Hemp vs Marijuana: What Are the Differences?

Don’t miss important updates about Arkansas’s marijuana program. Subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest straight to your email!

Many people hear the words hemp and marijuana and assume they mean the same thing. While they come from the same plant family, they are very different in how they are used, how they affect the body, and how they are regulated under the law. 

Understanding these differences is important, especially in Arkansas, where marijuana is available to medical patients.

What Is Hemp?

Hemp is a variety of the marijuana plant that contains very low levels of THC, or sometimes none at all. THC is the compound responsible for the “high” that people associate with marijuana. By law, hemp must contain no more than 0.3% THC.

Because of its low THC content, hemp does not produce intoxicating effects. Instead, it is commonly used to make products like clothing, paper, building materials, and certain wellness items. Many hemp products also contain CBD, a compound that does not produce a high but is often used for its potential calming and therapeutic effects.

Not all hemp products are the same. Some hemp-derived products found in gas stations, smoke shops, or online may not be properly regulated. This can lead to differences in quality, safety, and potency. Without strict oversight, consumers may not always know exactly what they are getting.

In recent years, federal regulators have also begun taking a closer look at hemp-derived THC products. Some of these products were created to produce effects similar to marijuana, even though they were sold under the hemp category. This has led to increased enforcement and a push to tighten regulations on certain hemp products. As a result, the availability of these products is changing, and many are no longer as widely accessible as they once were.

This shift highlights an important point for consumers in Arkansas. With growing restrictions on hemp-derived THC and concerns about unregulated products, many people are turning to the state’s medical marijuana program for a safer and more reliable option. A medical marijuana card provides access to regulated products that are tested for safety and consistency, giving patients more confidence in what they are using.

What Is Marijuana?

Marijuana is the same plant species as hemp, but it contains much higher levels of THC. This higher THC content is what produces the noticeable effects on the mind and body, often described as a “high.”

Marijuana is used both recreationally and medically nationwide. In states like Arkansas with a medical program, registered marijuana doctors recommend its use to qualifying patients, and the product is dispensed through licensed dispensaries where products are tested for safety and consistency.

In Arkansas, marijuana is only legal for medical use. This means that patients must have a valid medical marijuana card to purchase and use marijuana products legally. Without a card, marijuana remains illegal under state law.

Key Differences Between Hemp and Marijuana in Arkansas

Although they look similar, the main difference comes down to THC levels and how they are regulated.

Hemp:

• Contains 0.3% THC or less

• Does not produce a high

• Often used in many industrial and wellness products

• Widely available, but often inconsistently regulated outside of licensed settings

Marijuana:

• Contains higher levels of THC

• Produces strong effects on the body and mind

• Used for medical purposes under a marijuana doctor's supervision

• Only legally available in Arkansas with a medical marijuana card

Why the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana Matters

The differences between hemp and marijuana have become more important in recent years. Some hemp-derived products have been created to produce effects similar to marijuana. These products can sometimes be found in unregulated markets, where testing and quality control may be limited.

Because of these concerns, laws are evolving to regulate or restrict certain hemp-derived products that act like marijuana. This has led to increased attention on the importance of accessing marijuana through legal, regulated channels.

For patients, this is especially important. Products purchased through licensed marijuana dispensaries are tested for potency, purity, and safety. This gives patients confidence in what they are using compared to unregulated hemp products.

The Role of a Medical Marijuana Card

A medical marijuana card is the key to legally accessing marijuana in Arkansas. It allows patients to purchase products that meet state safety standards and are designed to support medical needs.

Having a card also ensures that patients are working with licensed medical professionals who can provide guidance and recommendations. This creates a safer and more reliable experience compared to unregulated alternatives.

It’s also important to remember that medical marijuana cards are not permanent. Patients must complete renewals annually to keep their card active and continue accessing products legally. Staying up to date with renewals helps ensure uninterrupted access to care and avoids any gaps in eligibility.

At Arkansas Marijuana Card, we specialize in medical marijuana card renewals, making the process simple and stress-free. We help patients quickly complete their renewals via telemedicine so they can continue accessing their medicine without delays or complications.

Final Thoughts

While hemp and marijuana come from the same plant, they are very different in terms of strength, purpose, and legal status. Hemp is low in THC and used for a wide range of products, while marijuana contains higher levels of THC and is used for medical purposes in Arkansas.

Understanding these differences can help you make more informed decisions about what you use and how you access it. If you want to use marijuana for medical purposes, the first step is obtaining or renewing a medical marijuana card so you can legally and safely access regulated products through licensed dispensaries.

Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Medical marijuana is legal in Arkansas, and we can help you renew your medical card TODAY! If you qualify for your renewal, give us a call, and we can help!

You need your medical card to access any of Arkansas’s medical dispensaries. Not to worry, because it is now easier than ever to renew your card with Arkansas Marijuana Card!

Telemedicine makes it easy for you to renew your card from the comfort of your own home! Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians to get started today!

---

Doctors Who Care

Relief You Can Trust

Here at Arkansas Marijuana Card, we aim to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

Call us at (844)-249-8714 today, or book an appointment here.

For more blogs like this, plus patient resources and state updates, sign up for our newsletter!