Hemp oil vs CBD oil by Jessica Rosslee at CBD Origin
It’s true that CBD and hemp oils aren’t exactly the same thing, but they are related. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between the two.
Hemp and CBD oil have entered the mainstream after being featured in many high-end magazines and beauty blogs. They are making their rounds on the internet, too. While they’re a bit of a rage, these two terms can be confused with one another. So, what is the difference between them? And how do you use them to improve your overall health? Let’s get into the details now:
At a Glance: A Quick Look at Hemp Oil and CBD Oil
Hemp oil and CBD oil come from the Cannabis sativa plant. The difference between the two is simple: hemp oil comes strictly from the hemp plant, whereas CBD can be sourced from the leaves and flowers of either the hemp or marijuana types of the cannabis plant.
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil
Want a little more detail? Let’s dive into the similarities as well as the key differentiators.
Hemp oil and CBD oil have hit the market recently, making their way into everything from lotions to pet toys. With so much confusion around the legality of hemp oils and CBD oils, it’s hard for consumers to understand what exactly they are purchasing. At the most basic level, you can think of hemp oil as a food ingredient (one that comes from a plant) and CBD oil as a beauty product (to be applied topically or on hair/skin). While hemp may be used to produce jewelry, clothing, and other accessories. CBD is typically sold as a liquid in dropper bottles or any other packaging that dispenses its contents.
There’s a lot of confusing marketing out there that leads to confusion, so hopefully, this post will help provide some clarity.
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: Is it the Same Thing?
The answer is not as straightforward as you might like. Now let’s see why.
CBD oil is typically extracted from hemp for several reasons. Hemp is the legal golden child of the cannabis plant family, making it the easier choice for the manufacturer. But hemp also contains much higher levels of CBD than other strains of marijuana. But don’t use that as a blanket statement- I’ve come across some strains that have excessive levels of both CBD and THC.
And in case you didn’t know. If a plant contains more than 0.3% THC, it no longer qualifies as hemp.
If a product states’ hemp oil’, make sure to check the ingredient list for CBD if that’s what you are looking for. Many innovative companies will market their products, hoping that people like you and me will purchase their hemp oil with the idea that we are getting a great deal of CBD oil. But here’s the thing, if the price is too good to be true, then, well, you’re probably right- it definitely is too good to be true! And it likely contains less than 0.3% CBD, never mind the infamous 0.3% THC number.
But, the tricky part is that since CBD is extracted from hemp plants, it can technically be called hemp oil- right?
Your safest bet? Just check the ingredients list. And if you still have a funny feeling about it, then request the brand’s third-party test results, and if they can’t produce them? Well, find another CBD oil.
Hemp and marijuana are both members of the cannabis family. You’ve probably heard of both, but you might not know what they are or how they’re different. Which is essential to understand when you’re thinking about taking any hemp or CBD products.
Cannabis plants contain various compounds called cannabinoids, and there are two that we’re most familiar with: THC and CBD. THC has psychoactive effects and will get you high, while CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects. Hemp plants contain mostly CBD, which is why you can take hemp oil to manage your stress without worrying about the side effects.*
Hemp oil and CBD oil are similar, but they’re not interchangeable.
Main Differences Between CBD Oil and Hemp Oil
Hemp oil and CBD (cannabidiol) oil are made from the hemp plant. But there’s a difference!
While they both come from the same plant, hemp oil extract and CBD oil are different products. Hemp oil and CBD oil are both extracted from the cannabis plant, but they’re quite different. Hemp oil is a cannabinoid-rich extract that contains over 140 beneficial cannabinoids that produce the entourage effect. On the other hand, CBD oil is either an isolated extract of cannabinoids: cannabidiol, a broad spectrum CBD oil, or a full-spectrum CBD oil. The latter two contain a similar make-up to that of hemp oil. CBD oil can have similar effects to hemp oil. Still, it’s essential to know that they aren’t exactly the same thing, especially how concering they’re made. In fact, there are three main differences between hemp oil and CBD oil. Those differences are:
- Where the oil comes from
- How the oil is made
- What the oil is made of
These three points are the three key differentiators when it comes to hemp and CBD oil:
- Where they come from
Some CBD oil is made from marijuana, but it is safe to say this is quite rare. Most CBD oils are extracted from the hemp plant.
