Between marijuana, hemp, CBD, and THC—not to mention an ever-growing list of slang—you may notice yourself using cannabis definitions interchangeably. 

General gesturing to the industry often refers to marijuana and cannabis, but what is the difference between the two? More importantly—how do effects and usage vary depending on product and potency? 

You’re not alone in the confusion. In fact, marketing in the cannabis industry tends to conflate these terms, giving audiences a jumbled sense of products, properties, and effects. 

Here are five key cannabis definitions in the industry to help you relight your content strategy with accuracy and clarity. Set yourself apart from competitors with well-defined content—and never leave your audience guessing what you’re blazing on about. 

Marijuana

With legalization efforts increasing across the country, to say nothing of exciting advances in the medical field, there is no shortage of references to the green, leafy substance known as marijuana. But what exactly is it, technically speaking? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines marijuana as:

“The psychoactive dried resinous flower buds and leaves of the female hemp or cannabis plant that contain high levels of THC and are smoked, vaped, or ingested (as in baked goods) especially for their intoxicating effect.”

This definition is packed with other terms, including hemp, cannabis, and THC. Simply put, marijuana is the dried flower buds or leaves from the cannabis plant. 

The term marijuana, or marihuana, was first used to describe the substance in Mexico in the 1840s. The word only became common across the Rio Grande later on, as a way for prohibitionists to reinforce the connection between recreational use of the drug and Mexican immigrants who they believed brought it here escaping the Mexican civil war. 

Although marijuana is one of the most popular terms in the canna-business, be aware of the historical and cultural implications of this term when rolling out your content strategy. 

Cannabis 

While people often use the terms cannabis and marijuana interchangeably, they are not equals. The term cannabis was coined in the 1700s as the scientific name for the plant that produces both hemp and marijuana. The plant originated in Central Asia before people introduced it to Africa, Europe, and eventually the Americas. Cannabis is an all-encompassing term that refers to the plant and products that are derived from it:

“A tall Asian herb (Cannabis sativa of the family Cannabaceae, the hemp family) that has a tough fiber and is often separated into a tall loosely branched species […] the psychoactive dried flower buds, leaves, or preparations (such as hashish) or chemicals (such as THC) that are derived from the cannabis plant.” 

Consider using this term consistently across your brand as a comprehensive way of getting at various different products—while avoiding the potentially harmful historical context of the word marijuana. 

Hemp

Often referred to as cannabis’s cousin, hemp is part of the Cannabaceae family, meaning it is a variety of the cannabis plant. 

Unlike marijuana, hemp by itself does not produce enough THC to create an intoxicating effect. Instead, it is capable of producing the non-intoxicating cannabinoid called cannabidiol, or CBD, in high concentrations. Hemp-derived CBD is one of the most popular forms of the cannabinoid in the industry. 

While cannabis is a more general, umbrella term, hemp names a specific kind of cannabis. Be equally specific in your copy—so your audience understands the distinction between intoxicating and non-intoxicating products. 

CBD

The CBD wellness trend is on fire—and yet content strategy in the industry rarely defines CBD well. CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients in cannabis. Typically derived from hemp, it is increasingly used for medicinal purposes as well as a variety of commercial products, including animal treats, skincare products, and more. 

According to a report from the World Health Organization: “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential […] there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

This is crucial for your audience to know, considering CBD and marijuana are often considered the same colloquially. 

THC

Last but not least, what does THC have to do with it? Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the chemical compound responsible for the psychological effects of marijuana, which gives people that intoxicating, high sensation. Hemp products on the other hand, such as hemp-derived CBD, have significantly lower levels of THC and therefore don’t produce the same effect.

When preparing marketing materials, it’s essential that you describe THC levels and potency in a straightforward way so your audience is clear about what they’re ingesting. 

Successful copy is accurate, trustworthy, and blunt—certainly not misleading or confusing. Show your audience that you’re the resident cannabis expert with clear definitions and explanations across your marketing materials. 

Looking to expand your canna-business with a well-defined content strategy that lights up the room? Contact Stem Studios for world-class copy that helps you harvest powerful results.