The short answer
Hemp and cannabis are the same species, Cannabis sativa L. The legal difference comes down to THC: under federal law, hemp is cannabis with a very low delta-9 THC content (historically no more than 0.3% by dry weight). Higher-THC cannabis is regulated in New Jersey by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission and sold only by licensed retailers.
Hemp and cannabis are like cousins who look identical at the family reunion. Same plant, same leaves. The difference is mostly on paper, and that paper matters a lot.
Same plant, different rules
Botanically, hemp and cannabis are both Cannabis sativa L. What separates them is the law, and the law is drawn around THC, the compound most associated with cannabis.
- Hemp: under federal law, cannabis with a very low delta-9 THC content (historically no more than 0.3% by dry weight). It's grown for fiber, seed, oil and more.
- Cannabis (or marijuana): plants and products above that threshold. In New Jersey, adult-use cannabis is legal for adults 21+ and is regulated by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC).
What hemp is used for
Hemp has a long résumé: rope, canvas, paper, clothing, building materials, seeds and seed oil. Ships ran on hemp rope for centuries. Marvin has opinions about this and will share them if you let him.
What a licensed dispensary sells
Licensed New Jersey retailers sell regulated cannabis. Under CRC rules, retailers may only sell cannabis items that have been tested, packaged, sealed and labeled as the regulations require. Labels list what's inside, including THC content, so you know what you're buying.
If you're ever unsure what a product is or where it came from, ask. A good budtender will happily walk you through the label line by line.
Keep reading
This product contains cannabis. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. There may be health risks associated with the consumption of this product, including for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant. Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery while using this product.