Cannabis sativa: Difference between Medical Cannabis (Marijuana or drug type) and Industrial hemp

This paper reviewed the importance of Cannabis sativa and highlights difference between Medical Cannabis (Marijuana or drug type) and Industrial hemp. Cannabis has been used for thousands of years for recreational, medicinal, or religious purposes. Industrial hemp and marijuana share the same species, Cannabis sativa L, but represent different varieties. As such, there are genetic differences that lead to different chemical characteristics, which, in turn, lead to different uses. Cannabis sativa L., is classified into two types as Industrial Cannabis sativa, hemp or Medical Cannabis sativa L.(drug or marijuana) based on its Λ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), content. Medical Cannabis sativa (drug or marijuana) contains very high levels of Λ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (above 0.3 to 38% of dry weight) and grown inside the greenhouse controlled conditions for the production of unfertilized female flowers. These female flowers accumulates the psychoactive molecule THC and used for health disorders. On the other hand Industrial Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp) contains very low levels of THC (0 to 0.3% of dry weight) grown outside in a large agriculture farms for the production of fibre, seeds and oil. Hemp is used as a functional food and medicine since it contains Cannabidol (CBD), and very low levels of THC.