Hemp vs. Marijuana vs. CBD
We all understand hemp, marijuana, and CBD, right? Smoke it, eat it, whatever… and you or your pet will be stoned or high, right?
Not quite. So, let’s begin by getting everyone on the same page.
See both hemp and marijuana come from the same cannabis plant family. The difference is that one plant has been bred for its industrial and biological benefits (hemp) while the other was bred for its mind-altering effects (marijuana). Think of all dogs as wolves but just bred for different purposes.
Even with state law changing across the nation the cannabis plant is controlled under the federal Controlled Substance Act of 1970. It has taken the time from 1970 until the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 to finally provide a legal definition that separates the beneficial and now legal products of the hemp plant ?from the always was and still is illegal “high” of the marijuana plant?.
The Agricultural Act of 2014 defined the legal hemp of the cannabis plant as containing “0.3 percent THC or less” while the illegal marijuana of the cannabis plant as containing more than 0.3% THC. THC is 1 of those 113 cannabinoids known to scientists and THC is the cannabinoid that produces the “high.”
Now, as we think of cannabinoids, let’s go back a second to “all dogs are wolves but just bred for different purposes.” Both hemp and marijuana contain cannabinoids as they are both from the same plant family. Among those known 113 cannabinoids the two most popular, but for different reasons, are CBD (health benefits) and THC (getting “high”). Both cannabinoids, CBD and THC, can be found in both the hemp plant and marijuana plant. But, because the hemp plant has been bred for its industrial and biological benefits it has a higher concentration of CBD vs THC and vise-versa for the marijuana plant as it is bred for its “high” thus bred for a higher concentration of THC vs CBD. No Hemp Well product will get your pet “high” as hemp contains under 0.3% THC.
And, of course, American farmers benefit from the production of a new crop, hemp, while the public benefits from hemp’s natural omegas and cannabinoids!
Article review
How this Hemp Well article is reviewed.
Author bio: Hemp Well’s editorial team writes pet wellness articles using Hemp Well product knowledge, label directions, customer questions, and responsible hemp education.
Reviewer bio: Reviewed for product accuracy, claim discipline, label consistency, and Hemp Well quality standards.
Veterinary note: This article is educational and is not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or advice from your veterinarian. Veterinary credentials are listed only when a specific veterinary reviewer is named.
Editorial policy, veterinary note & source citations
Editorial policy: Hemp Well content is written to help pet parents understand pet hemp products, serving-size considerations, product formats, quality standards, and safer shopping decisions. We avoid disease-treatment claims and update articles when product labels, regulations, or available guidance changes.
Veterinary note: Hemp Well educational content is not veterinary medical advice. If your pet has a medical condition, takes medication, is pregnant, intended for breeding, or symptoms worsen, consult your veterinarian before starting or continuing any supplement.
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