Police are having a hard time distinguishing hemp and marijuana. This has resulted in legal headaches for many people. To shed light on the matter, here are some facts you need to know.

What Is the Difference Between Hemp & Marijuana?

At a glance, hemp and marijuana look the same because they both come from the Cannabis plant. They are distinct varieties. But the main difference you should be interested in is their chemical compositions. Marijuana contains about 5% or more of the psychoactive substance called THC — tetrahydrocannabinol. On the other hand, hemp has no more than 0.3% of THC. In other words, hemp cannot make you high.

Why Is Law Enforcement Having a Hard Time Differentiating Them?

Currently, the police lack training and education when it comes to hemp and marijuana. To make matters worse, they don’t have the proper field detection kits that can differentiate one from the other. This issue leads to false positive testing. While attorneys can eventually ask courts to drop charges, the whole experience can be distressing for hemp users.

How Should You Deal With an Arrest?

If you are arrested for possessing or using hemp or marijuana, you have every right to fight against the charges. Nevertheless, don’t forget to remain calm to avoid being viewed as hostile and uncooperative. Remember that you have the right to remain silent.  Oftentimes, the only way you can be convicted of a marijuana charge is if you confess that the substance is marijuana.  You do not have to consent to a search.  Make the officer get a search warrant.  You should have legal representation as soon as possible to resolve your case quickly. I represent a lot of people with drug charges, so please contact me if you are facing these types of charges.

If you’ve been arrested for using or carrying hemp or marijuana, contact Fulcher Law Firm today to have an experienced lawyer represent you. Residents in Anson, Montgomery and Stanly Counties can depend on  Fulcher Law to promptly deliver proper resolution on cases involving criminal law, family law, and traffic violations. Call them today at (704) 984-6060, or visit their website to leave a message.