EDUCATE

What is the difference between Hemp and Cannabis?

Botanical Classification: 

Both hemp and cannabis belong to the same plant species, Cannabis sativa L. The main difference lies in their breeding and chemical composition. Think of them like different breeds of dogs - same species, but very different characteristics.

THC Content (Key Legal Di

What is the difference between Hemp and Cannabis?

Botanical Classification: 

Both hemp and cannabis belong to the same plant species, Cannabis sativa L. The main difference lies in their breeding and chemical composition. Think of them like different breeds of dogs - same species, but very different characteristics.

THC Content (Key Legal Distinction):

• Hemp: Contains 0.3% THC or less by dry weight (this is the federal legal definition in the U.S.)
• Cannabis: Contains more than 0.3% THC, often ranging from 5-30%

CBD Content:

• Hemp: Usually higher in CBD (can be up to 20%)
• Cannabis: Generally lower in CBD, though some strains are bred for high CBD content

Physical Characteristics:

• Hemp: Typically taller, skinnier plants with sparse foliage
• Cannabis: Usually shorter, bushier plants with dense flowering tops

Primary Uses: Hemp:

• Industrial fiber (textiles, rope, paper)
• Building materials (hempcrete, insulation)
• Food products (seeds, oil)
• CBD extraction
• Biofuel
• Plastic alternatives

Cannabis:

• Medical use (pain management, appetite stimulation, etc.)
• Recreational use
• Some therapeutic compounds

Growing Patterns:

• Hemp: Often grown in dense, large-scale outdoor operations, similar to other agricultural crops
• Cannabis: Typically grown with more space between plants, often indoors with controlled conditions

What is the issue?

 There is an ongoing and heated debate about the benefits of de-scheduling cannabis vs re-scheduling it from Schedule I to Schedule III of the DEA's Schedule of Controlled Substances.

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De-scheduling Cannabis:

Benefits:

• Removes all federal criminal penalties related to cannabis
• Allows interstate commerce without federal rest

What is the issue?

 There is an ongoing and heated debate about the benefits of de-scheduling cannabis vs re-scheduling it from Schedule I to Schedule III of the DEA's Schedule of Controlled Substances.

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De-scheduling Cannabis:

Benefits:

• Removes all federal criminal penalties related to cannabis
• Allows interstate commerce without federal restrictions
• Enables regular banking services for cannabis businesses
• Permits research without special DEA approval
• Allows cannabis businesses to claim standard business tax deductions
• Opens international trade possibilities
• Enables FDA regulation similar to tobacco and alcohol
• Veterans Affairs doctors could freely prescribe cannabis
• Eliminates conflicts between state and federal law
• Universities could conduct research without risk to federal funding

Rescheduling to Schedule III: 

Benefits

• Acknowledges medical value and lower abuse potential
• Enables more research opportunities with less restriction
• Allows some banking services for medical cannabis businesses
• Makes clinical trials easier to conduct
• Permits doctors to prescribe cannabis in medical settings
• May allow some business tax deductions
• Keeps some federal oversight and control mechanisms
• Could maintain existing state medical programs
• Might facilitate insurance coverage for medical use
• Reduces criminal penalties while maintaining regulation

Key Differences:

• De-scheduling offers broader commercial freedom
• Schedule III maintains more federal oversight
• Banking access would be more limited under Schedule III
• Interstate commerce would remain restricted under Schedule III
• Research would still face some barriers under Schedule III
• Tax implications differ significantly between approaches
• International trade opportunities vary between options

Schedule III:

• Maintains significant restrictions on international trade
• Limited to DEA-approved medical and research exchanges
• Requires special permits for import/export
• Restricts international banking relationships
• Complicates cross-border investment
• May prevent participation in emerging global markets
• Creates barriers to international research collaboration
• Limits technology transfer opportunities

Cannabis is medicine for humans.

Hemp is medicine for the Earth. 

~ John Trudell 

Environmental Impact:

• One acre of hemp can produce enough fiber to build a 1,500 sq ft home
• Hemp crops improve soil structure through: 
  • Deep root systems that prevent erosion
  • Natural pest resistance reducing chemical use
  • Ability to remove toxins from contaminated so

Cannabis is medicine for humans.

Hemp is medicine for the Earth. 

~ John Trudell 

Environmental Impact:

• One acre of hemp can produce enough fiber to build a 1,500 sq ft home
• Hemp crops improve soil structure through: 
  • Deep root systems that prevent erosion
  • Natural pest resistance reducing chemical use
  • Ability to remove toxins from contaminated soil
• Carbon sequestration continues throughout building lifecycle: 
  • During growth: 1 ton of hemp sequesters about 1.63 tons of CO2
  • During curing: Hempcrete continues absorbing CO2 for decades
  • End of life: Material can be recycled or composted

Moisture Management:

• Hemp materials have a unique cellular structure that: 
  • Absorbs excess moisture when humidity is high
  • Releases moisture when air is dry
  • Prevents condensation within walls
  • Maintains optimal indoor humidity levels
  • Reduces HVAC needs

Long-term Economic Benefits:

• Energy savings: 
  • Up to 50% reduction in heating/cooling costs
  • Improved temperature stability
  • Reduced peak loads
• Maintenance advantages: 
  • Resistant to pests and decay
  • No need for toxic treatments
  • Durable with minimal repairs needed
  • Can last hundreds of years if properly maintained

Insurance and Code Compliance:

• Growing acceptance by building codes
• Some insurance companies offer reduced rates due to: 
  • Superior fire resistance
  • Improved disaster resilience
  • Lower repair/replacement costs
• May qualify for green building credits or certifications

Community Resilience:

• Creating fire-resistant buildings helps protect entire neighborhoods
• Local hemp cultivation can provide: 
  • Economic opportunities
  • Sustainable building materials
  • Soil remediation for fire-damaged areas
• Knowledge sharing and skill development in sustainable building practices