I recently got into a debate with someone about the positive use of hemp. I was dumbfounded when he thought hemp was the same thing as marijuana. Although they both come from a cannabis plant, they are very different.

It has been an entire year since President Obama signed Section 7606 of the Farm Bill into law, which legalized the production of hemp. The U.S. House passed the hemp amendment in order to allow research to begin and determine whether commercial production would be beneficial for American farmers and businesses.

Too many people confuse marijuana with hemp. The common misconception is that both of these plants can get you high. I read recently that telling the difference between hemp and marijuana is like telling the difference between a husky and a greyhound: both are dogs, but one is a worker and the other loves the sensation of running. They may look related but physically, chemically, socially and genetically they are distinct.

Hemp is a fiber and seed crop, whereas marijuana is a flower garden. The purpose of the plant is the real distinction. Marijuana has an abundance of THC, which is what causes a high, while hemp usually consists of a very low percentage of THC, around 0.03.

It’s hard to stop talking about hemp once you get started. With an estimate of 25,000 to 50,000 commercial products that can be produced, it’s an unparalleled natural resource. It produces extraordinary amounts of cellulose, which is one of the building stones of modern industry. It is critical for reforestation and erosion control and can greatly reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides, and toxic chemicals in its cultivation and production cycles. One of the best parts is that producing it can provide numerous jobs.

Let’s not stop there. You can take advantage of the nutritional properties of hemp in three different ways: seeds, oil, and protein.

When it comes to nutrition, nothing really beats hemp seed. It contains three essential fatty acids, edestin and eight essential proteins. These little seeds give you the complete nutritional power of hemp with their blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fats, high fiber content and quality amino acid profile. They are also high in magnesium, a mineral that helps with relaxation, blood sugar control, blood pressure and, potentially, osteoporosis.

Hemp oil can be found in many skin beauty products, like soaps, and can be used to cook with in the kitchen. It can also be used in paints and lubricants, and as a body care product. It may be rubbed directly onto the skin to treat cracked, dry skin, or it can be blended into body oils, body creams and other personal care products.

Hemp has a long history in America and has encompassed a wide range of products, such as paper, oils, cosmetics, and textiles. American industrial hemp production peaked in 1943, with more than 150 million pounds from 146,200 harvested acres. But production dropped to zero in the late 1950s as a result of “anti-drug sentiment and competition from synthetic fibers,” according to The Associated Press.

Thankfully, hemp has become more accepted with its legalization. To date, 20 states have removed barriers to industrial hemp production. Just this past December, under the $1.1 trillion federal spending bill, industrial hemp also received new protections from the Drug Enforcement Administration. My only hope is that more people see the positive impact hemp can and will have on our nation if they would just educate themselves.