Myth #2: CBD Is the Same as Marijuana

Quick Fact

CBD and marijuana are not the same thing. CBD comes from hemp, a cousin to the marijuana plant. Both belong to the cannabis family, but hemp contains extremely little THC — the compound responsible for the high — while marijuana is bred to be rich in it.

The Full Story

Cannabis is a large and varied plant family, and the names associated with it have confused people for decades. Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis plants, but they are as different in practice as a poppy seed bagel is from an opium poppy — same family, completely different purpose and effect. Most of the confusion comes from the word “cannabis” being used interchangeably with “marijuana” in popular culture, when they are not the same thing.

Cannabis is a plant species containing over 100 different cannabinoids — naturally occurring chemical compounds that interact with receptors in the human body. Among these are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Marijuana refers to cannabis plants bred to be high in THC. Hemp refers to cannabis plants naturally low in THC and often higher in CBD.

When people say “CBD,” they typically mean extract from hemp — a legal, non-intoxicating product that has been federally legal in the United States since the 2018 Farm Bill.

Marijuana, by contrast, remains a controlled substance at the federal level, though many states have legalized it for medical or recreational use. Marijuana-derived CBD does exist, but it is subject to state cannabis regulations — a very different legal situation from hemp-derived products.

Why CBD and Marijuana Are Not the Same

The practical difference for most consumers is significant. Hemp-derived CBD products are widely available, legal nationwide, will not cause intoxication, and will not show up on a standard drug test when used as directed. Marijuana products, even in legal states, are subject to much stricter controls and will get you high due to their THC content.

Understanding this distinction helps consumers make informed choices and removes the stigma that prevents many people from exploring the potential benefits of CBD. The FDA’s consumer guidance on cannabis products is a helpful starting point for understanding the regulatory differences.

For more on the legal landscape, see our Legality & Regulation myths.