- How they’re made
While hemp oil is the extracted oils and cannabinoids from the hemp plant, some CBD oils will only extract the CBD cannabinoid (in the case of CBD isolate).
Hemp oil is an extraction of the hemp plant’s stalk and/or flowers that contain all kinds of beneficial compounds found in the plant.
On the other hand, CBD (cannabidiol) oil is an extraction of one particular compound: cannabidiol. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from a cannabis plant and then diluting it with a coconut oil or hemp seed oil carrier. You may also see it as cannabis oil. Still, hemp seed oil is used for culinary purposes like salad dressing and making skin creams.
- What they’re made of
This refers once again to the cannabinoid content. If we are talking about CBD isolate, then hemp and CBD oil will differ because CBD oil contains only the CBD cannabinoid. In contrast, hemp oil contains a broad inclusion of all available cannabinoids and terpenes.
Hemp Oil: A Closer Look
You’ve probably heard about hemp oil by now. Maybe you’ve even tried it! Hemp oil is legally safe, and it will not get you high. It’s not surprising that some of you might be wondering, “What is hemp?” After all, it seems like it’s everywhere these days! But what is it, and what does it do?
Well, hemp is a plant in the family of flowering plants that includes hops and cannabis. It grows tall, has large leaves and small flowers, and comes in various colors.
Hemp oil contains less than 0.3% THC—commonly known as the psychoactive agent in marijuana. And it’s legal in all 50 states.
When hemp oil products began to emerge in the U.S. market around 2010, some confusion arose from these products’ marketing and labeling. Some companies were selling hemp seed oil (which contains no THC) under the guise of health benefits derived from CBDs in hemp seed oil, leading people to believe that it was a very potent product. But this is simply not true or accurate.
Even though it is legal to sell and purchase hemp oil products in all 50 states. You should be aware that they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration like other health supplements and medicines are. So you won’t find any information about potential side effects or interactions with other medications or supplements on the packaging or the brand website because there’s no regulation there!
Hemp oil is an extract from cannabis sativa L. that contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and is legal in all 50 states, even those that do not have an official legalization policy. In addition, the hemp plant contains only trace amounts of THC, which is less than the amount contained in a glass of wine.
If you are worried about getting high from hemp oil, you can stop worrying now! If you have questions about hemp oil and its legality, please get in touch with your local representative office.
Did you know that hemp oil contains more than 140 different cannabinoids and can be used to help with a whole bunch of things, like supporting sleep, supporting your digestion, or supporting your immune system?
Now you know!
What are the Benefits of Hemp Oil?
Are you wondering how hemp oil extract can help you? As a rich source of cannabinoids—cannabidiol, cannabigerol, cannabichromene, tetrahydrocannabinol, and terpenes like myrcene, pinene, and limonene—hemp oil extract imparts the entourage effect and provides numerous benefits. Here are just a few ways hemp oil extract can help you:
- Reduce pain associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
- Promote healthy bone growth
- Support healthy skin; hemp oil extract may help heal burns, acne, and other skin conditions.
- Support a healthy mood
- Ease anxiety
What About Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp oil is derived from hemp seeds harvested from the cannabis plant (although it is not a very concentrated source of cannabinoid content). Hemp seed oil is widely used for cooking, as it has a higher smoke point than other common cooking oils. It also has a wide variety of health benefits, such as its ability to help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.
What are the Main Differences Between Hemp Seed Oil and Hemp Oil?
- Hemp seed oil is made using hemp seeds.
