Marijuana is the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant that contain high levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that produces the psychoactive high. It is federally illegal in the United States as a Schedule I controlled substance, while CBD sold in retail stores must come from hemp with no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
What is marijuana exactly?
Marijuana and hemp are both Cannabis sativa, but they are bred and regulated for different purposes. Marijuana plants are cultivated for THC, and dried flower typically tests between 10% and 30% THC depending on the strain and the product form.
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Common forms include flower, hash, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and vape cartridges. Products sold in state-licensed dispensaries are usually tested for potency and contaminants.
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How is marijuana different from CBD?
CBD and THC are both cannabinoids found in cannabis, but they act on the body in different ways. THC binds directly to CB1 receptors in the brain and causes intoxication, while CBD has low affinity for CB1 and does not produce a high.
- THC: psychoactive, intoxicating, federally Schedule I
- CBD: non-intoxicating, legal when hemp-derived at 0.3% THC or less
- Hemp: cannabis containing 0.3% THC or less by dry weight
- Marijuana: cannabis above that THC threshold
Is marijuana legal in the United States?
Under the federal Controlled Substances Act, marijuana remains a Schedule I drug. Many states have legalized it for medical or adult use, so the rules depend on where you live and how the product is labeled.
The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the federal definition of marijuana, which legalized hemp-derived CBD across the country. That legal split is why CBD stores sell hemp products and not marijuana.
What are the effects and risks?
Short-term effects include altered mood, impaired memory and coordination, and a faster heart rate. Heavy or long-term use is linked with cannabis use disorder, respiratory irritation from smoking, and interactions with prescription drugs.
High-THC products are not appropriate for everyone, and driving after use is illegal in every state.
Can CBD cause a positive marijuana drug test?
Full-spectrum CBD can contain trace THC, and repeated use may build up enough to trigger a positive screen. Broad-spectrum and THC-free isolate products reduce that risk, though they do not eliminate it entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Is marijuana the same as cannabis?
Cannabis is the broader plant genus, and marijuana is a common term for cannabis types bred for high THC content.
Can CBD get you high like marijuana?
No. CBD does not activate CB1 receptors the way THC does, so it does not cause intoxication.
Is hemp the same as marijuana?
No. Hemp is legally defined as cannabis with 0.3% THC or less by dry weight, while marijuana exceeds that limit.
Has the FDA approved marijuana as medicine?
The FDA has not approved marijuana for medical use. It has approved specific cannabis-derived drugs, including a purified CBD product and synthetic THC medicines.