Same effects. Totally different systems. Hemp-derived THC and medical marijuana both come from the cannabis plant—but how they’re made, sold, and regulated couldn’t be more different.
Let’s Start With the Basics
Hemp THC
- Comes from cannabis plants with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight
- Legal under the 2018 Farm Bill
- Can be sold in retail stores like Rad Dad
- Includes full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate products
- No medical card required
Medical Marijuana (aka Medical THC)
- Comes from cannabis plants with more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC
- Regulated by state medical programs
- Requires a doctor’s recommendation and card
- Only sold in licensed dispensaries
- Often carries higher THC content per dose
How They’re Made
- Hemp-derived THC is usually extracted from legal hemp plants and formulated into products like gummies, tinctures, or drinks. It’s often paired with CBD or minor cannabinoids to stay within compliance while still delivering effects.
- Medical THC is typically derived from high-THC cannabis plants bred for potency, and it’s often available in raw flower, vapes, oils, and capsules with much higher single-serving THC levels.
What About the Effects?
- Chemically, Delta-9 THC is Delta-9 THC—your body doesn’t know whether it came from hemp or cannabis.
- That said, dose matters more than source.
- A 5 mg hemp-derived gummy may feel identical to a 5 mg medical product.
- A 25 mg high-potency medical gummy will obviously hit harder.
Which One Should You Use?
Use Hemp-Derived THC if:
- You don’t qualify for a medical card
- You want to start with low to moderate doses
- You’re looking for legal, accessible relief without jumping through hoops
- You want non-combustible formats like drinks, tinctures, or gummies
Use Medical THC if:
- You need high-potency THC for chronic pain, seizures, or severe nausea
- You have a qualifying medical condition
- You live in a state with a strong medical program
- You want access to raw flower or concentrates not legally available through hemp
Rad Dad’s Take
We’re not anti-medical. We’re pro-access. Hemp-derived THC helps more people try cannabis safely and legally—especially in places where the medical system is slow, expensive, or overly restrictive.
For many of our customers, hemp THC is enough. And if you ever need something stronger, we’re happy to help you navigate that path too.
