What is industrial hemp?
Industrial hemp is cannabis cultivated for fiber, grain/seed, and biomass (including cannabinoids). It is regulated differently than high-THC cannabis (“marijuana”) because it must test below a legal THC limit.
Key definitions
- Cannabis sativa L. — the plant species commonly associated with both hemp and marijuana.
- Hemp vs. marijuana — a regulatory distinction based on THC levels, not two different species.
- THC threshold — in the U.S., hemp is defined as cannabis with ≤ 0.3% delta‑9 THC (dry weight) in compliance testing (federal definition).
Why this matters
- Hemp is a crop category, not a finished product. “Hemp” can mean fiber, seed, grain oil, or extracts depending on the context.
- Compliance risk exists: crops that test above the legal THC limit are typically considered “hot” and may require remediation or disposal per local rules.
Takeaway: Industrial hemp is cannabis grown for practical outputs, governed by THC limits, and used across multiple industries.