Hemp and Marijuana are two plants belonging to the same species. However, the two plants vary significantly not only in utilization but also in composition. They contain hundreds of chemical compounds. However, Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) draw the most attention. The legal aspects of hemp and marijuana differ because of the differences between the two compounds.
THC is the substance that causes the high effect associated with cannabis plants. On the other hand, CBD does not cause psychoactive effects, but studies indicate that it has several therapeutic benefits. The two cannabis plants differ in the concentration of THC and CBD. Marijuana has more THC content and little CBD content. On the other hand, hemp is high in CBD but low in THC.
Hemp as a Victim of Harsh Legal Actions
Regulations in the industry emanate from the THC content that causes intoxication. Hemp suffers collateral damage probably because it belongs to the same species, has traces of THC, or lacks adequate scientific backup. As marijuana receives criticism, hemp also finds legal action as well.
The long-time restrictions on the cultivation and utilization of the two plants are responsible for insufficient research. However, the future is promising, as many states review their stand on the hemp plant.
Notable Events in Restrictions on Hemp
In 1937, heavy taxation on hemp through the Marihuana Tax Act was an obstacle to its cultivation. The Act imposed taxes on both the possession and transportation of hemp. Before, the crop was so critical in every farm in the US due to its value and utility. It was the raw material for ropes, paper, and lamp fuel, particularly in North America in the early days.
Another blow to the hemp plant was in the 1970s. In a heightened war against drugs, hemp got into the list of Schedule I drugs. Consequently, the move imposed restrictions on its cultivation in the United States. But in an odd action, the country began to import hemp seed and oil. At that time, production was still illegal in the US.
A tremendous move in the legalization of hemp came in 2004. Ninth Circuit Court ruled to cushion the sale of hemp foods and skin products.
Three years later, two farmers from North Dakota received hemp licenses. These were the first in five decades. In 2014, Hemp Pilot Program allowed specific research institutions to grow and study the plant. Finally, hemp became legal in the US at the federal level through the 2018 Farm Bill.
The Current Status of Hemp Legalization
The 2018 Farm Bill describes hemp as a Cannabis L. sativa plant with a THC content below 0.3 percent. It states that the cultivation of the plant is legal for licensed farmers only. Besides, they are free to access crop insurance and federal accreditation. However, the legalization does not alter the state laws. Again, I would like to point out that CBD remains illegal.
Individual states can choose to prohibit the utilization and cultivation of hemp within their territories. Although CBD is still under regulation after the 2018 Farm Bill, more space exists for more studies on the compound. Researchers can obtain grants to finance their research.
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