Are hemp seeds the same as marijuana?

Hemp and marijuana come from the same plant species—Cannabis sativa—but they are not the same thing. This confusion often arises due to their similar appearance and botanical classification. However, when it comes to their chemical composition, usage, cultivation, and legality, hemp and marijuana are completely different.

In this article, we’ll explain in detail how hemp seeds differ from marijuana seeds, why the distinction matters, and what implications this has for growers, consumers, and anyone interested in cannabis. We’ll also clear up some myths and give you a better understanding of what kind of seeds you need depending on your goals. If you're looking for cannabis seeds to grow at home, check our catalogue at Mavericks Genetics for high-quality marijuana genetics.

What are hemp seeds?

Hemp seeds come from industrial hemp plants. These plants are cultivated primarily for their fibres, seeds, and oils—not for psychoactive effects. Hemp is rich in cannabidiol (CBD) and contains less than 0.3% THC, the cannabinoid responsible for the “high” feeling in marijuana.

Hemp seeds themselves contain no cannabinoids—they are the plant's reproductive material and are often sterilised before being sold for food or industrial purposes. They are extremely nutritious and are commonly used in:

• Food products (hemp hearts, protein powder, hemp milk)

• Skincare and cosmetic products

• Animal feed

• Industrial applications (biofuel, textiles, bioplastics)

What is marijuana?

Marijuana refers to cannabis plants that are cultivated and harvested specifically for their high THC content. Unlike hemp, marijuana plants are grown for their flowers, which contain concentrated levels of cannabinoids used for recreational or medicinal purposes.

Marijuana seeds grow into plants that can contain anywhere from 10% to over 30% THC, depending on the strain. These seeds are used by growers looking to cultivate psychoactive cannabis for smoking, vaping, or extraction.

Key differences between hemp seeds and marijuana seeds

Although both types of seeds may look similar, they have fundamental differences in composition, usage, and legality.

Can hemp seeds grow marijuana plants?

This is a common question, and the answer is no. Hemp seeds come from plants bred to produce almost no THC. Even if you were to germinate hemp seeds, the resulting plants would not produce psychoactive flowers.

In most cases, hemp seeds sold for consumption or industrial purposes are sterilised and non-viable, meaning they cannot be used to grow any kind of plant. Only viable marijuana seeds, like the ones available at Mavericks Genetics, can be used to grow potent cannabis plants.

Can marijuana seeds be considered hemp?

From a botanical standpoint, both hemp and marijuana come from the Cannabis sativa species. However, legal definitions do not rely on taxonomy—they are based on THC content. So, if a cannabis plant contains more than 0.3% THC, it's classified as marijuana, regardless of whether it was originally labelled “hemp.”

Therefore, a marijuana seed will always be intended to grow a plant with high THC and cannot be classified as hemp under current laws in most countries.

Nutritional value of hemp seeds

Hemp seeds are often marketed as a superfood. They are rich in:

• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

• High-quality plant protein (all essential amino acids)

• Fibre

• Vitamin E

• Magnesium, iron, and zinc

Because hemp seeds contain no cannabinoids, they are perfectly legal to eat and offer various health benefits. They will not make you high or trigger a drug test.

Can you smoke hemp?

Technically yes, but you won’t get high. Some hemp flower products are marketed for smoking, particularly those rich in CBD, which provides relaxation without intoxication. However, the seeds themselves are not used for smoking. Only the buds of the plant contain cannabinoids.

If your goal is to grow cannabis for smoking or extraction, hemp seeds are not what you want. Instead, you should look for high-quality feminised or autoflower marijuana seeds—like the ones at Mavericks Genetics—designed to produce resin-rich flowers.

Are hemp seeds legal?

Yes, in most countries, hemp seeds are legal—especially when sold for food or industrial use. In the United States, Canada, and most of Europe, you can buy hemp seeds in supermarkets, health food stores, and online. However, there are exceptions. Some countries restrict seed imports or require certification for planting industrial hemp.

It’s important to distinguish between:

• Hemp seeds for consumption (legal, non-viable)

• Hemp seeds for cultivation (regulated, often require licensing)

• Marijuana seeds (regulated or illegal depending on THC content and local laws)

Always check your local laws before buying or planting any type of cannabis seed.

Can hemp and marijuana cross-pollinate?

Yes, and this is a serious issue for growers. If a hemp plant releases pollen and fertilises a female marijuana plant, it will cause that plant to produce seeds and reduce its cannabinoid content. This is called pollination contamination.

For this reason, hemp and marijuana cultivation are often separated geographically. Commercial marijuana growers take great care to avoid any contact with hemp pollen to preserve the potency and yield of their flowers.

Why does the confusion between hemp and marijuana matter?

The confusion can lead to:

• Legal problems if someone unknowingly grows marijuana thinking it's hemp

• Disappointment if a grower expects to produce potent cannabis from hemp seeds

• Policy complications in regions where cannabis is regulated based on THC content

Understanding the differences helps you make informed choices—whether you're growing, consuming, or advocating for cannabis.

Summary: hemp seeds vs marijuana seeds

Let’s recap the most important points:

• Hemp seeds are non-psychoactive and used mainly for nutrition and industry

• Marijuana seeds are cultivated for THC-rich plants used recreationally or medicinally

• Hemp cannot get you high, while marijuana is bred specifically for that purpose

• Hemp seeds are legal almost everywhere, while marijuana seeds are regulated

• You cannot grow marijuana from hemp seeds, and vice versa

• Only viable cannabis seeds from trusted sources like Mavericks Genetics will yield the results you expect

Know what you're planting

Although hemp and marijuana share a common ancestry, their uses and legal status differ widely. If you want to grow cannabis for its psychoactive or medicinal effects, hemp seeds are not the solution. You need certified marijuana seeds with known THC and CBD profiles.

Whether you're a home grower or just curious about cannabis, understanding the distinction between hemp and marijuana is essential. Don't get confused by appearances—always buy seeds from trusted, knowledgeable sources.

If you're ready to start growing powerful genetics, visit Mavericks Genetics and explore our curated selection of feminised, regular, and autoflower seeds for all levels of experience.