Hemp, cannabis indica, marijuana, hashish, cannabis : In everyday speech these words are often used interchangeably. In reality, some describe the same plant, while others describe very different uses of it. In this article we go through each term, explain the difference between THC and CBD, and summarize the legal framework in Turkey.
In short: what does each word mean?
| Term | What it means | THC level |
|---|---|---|
| Hemp | The common name for the Cannabis sativa L. plant. It refers to the plant grown for fiber, seeds and flowers. | Varies by variety |
| Industrial hemp | Varieties grown for fiber, seeds and oil, with a THC content kept below the legal limit. | 0.3% limit in the European Union |
| Cannabis indica | A species of Indian origin and the varieties descended from that lineage. The term is mostly used in the market. | Can be high depending on the variety |
| Marijuana | Dried flowers and leaves of THC-rich varieties, used as a drug. | High |
| Hashish | Pressed resin of the cannabis plant, made from its glands. It is more concentrated than the flowers. | High |
What is cannabis indica?
The term cannabis indica refers to the species originally described in India, which is where its name comes from. Today, botanists still debate how to draw the line between sativa, indica and ruderalis. The "sativa" and "indica" labels used in the market mostly describe a plant's height and appearance, and do not reliably tell you its chemical makeup. Rather than the label, it is wiser to look at the product's THC and CBD lab results.
Marijuana and hashish: what are they?
Marijuana is the dried flowers and leaves of THC-rich varieties. Hashish is the resin of the cannabis plant, pressed into slabs or balls, and it is more concentrated than the flowers. In both cases we are talking about drugs, not industrial hemp or CBD products.
What is THC?
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the best-known psychoactive compound in the hemp plant. It interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and produces the "high". Its level is high in varieties used as drugs, but kept below the legal limit in industrial varieties.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid found in hemp that, unlike THC, does not produce a "high". The World Health Organization's 2017 assessment concluded that pure CBD shows no potential for abuse or dependence. A CBD-based medicine was approved in the United States in 2018 for some severe forms of epilepsy. Beyond that, the evidence for many claims about CBD products is still limited, and research is ongoing.
The quality of CBD products on the market (oils, flowers, gummies and so on) can vary widely. That is why you should prefer products backed by an independent lab analysis report (COA). This is exactly the angle from which we compare products at Big CBD Product.
What is industrial hemp?
Industrial hemp is the cultivation of varieties with a THC content below the legal limit, grown for fiber, seeds and oil. In the European Union, the THC limit for certified industrial hemp varieties is 0.3%. The plant is used to make textiles, paper, building materials (hempcrete), animal bedding, food and cosmetics. For the food side, see our article on the benefits of hemp seeds.
What is medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis is the use of substances derived from cannabis under medical supervision, as a licensed medicine or preparation. In terms of control, dosage and quality standards, it is entirely separate from using marijuana as a drug. In Turkey, a regulation on medical cannabis came before the Grand National Assembly (TBMM) in 2025. To learn the current status and scope of the law, check the official sources.
Legal framework in Turkey
- Growing hemp is not free. The regulation published in the Official Gazette (Resmi Gazete) of 29 September 2016, Kenevir Yetiştiriciliği ve Kontrolü Hakkında Yönetmelik (Regulation on Hemp Cultivation and Control), allows cultivation for fiber, seeds and stalks under certain conditions and with a permit. The application is made to the local administrative authority where the crop will be grown.
- Growing hemp without a permit, and possessing or selling narcotics, fall under criminal law.
- We could not find a single, clear rule on the sale and import of CBD products in Turkey. For reliable information, consult a specialist lawyer or the relevant authority.
This page is not legal advice. Regulations may change.
Frequently asked questions
Are hemp and marijuana the same plant?
They come from the same plant species. The difference lies in the variety's THC level and the intended use. Industrial hemp is grown for fiber, seeds and oil. Marijuana is the flowers of THC-rich varieties.
Does CBD oil get you high?
CBD does not produce a psychoactive "high". However, some products may contain residual THC. So check the THC value in the lab report.
Are hemp seeds and CBD oil the same thing?
No. The seed is a food and does not contain the cannabinoids found in the flower. CBD oil is an extract made from flowers and leaves.
Is cannabis indica stronger than hemp?
It is not a matter of species or label, but of the chemical makeup of the variety. Only a lab analysis shows the real THC and CBD levels.
This article is for general information only. It is not medical or legal advice.