The terms hemp and cannabis refer to different varieties of the same plant species – Cannabis sativa. But understanding the difference is essential, especially when it comes to CBD products. From legality to chemical makeup, the distinctions between hemp and cannabis matter for your health, your safety and your wellbeing.
Two sides of the same plant family
Both hemp and cannabis belong to the Cannabis sativa species. The difference lies in how the plants are grown, their chemical composition and how they're regulated.
Hemp is typically cultivated for industrial or therapeutic purposes. It's grown tall and fibrous, used for everything from textiles and paper to biofuel and nutritional supplements. Most importantly for our purposes, hemp is naturally low in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use. Legally, hemp is defined as a cannabis plant that contains 0.3% or less THC, while “marijuana” is a cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% THC
Cannabis (sometimes referred to as “marijuana” in medical or recreational contexts), on the other hand, is grown primarily for its flowers and THC content. These plants are cultivated to maximise potency and they contain much higher levels of THC, often between 5% and 30%.
So, although they come from the same plant family, their end use and effects are very different.
THC and CBD: the key distinctions
Cannabis plants contain more than 120 cannabinoids, but the two most well-known are THC and CBD (cannabidiol). The difference between hemp and cannabis comes down to how much of each of these compounds is present.
Hemp is legally defined (in the UK and many other countries) as Cannabis sativa that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. This trace amount is not enough to produce any psychoactive effects, which is why CBD extracted from hemp is legal and non-intoxicating. Cannabis contains far higher THC levels and is regulated accordingly. In the UK, cannabis is classified as a controlled Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and its use is only legal in very specific medical circumstances.
At Goodrays, our CBD is extracted exclusively from premium, sustainably grown hemp plants – always tested to ensure zero THC content in the final product. This means you get all the natural benefits of CBD, without any legal concerns or unwanted side effects.
Why the source of CBD matters
The source of your CBD matters. Hemp-derived CBD is not only legal and safe, but it's also better suited to wellness routines, offering therapeutic benefits without altering your mental state.
That's why at Goodrays, we use CBD isolate in our products. This ensures:
-
No THC or intoxicating compounds
-
A consistent dose every time
-
A clean, clear-headed experience
By sourcing from hemp and rigorously testing every batch, we can deliver CBD that supports calm, clarity and recovery – without compromise.
Hemp's industrial and nutritional uses
The difference between hemp and cannabis isn't just about cannabinoids. Hemp is a remarkably versatile crop that's been used for thousands of years. Today, it's experiencing a resurgence thanks to its environmental benefits and broad range of applications.
Industrial hemp uses include:
-
Textile fibres (clothing, rope, canvas)
-
Biodegradable plastics and construction materials
-
Animal bedding and mulch
-
Hempcrete (a sustainable building material)
Nutritional hemp uses include:
Hemp seeds are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients. They're often consumed as a supplement or in products like hemp seed oil – distinct from CBD oil – which is made by cold-pressing the seeds and contains no cannabinoids.
Cannabis for medical use: what's currently allowed in the UK?
Cannabis-based products for medicinal use are legal in the UK but access is heavily restricted. Since a change in legislation in 2018, specialist doctors have been able to prescribe certain cannabis-derived medicines for a narrow range of conditions. These include severe epilepsy, spasticity brought on by multiple sclerosis and chemotherapy-induced nausea that hasn't responded to other treatments.
But despite this shift, medical cannabis is not available through routine NHS prescriptions for most people. Access typically requires a private consultation with a specialist clinician and prescriptions are made on a case-by-case basis. Even then, availability can be limited and expensive.
It's also important to note that "medical cannabis" refers to regulated products that contain both CBD and THC – the compound responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis. These products are tightly controlled and their use is monitored.
Many people looking for support with their wellbeing are opting for CBD as a more accessible, non-intoxicating option. Unlike medical cannabis, CBD products like oils, gummies and drinks are legal to buy and use without a prescription in the UK. While medical cannabis may hold promise for specific conditions, most people looking for daily support with stress, sleep or balance turn to CBD instead.
Finding calm that fits: which CBD product suits your lifestyle?
Knowing the difference between hemp and cannabis is just the start; choosing the right CBD product comes down to how you want to feel and what fits into your lifestyle.
When choosing a CBD product make sure that they are made using hemp-derived CBD, which is non-intoxicating, legal in the UK and backed by third-party lab testing. But the format you choose – oil, gummies or drinks – can make a difference.
CBD oils offer fast absorption and flexible dosing. Ideal if you want to tailor your intake and feel the effects within 30-45 minutes.
CBD gummies are convenient and slow-release. Great for steady support throughout the day or use on the go.
CBD drinks are sociable, refreshing and functional, designed for moments when you want to relax without alcohol.
Still not sure? Start by thinking about when and why you want to take CBD. For winding down in the evening, CBD oils for sleep are a popular choice. For keeping your head clearer during a busy week, try our CBD gummies or CBD drinks.
CBD is just one of many cannabinoids found in hemp, but it's the one we believe can make a real difference to modern lives. As CBD may offer relief from anxiety and support better sleep, there are plenty of ways to use it safely and effectively.
