Taxonomically, hemp and marijuana are the same plant, with a genus and species name of Cannabis sativa L. They have a drastically different genetic profile though. Industrial hemp is its own ‘variety’ of Cannabis sativa L. (the word ‘strain’ is not applicable), while marijuana can exist as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, or Cannabis ruderalis. The major difference is how industrial hemp has been bred compared to a marijuana form of Cannabis sativa. Typically speaking, industrial hemp is very fibrous, with long strong stalks, and has few flowering buds. Marijuana forms of Cannabis sativa are typically smaller, bushier, and full of flowering buds. However, some industrial hemp varieties in the USA are being bred to have more flowers and higher yields of phytocannabinoids and terpenes, such as the hemp used to make MelaMed products. Generally speaking, marijuana has higher amounts of THC than Hemp. Hemp, on the other hand, has a high amount of CBD in most instances, and only trace amounts of THC. Fortunately, the cannabinoid profile of hemp is ideal for people looking for benefits from the plant without the ‘high.’ Hemp does NOT have the psychoactive effects that you get from Marijuana. Hemp has been used historically to make food, fiber, rope, paper, bricks, oil, natural plastic, and so much more. The term ‘CBD oil’ refers to hemp-derived oil with THC levels below 0.3%. MelaMed sources all of our CBD products using only the highest quality hemp. We are committed to quality, and want all customers to know that their satisfaction is our utmost concern. Please reach out to us or for more education.