Difference between cannabis and marijuana: what you should know
Cannabis, marijuana, hemp, CBD: these words are often used as synonyms, yet they do not mean the same thing. Here, simply put, is what each one means and what is legal.
Cannabis, marijuana, hemp: what are we talking about?
"Cannabis" is the botanical name of the plant (Cannabis sativa L.). "Marijuana" refers to its THC-rich flowers, the molecule with psychoactive effects. "Hemp" is the same plant, but a low-THC variety grown legally. CBD, finally, is a molecule extracted from hemp, with no narcotic effect.
In other words: cannabis and marijuana are not two different plants. The difference comes down to THC content.
| Term | What it refers to | THC | Legal status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis | The plant (Cannabis sativa L.) | Variable | Depends on THC |
| Marijuana | The THC-rich flowers | High | Illegal (narcotic) |
| Hemp | The same plant, low-THC variety | < 0.3% | Legal |
| CBD | Molecule extracted from hemp | < 0.3% | Legal, not a narcotic |
Cannabis and marijuana: a matter of THC
The real difference is not botanical but chemical. What makes marijuana psychoactive — and illegal — is its high THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content. Hemp, on the other hand, naturally contains very little THC and a significant share of CBD, which does not get you high.
That is why people talk about "legal cannabis": it means hemp and its CBD derivatives, below 0.3% THC.
Hemp and CBD: the legal alternative
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the many compounds in hemp. Unlike THC, it is not classified as a narcotic and does not cause intoxication. This is what allows flowers, resins and other CBD products to be sold and consumed legally, as long as they respect the 0.3% THC limit.
At BeBud, every product respects this framework: they offer the aromas and character of hemp, without the effects or the illegality of marijuana.
What does the law say?
THC-rich marijuana remains a banned narcotic. Hemp and CBD, below 0.3% THC, are legal. Be careful when driving though: roadside tests target THC, not CBD — better to stay cautious.
Questions fréquentes
Are cannabis and marijuana the same?
Not exactly. Cannabis is the plant; marijuana refers to its THC-rich flowers. The difference is THC content, not a different species.
Is CBD cannabis?
CBD is a molecule extracted from hemp, a low-THC variety of cannabis. It has no narcotic effect and is legal.
Is hemp legal?
Yes, as long as the finished product contains less than 0.3% THC, like the whole BeBud range.
What is the difference between THC and CBD?
THC is psychoactive (a high) and illegal above the threshold; CBD is not a narcotic and is legal.
Can you buy cannabis legally?
You can legally buy hemp and CBD products below 0.3% THC. THC-rich marijuana remains illegal.