Overview
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Consumers and users looking to explore and figure out the benefits of cannabidiol or CBD are often confronted with some confusion regarding nomenclature and terminology. But worry not, cause we are here to help you out.
For starters, hemp oil and CBD oil are two completely different things. The former is used in cooking and beauty products, while the latter is commonly an oral tincture known to give its range of unique benefits. The confusion arises since both these oils are created and extracted from hemp but are different when it comes to the extraction process and its benefit.
We will be discussing what hemp oil is and what CBD oil is to help you decide which one you will need.
Hemp Oil
Hemp Oil is more commonly referred to by many as hemp seed oil. Unlike the CBD oil extracted from the whole plant, the hemp oil is extracted from the hemp plant seeds. Hemp seeds usually contain high nutritional value and antioxidants, so they are mainly used in the kitchen to cook meals and salads, and incorporated in beauty products. The benefits of hemp oil are entirely different from CBD oil since they do not contain cannabinoids. The absence of cannabinoids basically means that hemp oil will not affect our endocannabinoid system the same way that CBD oil will. Aside from its use in health and beauty, hemp oils are also used in paints, lubricants, fuel, and other significant household products.
CBD Oil
CBD or cannabidiol oil is a supplement in oil form that is majorly infused with CBD extracted from cannabis plants. Cannabidiol, as we all know, is a cannabinoid compound that is most abundant in cannabis plants and can be derived at times from hemp plants. CBD oil is made using the entire plant and not just the seeds. CBD has many benefits and is indeed a very therapeutic substance with the ability to aid in treating numerous illnesses and conditions such as chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and sleeping disorders.
CBD oils provide calming and relaxing effects without the psychoactive properties that can be brought about by THC. In other words, CBD will not give you a “high” that you would achieve with THC. There are many ways to consume CBD, and you can pick whichever you are comfortable with. You may take it sublingually, orally, topically, or incorporated it into your food. There are truly many ways CBD can improve your way of living, and you can read them here.
Comparison between hemp oil and CBD oil
The main difference between these two oils is that the hemp oil does not contain cannabidiol or THC, the way the CBD oil does. Remember that these are two completely different substances even though they come from the same plant, and their names are used interchangeably.
Method of CBD oil and hemp oil production
The hemp oil and CBD oil are very different in their composition and the production method, and they go through. Hemp oil is made through cold-press extraction with the use of only hemp seeds. The CBD oil is created through more complicated and high technology extraction techniques and the whole hemp plant. Extraction of CBD oil is commonly done through using CO2 or extraction with the use of solvents. Appearance-wise, hemp oil shows a dark green color, while the CBD oil is commonly shows a bright golden shade to brown hues.
CBD content
The CBD content is a very significant matter when it comes to choosing which oil to use. This should not be hard to identify and determine since products with CBD are all made with labels that display the specific content of CBD per unit or serving. The hemp plant is naturally abundant in CBD, and since CBD oils are extracted using the entire plant, they contain high levels of CBD. CBD oils may also contain other natural compounds such as terpenes and phytocannabinoids. Hemp oils, on the other hand, since they are extracted using only the hemp seeds, contain very little to no amount of CBD.
Use and purpose
Since hemp oils and CBD oils are entirely different products, their applications and usage differ. Hemp oils are generally used for cooking and salad assembly. They are also commonly found in beauty products for hair and skin care. Hemp oil is very beneficial for health and beauty because of its nourishing vitamins, antioxidants, and moisturizing qualities.
CBD oils, on the other hand, are oral tinctures that can be taken orally or sublingually. CBD oil is also the main component of other CBD products such as edibles, topicals, etc. CBD oils are mostly used medicinally or just for mere relaxation and relief from stress and fatigue.
Hemp oil and CBD oil are both derived from the Cannabis sativa plant but have different properties, uses, and legal considerations. Here’s an informative comparison:
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: Differences
- Source:
- Hemp Oil: Extracted from the seeds of industrial hemp.
- CBD Oil: Derived from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant or marijuana.
- Legal Aspects:
- Hemp Oil: Free from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), hence no legal restrictions.
- CBD Oil: Legal under the 2018 Farm Bill in the U.S. if derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC. State and local laws may vary.
- Cannabinoid Content:
- Hemp Oil: Lacks cannabinoids like CBD or THC.
- CBD Oil: Contains cannabinoids, including CBD, and may include other beneficial compounds.
- Health Benefits:
- Hemp Oil: Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin E, beneficial for heart health, and skin, hair, and nail improvement.
- CBD Oil: Used for anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, cancer-related symptoms, arthritis, and epilepsy. CBD oil is the only FDA-approved usage of CBD for treating epilepsy.
- Entourage Effect:
- Hemp Oil: Does not produce the entourage effect (synergistic interaction of cannabis compounds).
- CBD Oil: May produce the entourage effect, especially in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum varieties, enhancing its therapeutic benefits.
- Usage:
- Hemp Oil: Often used for nutritional purposes, in cooking, and as a skin moisturizer.
- CBD Oil: Used both internally for its therapeutic properties and topically for skin conditions.
- Availability:
- Hemp Oil: Widely available without restrictions.
- CBD Oil: Availability varies depending on legal regulations in different areas.
- Product Labeling and Quality:
- Hemp Oil: Typically does not come with third-party lab reports.
- CBD Oil: Reputable brands provide third-party lab reports and Certificates of Analysis (COA).
Conclusion
Hemp oil and CBD oil are both from the hemp plant or variants of the cannabis plants. Although they are very different, both oils provide tons of benefits to the human body. CBD is more on its medical potential, while hemp oil is best chosen for its nutritional value. Both CBD oil and hemp oil can greatly help; you just need to determine the benefits you need and the effects you desire to achieve.