If you are confused about the difference between Hemp, Marijuana, Cannabis, and CBD, you are not alone. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean very different things.
Understanding the difference is crucial—not just for knowing what you're putting in your body, but for understanding legality, safety, and effects.
In short: Hemp and Marijuana are like cousins. They look similar, but one gets you high (Marijuana) and one doesn't (Hemp). CBD is the beneficial compound found in both.
In this guide, we’ll clear up the confusion once and for all.
Video: The difference between CBD & THC
Before we dive into the botany, watch this quick explainer on how the compounds CBD and THC differ.
What is Hemp? (The "Industrial" Plant)
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that has been bred for thousands of years for its strong fibres and seeds.
Crucially, hemp contains high levels of CBD but extremely low levels of THC (typically less than 0.2–0.3%).
- Psychoactive? No. You cannot get high from smoking or eating hemp.
- Primary Use: CBD oil, textiles (clothes), paper, rope, and food seeds.
- Legal Status: Legal to grow and sell in the UK (with a license).
What is Marijuana? (The "Recreational" Plant)
Marijuana is a term used to describe cannabis varieties bred specifically for their potent resinous flowers, which are rich in THC.
- Psychoactive? Yes. High THC levels cause intoxication or a "high."
- Primary Use: Recreational or medical use.
- Legal Status: Illegal in the UK for recreational use; available privately for specific medical conditions.
Where does CBD fit in?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a compound found in both plants. It is the exact same molecule, whether it comes from hemp or marijuana.
However, in the UK and most of Europe, legal CBD oil must be extracted from Industrial Hemp.
This ensures the final product is rich in wellness-boosting CBD but naturally low in THC, making it safe and non-intoxicating.
Is it legal in the UK?
Yes, provided it meets specific criteria:
- It must be derived from an approved industrial hemp strain.
- It must contain non-detectable levels of THC (controlled substances) in the final product to be sold as a food supplement.
- The brand should hold a Novel Foods application validation.
Read more: Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
Why Evopure uses Hemp
At Evopure, we source our extract exclusively from high-quality industrial hemp.
This means you get all the benefits of the cannabis plant (CBD, terpenes, minor cannabinoids) without the legal risks or the "high" of marijuana.
We also use third-party labs to verify that our Broad-Spectrum Oils are THC-free.
Frequently asked questions
Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil?
Not always. "Hemp seed oil" comes from the seeds and contains no CBD. "CBD oil" comes from the flowers/leaves and is rich in CBD. Always check the label!
Will hemp get me high?
No. Industrial hemp contains negligible amounts of THC, not enough to cause intoxication.
Is CBD considered a drug?
In the UK, CBD is sold as a food supplement, not a medicine (unless prescribed specifically by a specialist doctor like Epidyolex).
Can I fly with CBD oil?
generally yes within the UK and EU, but always check the laws of your destination country, as some have strict cannabis laws.
Final thoughts
While they come from the same family, Hemp and Marijuana are very different. By choosing a reputable hemp-derived CBD oil like Evopure, you can enjoy the natural calm and balance of cannabis safely and legally.
