Cáñamo vs marihuana: ¿Qué los diferencia?

Hemp vs. Marijuana: What's the Difference?

Cáñamo vs marihuana: ¿Qué los diferencia?

When we talk about hemp vs. marijuana, many people tend to confuse the two terms. Although they come from the same plant, Cannabis sativa, they have very different uses and characteristics. In this article, we'll break down the differences between hemp and marijuana and show you how to better understand their uses and regulations. For those interested in purchasing quality CBD , we invite you to explore our range of CBD products.

What is hemp?

Hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa that has been cultivated for centuries for industrial and commercial purposes. One of its distinguishing characteristics is its low THC content, the psychoactive compound in cannabis . This means it doesn't cause psychoactive effects and is used to make a wide variety of products, from textiles and paper to cosmetics and CBD oils.

Hemp is known for its numerous industrial applications. Thanks to its durable fibers, it's used in the creation of clothing, ropes, and biodegradable materials . Furthermore, hemp plants are used to extract CBD oils and other products, such as topical oils and creams. Although derived from cannabis, they are completely legal in Spain as long as they comply with current regulations.

Hemp cultivation and regulation

Hemp cultivation is highly regulated in many countries. In Spain, only hemp varieties that do not contain THC are permitted for cultivation, and its use is limited to industrial purposes or as a source of non-psychoactive products. Industrial hemp is primarily grown for fiber, seeds, and oils. This is in stark contrast to marijuana, which is cultivated specifically for its high THC levels.

What is marijuana?

Marijuana, on the other hand, is also a variety of Cannabis sativa, but it differs from hemp in its high THC content. This is the substance that causes the psychoactive effect associated with cannabis. Although both hemp and marijuana come from the same plant species, their differences in chemical composition draw a very clear line between the two.

Marijuana and its regulation in Spain

In Spain, recreational marijuana use is decriminalized in the private sector, although its sale and cultivation outside of this sphere remain illegal. Marijuana is primarily grown for recreational or medicinal use (in some countries where it is legal), to take advantage of its higher THC levels. However, the legal sale of marijuana commercially is not permitted in Spain.

Key differences between hemp and marijuana

Below, we break down the differences between hemp and marijuana to clarify how these two varieties of the same plant differ:

  1. THC content

The main difference between hemp and marijuana is the THC content. Hemp contains a low percentage of THC, while marijuana can contain THC levels ranging from 5% to over 20% . This makes marijuana psychoactive, while hemp is not.

  1. Physical appearance

Although both plants come from the same species, they often differ in appearance. Hemp tends to be taller and thinner, while marijuana is shorter and bushier.

  1. Uses

Hemp has a wide variety of industrial uses, including the manufacture of textiles, paper, and biofuels, and is also an important source of CBD for cosmetics and topical oils. Marijuana, on the other hand, is primarily used for recreational or medicinal purposes (in some countries) due to its THC content.

  1. Legality

Marijuana remains illegal in many countries, including Spain , except for private and non-commercial use. Hemp, on the other hand, is completely legal if grown and processed according to regulations, which include keeping THC levels below the permitted limit.

  1. Chemical composition

While hemp has high levels of CBD and low levels of THC, marijuana contains more THC and, generally, less CBD. This also affects its uses, as hemp is primarily used for non-psychoactive products.

Legal use of hemp products in Spain

Hemp has gained popularity in Spain in recent years, especially as a source of CBD. However, it's important to note that in Spain, the sale of hemp-derived products, such as CBD flowers and oils, is only permitted for topical or aromatic use . This means that products containing CBD cannot be sold for oral administration or as smoking products.

It is crucial that Spanish consumers understand this regulation to ensure they are purchasing legal products . Stores that sell hemp-derived products must comply with these regulations to ensure the safety and legality of their products.

For those looking to explore wholesale hemp and CBD products in Spain, we offer solutions tailored to your needs. Discover our wide range of products at Buy CBD .

Hemp-derived products: what options are available?

Today, hemp is used in the manufacture of a wide range of products. Among the most common are:

  1. CBD oils

CBD oils are one of the most popular hemp-derived products. These oils are primarily used for topical and aromatic applications and are completely legal in Spain if they comply with THC regulations.

  1. CBD flowers

Hemp flowers are another product derived from this plant, and are also used for aromatic purposes. It's important to note that the sale of flowers for smoking or ingestion is not permitted in Spain .

  1. CBD cosmetics

More and more brands are incorporating CBD into their cosmetic lines, as hemp is known for its beneficial properties for the skin. Topical products, such as creams and lotions, are legal and very popular.

The best hemp products

Understanding these differences is essential, especially for those looking to get involved in the CBD industry in Spain. Remember that, in Spain, hemp-derived products, such as CBD flowers, oils, and cosmetics, are completely legal, as long as they are used in accordance with current regulations.

To purchase high-quality hemp products or start a CBD-related business, feel free to explore our online store to buy CBD .


The Ministry of Health publishes the draft royal decree regulating the dispensing of standardized cannabis formulations for therapeutic purposes.

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