Hemp
Hemp vs cannabis: what is the difference?
Same species, different rules. Where the line is actually drawn.
CANNAEAST Editorial · Published 16 January 2026 · Updated 16 January 2026 · 4 min read
Short answer
Hemp and cannabis are the same species. 'Hemp' describes varieties grown under agricultural rules with a legally capped THC content.
One species, two words
Botanically there is one species: Cannabis sativa L. The words hemp and cannabis describe how a variety is classified and regulated, not a genetic boundary between two different plants.
Where the legal line sits
In the European Union, hemp cultivation is tied to approved seed varieties and a maximum THC content defined in legislation. Exact figures and rules change over time and differ outside the EU, so check the current rules for your own country rather than relying on a number quoted online.
Frequently asked questions
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Hemp
Cannabis sativa L.
An agricultural crop grown across Europe, used in body care mainly as seed oil or as an extract of the aerial parts.
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