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Hemp 101

Have you ever noticed people talk about hemp and weed like they’re completely different and wondered if that’s really true? Or seen products like Delta-8 or Hemp-Derived THC in stores and been curious about what they actually are? The world of cannabis products can be confusing, but we’re here to clear things up. In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between hemp and weed, talk about the legal stuff you need to know, and break down the “deltas” — like Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC. By the end, you’ll have the info you need to make smarter, safer choices.

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the THC difference in Hemp and Weed

The Relationship Between Hemp and Weed

Hemp and weed both come from the same plant, Cannabis sativa, but the difference is in how much THC they have. THC is the stuff in cannabis that makes you feel “high.” If a plant has less than 0.3% THC, it’s called hemp. If it has more, it’s weed. Hemp plants are usually grown for non-intoxicating uses like making oils, fibers, and products that don’t make you feel “high.” But here’s where it gets tricky: some hemp products can still cause a high depending on how they’re processed. While hemp and weed seem like opposites, they’re just two versions of the same plant.

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Infographic of Cannabis THC by Dry Weight. More than 0.3% THC is illegal federally, but legal to grow in California for ages 21+. Less than 0.3% THC is legal to grow and use federally.

The Legal Status of Hemp Products

Is hemp legal? Well, it depends. In California, the laws about hemp are still changing. Right now, smokable hemp isn’t legal, and laws only cover how much THC is naturally in the plant, not what companies do with it later. Some businesses process hemp to create products with high THC levels, even if the plant originally had low THC. Once hemp is modified to contain more than 0.3% THC, it becomes intoxicating. It is illegal to sell intoxicating hemp unless it is at a dispensary. However, you might see these products in gas stations or vape shops.

Just because something is for sale doesn’t mean it’s safe or even legal. 

California has new rules to make sure hemp products are safer. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has set strict limits on THC in hemp products and banned certain ingredients. They also require testing and labeling to protect buyers. Always check for reliable labeling before you trust a product — it’s your best shot at staying safe.

For more information, you can view the full emergency order on the CDPH website.

Demystify the “Deltas” in THC

THC isn’t just one thing — there are different versions called cannabinoids, and they all interact with your body differently. Delta-9 THC is the main cannabinoid that gives the “high” feeling, and it’s what most people think of when they hear THC. Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, is only found in tiny amounts in cannabis plants — not enough to cause a “high” naturally. 

To make Delta-8 products that can cause a “high” feeling, companies use a chemical process to change other cannabinoids into Delta-8 THC, increasing the amount of the cannabinoid in the product so that you can receive a “high.”. Since these products are made in labs and not naturally occurring, they might work differently in your body — and they haven’t been studied as much as Delta-9 THC. Knowing the difference between the “deltas” can help you understand what you’re using.

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hemp

Hemp, weed, Delta-8, Delta-9 — yeah, it’s a lot to keep straight, but knowing the facts can help you avoid sketchy products and make safer choices. Hemp might sound harmless, but depending on how it’s processed, it could still have intoxicating effects. Stay curious, ask questions, and always check the details before you trust a product. You’ve got the knowledge — use it to make informed decisions.