Hemp Extract vs. Cannabis Extract: Understanding the Differences in Detail

The terms "hemp extract" and "cannabis extract" often cause confusion because both are derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. While they share a common origin, the two differ significantly in chemical composition, uses, legal status, and applications. Understanding these distinctions is critical for consumers, healthcare professionals, and businesses operating in the cannabis and hemp industries.

What is Hemp Extract?

Hemp extract refers specifically to products derived from hemp plants, a variety of Cannabis sativa that is legally defined as containing less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive "high" associated with marijuana use. Because hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, its extracts are non-intoxicating and widely used in health and wellness products.

• Primary Compound: Hemp extract is rich in cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD is celebrated for its potential therapeutic effects, such as reducing anxiety, alleviating chronic pain, and supporting better sleep.
• Extraction Process: Hemp extract is typically obtained using methods like CO2 extraction or ethanol extraction to preserve cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which may enhance CBD's effects through the "entourage effect."

Hemp extract products include:

• CBD Oil: Used sublingually or in capsules for general wellness.
• Topicals: Creams and balms for localized relief of pain or inflammation.
• Edibles: CBD-infused foods and beverages for easy consumption.

What is Cannabis Extract?

Cannabis extract is a broader term that encompasses extracts derived from all varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant, including both hemp and marijuana. The composition of cannabis extract depends on the strain used, which determines the ratio of CBD to THC.

• THC-Dominant Extracts: Derived from marijuana strains with high THC content (10-30%). These extracts are often used recreationally or medicinally to manage pain, stimulate appetite, or alleviate nausea.
• CBD-Dominant Extracts: These may also come from cannabis but are similar in composition to hemp extract, offering therapeutic benefits without significant psychoactive effects.
• Balanced Extracts: Some cannabis extracts contain an equal ratio of CBD to THC, offering a combination of therapeutic effects with mild psychoactivity.

Cannabis extracts are typically used for:

• Recreational Use: In regions where cannabis is legal, THC-rich extracts are consumed through smoking, vaping, or edibles for their psychoactive effects.
• Medical Use: Prescribed extracts target conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.

Key Differences Between Hemp Extract and Cannabis Extract

While both extracts originate from the Cannabis plant, their differences can be summarized across several categories:

1. Chemical Composition:

   • Hemp Extract: High in CBD, low in THC (less than 0.3%).
   • Cannabis Extract: Composition varies depending on the strain; may be high in THC, CBD, or a balance of both.

2. Psychoactive Effects:

   • Hemp Extract: Non-psychoactive due to minimal THC content.
   • Cannabis Extract: May produce psychoactive effects if THC levels are high.

3. Applications:

   • Hemp Extract: Used for wellness products like CBD oil, skincare, and supplements.
   • Cannabis Extract: Used recreationally for its psychoactive effects or medicinally for specific conditions.

4. Legal Status:

   • Hemp Extract: Legal in many countries, including Australia, provided THC content is below legal limits.
   • Cannabis Extract: Highly regulated. Medicinal use is permitted in some regions, but recreational use remains illegal in most areas.

Strains and Cannabinoid Ratios

The Cannabis plant is highly diverse, with different strains offering varying cannabinoid profiles:

• Hemp Strains: Bred to contain high levels of CBD and minimal THC.
• Marijuana Strains: Cultivated for high THC content (recreational) or balanced ratios for therapeutic purposes.

Each strain’s unique cannabinoid and terpene profile determines its effects, making strain selection important for consumers seeking specific benefits.

Legal Status and Regulations

The legal landscape for hemp and cannabis extracts varies widely:

• Hemp Extract: Generally legal under international standards if THC content is below 0.3%. In Australia, hemp-derived CBD products are regulated but widely accessible.
• Cannabis Extract: Subject to stricter regulations due to THC content. Medicinal use is legal in Australia with a prescription, while recreational use remains prohibited.

Therapeutic Potential

Both hemp and cannabis extracts have shown significant therapeutic promise. However, their uses differ based on their cannabinoid content:

• Hemp Extract (CBD): Effective for reducing anxiety, improving sleep, easing inflammation, and managing chronic pain. It is also being studied for neuroprotective effects in conditions like Alzheimer’s and epilepsy.
• Cannabis Extract (THC): Used medicinally for pain relief, appetite stimulation, and nausea reduction. It is particularly effective for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and individuals with conditions like glaucoma.

Summary Table of Differences

Conclusion

Hemp extract and cannabis extract may originate from the same plant species, but their differences in composition, psychoactivity, applications, and legality set them apart. Hemp extract, dominated by CBD, is celebrated for its non-intoxicating wellness benefits and broad accessibility. In contrast, cannabis extract, which may contain high THC levels, serves both recreational and medicinal purposes but is more tightly regulated.

As the global understanding of cannabinoids deepens, both hemp and cannabis extracts are poised to play significant roles in health, wellness, and medical innovation. However, navigating their legal and practical distinctions is essential for informed use.

References

1. Project CBD: Cannabidiol (CBD): A Guide for Patients and Caregivers
2. Medical News Today: Cannabis: What is it and what does it do?