Generally, there is no difference between marijuana and cannabis and the two terms are often used to describe the same thing.

• Cannabis describes cannabis products in general.
• Marijuana specifically refers to cannabis products that are made from the dried flowers, leaves, stems and seeds of the cannabis plant.

Cannabis laws, including possession, buying and selling, and producing cannabis are complex and constantly changing. To get help, ask a lawyer now.

If you have been charged with a cannabis related or other criminal offence, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible.

How much THC does marijuana contain?

Compared to other forms of cannabis, such as hash and hash oil, marijuana usually contains the least concentration of THC. The average potency (concentration or strength) of THC in dried cannabis is between 15% to 30%.

How is marijuana consumed?

Although marijuana is usually rolled up and smoked like a cigarette or cigar, or made into edible products like cookies or brownies, it can also be brewed as a tea or infused into other beverages. Some users also “vape” marijuana, which refers to the breathing in of dried cannabis vapours through a vaporizer or vaping device.

Other names for marijuana include:

• pot
• bud
• purp
• keef
• chronic
• dope
• honeycomb
• herb
• rosin
• trees
• boom
• weed
• Mary Jane (MJ)
• ganja
• skunk
• shatter
• budder
• gangster

Difference between marijuana and hemp

Hemp is a variety of the cannabis sativa plant. The main difference between hemp and other strains of cannabis such as marijuana is that there is a very low percentage of THC compound in hemp, lower than 0.3% and therefore, hemp is not normally used as a recreational drug. Rather it is grown for its fiber seed and most often used for industrial purposes, such as in the manufacturing of paper or clothing. It can also be used as a food product.

Difference between “marijuana” and “marihuana”

The term “marihuana” is most commonly thought to have first originated from the Spanish language spoken in Mexico in the early 1900s. It entered the English language soon after. Over time, “marijuana” became the more common spelling used.

Health Canada used what they considered the legal, more traditional “marihuana” spelling up until 2013, when it enacted the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations. When cannabis became legal in Canada, that legislation was repealed and replaced by the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). That legislation has also been repealed and replaced with regulations under the new Cannabis Act.

Both spellings are used on various government websites related to cannabis.

Get help

To erase your criminal record for simple cannabis possession or any other criminal charges, call toll-free 1-888-808-3628 or learn more at Pardon Partners. It’s easier than you think.

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. Contact our preferred criminal defence expert, Calvin Barry Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation at 416-938-5858 .

Cannabis laws, including possession, buying and selling, and producing cannabis are complex and constantly changing. To get help, ask a lawyer now.

								
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