Cannabis, Marijuana, and CBD: What Is the Difference?
People often confuse cannabis, marijuana, hemp, and CBD as if they were synonyms. In reality, these words do not refer to the same thing: some describe the plant, one names a molecule, another describes a use. Let us sort it out, simply and without jargon.
Cannabis, Marijuana, Hemp: Three Words, One Plant
Cannabis is the botanical name of a plant (Cannabis sativa L.). From this same plant, very different uses are derived depending on the variety and its content of active molecules.
Hemp refers to varieties cultivated with very low THC content, used legally for textiles, food, or CBD extraction. Marijuana is a popular term that refers to THC-rich flowering tops, where THC is the molecule responsible for psychoactive effects.
The Real Difference: THC Versus CBD
Everything comes down to two molecules, the cannabinoids. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive substance, regulated by law. CBD (cannabidiol) is not psychoactive: it does not cause a high.
This distinction is what separates a controlled substance from a legal product. It is therefore not the plant itself that makes the difference, but its THC content.
Marijuana: A Loaded Word Often Misused
The word marijuana is mainly associated with recreational use of THC-rich cannabis, which is illegal in France. It carries a connotation that has nothing to do with the wellness hemp sold legally.
Using marijuana to describe a CBD flower is therefore misleading: a CBD flower is not marijuana, because it does not contain THC in sufficient quantities to be psychoactive.
Hemp and Legal CBD (THC Below 0.3%)
In Europe, hemp intended for CBD is grown from authorised varieties and must comply with a very low THC threshold. The products we offer carry a THC content below 0.3%.
It is this threshold, combined with supply chain traceability, that makes a CBD flower legal and clearly distinct from recreational cannabis.
In Practice: What Is a CBD Flower?
A CBD flower is the flowering top of a hemp variety rich in CBD and low in THC. It is chosen for its aromatic profile (citrus, fruit, spice, woody notes) in the same way you might choose a tea or coffee for its flavour.
The CBD and THC content is shown on every product page. Our products are reserved for adults (18 and over) and are not medicines: no health claims are associated with them.
In Summary
Cannabis is the plant. Hemp refers to legal varieties low in THC. Marijuana is recreational cannabis rich in THC. CBD is a non-psychoactive molecule found in hemp. A CBD flower is therefore legal hemp, not marijuana.
Questions fréquentes
Are CBD and cannabis the same thing?
No. Cannabis is the plant; CBD is one of its molecules, which is non-psychoactive. A CBD flower comes from hemp varieties low in THC (below 0.3%) and does not produce a high.
What is the difference between marijuana and hemp?
It is the THC content. Hemp is cultivated with very low THC content and is legal; marijuana refers to THC-rich cannabis used recreationally, which is prohibited in France.
Is a CBD flower legal?
A CBD flower is legal when it comes from authorised varieties and complies with the applicable THC threshold (our products carry a THC content below 0.3%). Reserved for adults aged 18 and over.