Hemp THC: Is there a difference?

When consumable hemp was legalized federally in 2018, two things happened. 

1. Cannabis became accessible to people living everywhere, even states that hadn’t yet legalized cannabis.
2. This realm got really confusing. 

The following breakdown aims to make sense of it all—good, bad, and untested—and equip you with the knowledge to confidently and safely explore your options.

First, the basics.

The word “hemp” has existed for decades, usually in reference to industrial uses of this plant: hemp for making textiles, rope, paper, and even lamp oil back in the day.

Today, “hemp” is legally defined in the 2018 Farm Bill as plants containing less than .3% THC. Although these plants are treated differently than high-THC plants, they are the same plant. Just different strains with different THC content. 

THC is THC

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), is the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It is responsible for the traditional "high" feeling associated with consuming cannabis . When THC is extracted from either plant, it’s indistinguishable. THC is THC. 

So, whether consuming 5mg THC-infused gummies bought from a dispensary or 5mg hemp Delta 9 THC-infused gummies from a grocery store or a stunning website like the one you’re currently browsing, there is no difference in the strength of the high. (Now Delta 8 and Delta 10? A whole other thing. Those differ in how they’re processed, potency, and long-term effects are undetermined.)

While there isn’t a difference in the high, there is a difference in the regulation. That means even though a hemp product is labeled, it doesn’t guarantee it’s accurate.

Hemp Regulation Isn’t Cannabis Regulation

In states where cannabis has been legalized, there is a strict, highly controlled system for everything sold in licensed dispensaries. Current test results for small batches of product are required. Hemp products, although legal, are not strictly regulated. Both the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Food and Drug Administration have issued safety directives towards the hemp-derived consumable scene, but neither is really enforcing those policies. 

Many brands making hemp products still test their goods—we do!—but that’s just it. The responsibility is on the brands to step up. And not everyone does.

As with shopping anywhere, your best bet is to seek out trustworthy companies that care about making safe, satisfying highs.

How We Do Hemp Differently

1. Miss Grass has been in the licensed THC biz for seven years. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and exceed them whenever possible.
2. We have built a vast community of experts and approach our supply chain with careful consideration. No shortcuts or cost-cutting.
3. Our manufacturing partners ensure the cannabinoid extracts going into Jewels are pure, without any residual solvents or chemicals.
4. We test every batch of gummies for potency and purity. Those tests are available here.
5. We are proud consumers. We create products that we are excited to enjoy—and that we would happily recommend to our friends, neighbors, and grandparents.