativa L. covers both low-THC hemp and high-THC marijuana. Plant height and leaf shape vary within the species, so looks alone can't tell you a plant's THC content or its legal category. Strain names used for marijuana, such as "sativa" and "indica", often don't match a plant's genetic identity either (Sawler et al., 2015). Read more in what is cannabis? and what is Cannabis sativa?
What is marijuana?
Marijuana is the common name for cannabis grown for its THC-rich flowers. Its flowers mostly contain THCA, which turns into THC when heated (see what is THCA?). THC acts on CB1 receptors in the brain and can change mood, perception, memory and coordination. It is used in medical programmes and, where permitted, in regulated recreational markets. For the compound itself, read what is THC?
What is hemp used for?
Hemp is a farm crop with several outputs. The fibre goes into textiles, rope and paper, and the woody core (hurds) into building materials such as hempcrete. The seeds are pressed for hemp seed oil, which is also used in cosmetics. The flowers and leaves are the source of CBD extracts. Analysis of hemp seed oils found THC, CBD and some 30 other cannabinoids, but only at trace levels (Citti et al., 2019). More in what is hemp? and the history of hemp.
Are hemp and marijuana genetically different?
Yes. A study of 81 marijuana and 43 hemp samples found the two groups differ across the whole genome, including genes unrelated to THC. Hemp turned out to be genetically closer to "indica"-type marijuana than to "sativa" types (Sawler et al., 2015). The key chemical difference is one enzyme: fibre hemp makes CBDA synthase, which turns the shared precursor CBGA into CBDA instead of THCA (Taura et al., 2007).
Growing differs too. Fibre and seed hemp are usually field crops. Flower production can take place in fields, greenhouses or indoors. Our guide how is hemp grown? covers the steps from sowing to harvest.
Can hemp get you high?
No. Hemp contains too little THC to intoxicate, and its main cannabinoid, CBD, is not intoxicating. Non-intoxicating does not mean inactive: CBD can cause side effects and interact with medicines, so ask a doctor if you take medication. Our CBD vs THC guide compares the two. The THC content of a specific plant or product can only be confirmed by a lab test; see how THC is measured in hemp.
From our production
Many customers still believe CBD and hemp products are illegal, and many journalists don't know the difference between cannabis and hemp, or translate cannabis flowers as hashish. It misleads consumers.
Our hemp is grown in Central Switzerland, and 99.9% of our batches measure between 0.12% and 0.17% THC.
— Robin Roy Krigslund-Hansen, co-founder and CEO
Our oils are made from hemp and listed in the CBD oil collection, each with a certificate for its batch on our test results page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?
Both are Cannabis sativa L. Hemp is grown for fibre, seed and CBD and has to stay under a legal THC limit, 0.3% in EU farm rules. Marijuana is cannabis bred for high THC, the compound that causes intoxication. The two groups also differ genetically.
Is hemp the same as marijuana?
No. They belong to the same species, but they are bred for different purposes and differ across the whole genome, including genes unrelated to THC. Hemp is low in THC; marijuana is high in THC.
Is hemp the same as cannabis?
Hemp is a kind of cannabis. Cannabis is the plant genus; hemp and marijuana are names for low-THC and high-THC types of Cannabis sativa L.
Does hemp contain THC?
Yes, but only a little. EU farm rules allow approved hemp varieties up to 0.3% THC. Hemp's main cannabinoid is usually CBDA, the acid form of CBD.
What is the difference between marijuana and hemp seeds?
Both come from Cannabis sativa L.; the difference is the variety and the crop it grows into. The seeds themselves contain very little THC or CBD, and lab analysis of hemp seed oils has found cannabinoids only at trace levels.
What is hemp used for?
Hemp is grown for its fibre, seeds and flowers. The fibre goes into textiles, rope and paper, the woody core into building materials such as hempcrete, the seeds into oil, and the flowers into CBD extracts.
This article is general information about cannabis science and is not medical advice. Formula Swiss oils are sold as cosmetics for use on the skin, and our pet oils are for external use. Read our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed:
Sources
- European Commission. Hemp. Agriculture and rural development
- Sawler J, et al. The genetic structure of marijuana and hemp. PLoS One 2015;10(8):e0133292. PMID 26308334
- Taura F, et al. Cannabidiolic-acid synthase, the chemotype-determining enzyme in the fiber-type Cannabis sativa. FEBS Letters 2007;581(16):2929-2934. PMID 17544411
- Citti C, et al. Cannabinoid profiling of hemp seed oil by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Frontiers in Plant Science 2019;10:120. PMID 30815007
- ElSohly MA, et al. Phytochemistry of Cannabis sativa L. Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products 2017;103:1-36. PMID 28120229
