HEMP vs MARIJUANA
what's the difference?
Hemp and marijuana both derive from the cannabis sativa family, they do share certain similarities,
however, due to each plant's biological structure, they have several very distinct and crucial differences.
MARIJUANA
HEMP
Product
• CBD oil
• Hemp oil
• Cannabis oil
(made from hemp)
​
Contains
• 0.3% or less of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
​
Characteristics
• Hemp and industry hemp refer to the strain of cannabis plant that is grown for agricultural products such as textiles, seeds and oils
• Can grow in most climates, bunched together with other plants, requires little care
• Can grow as high as 20 feet with leaves bunched near the top of stem
• No psychoactive properties
Product
• THC oil
• Marijuana oil
• Cannabis oil
(made from marijuana)
​
Contains
• 15-20% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
​
Characteristics
• Marijuana is known for its flowering tops of the plant. The flowers are typically bared to have a high THC
• Growth is carefully monitored, controlled in an isolated, warm, humid area to maximize psychoactive uses. Cross-pollination can ruin THC content
• Shorter, resembles a bush, with more leaves and buds surrounding the plant's body
• Psychoactive side effects
"To date, there is no evidence of
public health related problems
associated with the use of pure CBD."
World Health Organization
World Health Organization
Along with an endorsement from the WHO, the FDA approved CBD as an alternative medication to treat epilepsy.
World Health Organization
USDA
CERTIFIED
ORGANIC
5 steps to organic certification
STEP 1: DEVELOP AN ORGANIC
The organic system plan is the foundation of the organic certification process. Created by the producer or handler seeking certification, it details how an operation will comply with the regulations based on its unique characteristics.
STEP 2: IMPLEMENT THE ORGANIC SYSTEM PLAN AND HAVE IT REVIEWED BY A CERTIFYING AGENT
Organic operations are certified by private, foreign, or State entities that have been accredited by USDA. These entities are called certifying agents and responsible for ensuring that organic products meet all organic standards.
STEP 3: RECEIVE INSPECTION
Every operation that applies for organic certification is first inspected on site by a certifying agent. These comprehensive top-to-bottom inspections differ in scope depending on the farm or facility. At a handling or processing facility, an inspector evaluates the receiving, processing, and storage areas used for organic ingredients and finished products.
STEP 4: HAVE A CERTIFYING AGENT REVIEW THE INSPECTION REPORT
The inspector presents findings to the certifying agent following observation of practices on the farm or facility as they compare to the organic system plan. The inspector also analyzes potential hazards and critical control points and makes sure procedures to prevent contamination are adequate. From there all findings are presented the certifying agent for review.
STEP 5: RECEIVE A DECISION FROM THE CERTIFIER
If an operation complies with the rules, the certifying agent issues an organic certificate listing products that can be sold as organic from that operation. The organic farm or facility continues to update its plan as it modifies its practices, and an inspection is done at least once a year to maintain certification.