Defining “Industrial Hemp”: A Fact Sheet

Summary

Botanically, industrial hemp and marijuana are from the same species of plant, Cannabis sativa, but from different varieties or cultivars. However, industrial hemp and marijuana are genetically distinct forms of cannabis that are distinguished by their use and chemical makeup as well as by differing cultivation practices in their production. While marijuana generally refers primarily to the psychotropic drug (whether used for medicinal or recreational purposes), industrial hemp is cultivated for use in the production of a wide range of products, including foods and beverages, personal care products, nutritional supplements, fabrics and textiles, paper, construction materials, and other manufactured goods. Both hemp and marijuana have separate statutory definitions in U.S. law.