Unlike the hemp plant, the cannabis plant contains large amounts of THC. This cannabinoid is responsible for the psychoactive effect. Cannabis is mainly grown to obtain THC. The growth process of the cannabis plant is another clear difference between the two plants. With cannabis plants, it is mainly important that the flower tops are as large as possible, as they contain a lot of THC. Cannabis plants are also not able to combat weeds in a natural way. Another difference between the plants is the smell. Weed generally has a very dominant and strong smell that you can smell from a great distance. Growing a hemp plant is legal in most countries due to the minimal concentration of THC. This is not the case with the cannabis plant. In most countries, high penalties are given for the cultivation of cannabis plants. In the Netherlands, however, there is a tolerance policy, which means that it is allowed to buy 5 grams of weed in a coffee shop.