- Hemp oil is made using other hemp plant parts like stalks, leaves, and flowers.
- Hemp seed oil is mainly for culinary purposes and makes an excellent oil to add to things like salads (for one example)
- You can use hemp oil in a similar manner to CBD oil, and it might even contain a rich array of both terpenes and cannabinoids.
- Hemp seed oil does not contain any terpenes or cannabinoids.
What About CBD oil?
CBD oil is extracted from other parts of the cannabis plant. The most well-known type of CBD oil is full-spectrum CBD oil, which contains all of the cannabinoids and terpenes naturally found in the plant. Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains most but not all of these compounds, while isolate CBD oil contains only cannabidiol itself.
You can purchase CBD oil in its isolated form or in full- or broad-spectrum products I mentioned above. Full-spectrum products offer the most therapeutic benefits because they contain many terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds that all work together to produce an entourage effect. But maybe I’m biased because my favorite products are full-spectrum. Let’s take a closer look at all three different kinds of CBD oil.
All About Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Full-spectrum CBD oil is a great way to supplement your regular diet and create some balance in your body. But what is full-spectrum CBD oil, exactly?
Basically, it’s the whole shebang. CBD comes from the hemp plant, and full-spectrum CBD oil includes all of those compounds that naturally occur in hemp. So you’re getting all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, amino acids, fatty acids… the works. Everything but the kitchen sink!
Here are Some Reasons you May Want to Consider Adding Full-Spectrum CBD Oil to Your Diet
- It’s been shown to effectively treat seizures caused by certain types of epilepsy.
- It may help to reduce instances of pain and inflammation.
- CBD has been shown to have antioxidant properties and may help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression
As you can see, there’s some good stuff going on here! And because it’s not a pharmaceutical medication, it doesn’t carry the same side effects that can come with prescription treatments. But remember: if you do decide to try out full-spectrum CBD oil as part of your daily routine, make sure you’re doing it safely.
Pros and Cons of Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Pros
- Rish and diverse nutrient profile
- When it is sourced from hemp, there is naturally no THC but still has a range of terpenes and cannabinoids to benefit from
- The is a diverse range of products with full-spectrum CBD oil.
Cons
- It might contain trace amounts of THC or even higher amounts of THC when it is sourced from cannabis strains (and not just hemp)
- It might contain lower levels of CBD than CBD Isolate.
What about Broad Spectrum CBD Oil?
Broad and full spectrum are both quite similar. The main difference between them is that full-spectrum contains the full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids. On the other hand, broad-spectrum will contain a more extensive range than isolate but will not contain some cannabinoids such as THC. If you are not sure about a CBD oil product’s cannabinoid and terpenes levels, it is best to simply check the third-party lab reports.
What About CBD Isolate?
Before we get into the details of this type of CBD, let’s talk a little bit about what it’s not.
CBD isolate oil is an isolated extraction of one particular cannabinoid, cannabidiol. This means that the product is made strictly from CBD and doesn’t contain any other cannabinoids or terpenes. The compounds in marijuana give each strain its own unique scent and flavor. There is little room for product variation because it is just the sole cannabinoid without other terpenes or cannabinoids. Therefore it’s more likely to have a consistent effect for you over time.
Isolate CBD products do not contain any other active compounds. That means no THC, terpenes, or other cannabinoids. You will not find even trace amounts of these compounds in isolate CBD. It is also important to note that isolated CBD does not contain plant matter. The plant is processed to remove all plant material except for the cannabidiol.
You are left with a product that contains nothing but pure cannabidiol—a crystalline powder or oil that is often over 99% pure. Isolate CBD products provide a concentrated dose of CBD that you can use to create your own unique products at home, such as tinctures and salves.
CBD isolate oil comes in various concentrations and strains (like hemp seed oil, it’s available as an unfiltered version). So you can choose exactly what works best for you. And CBD isolate oils tend to be more affordable than full-spectrum CBD oils and hemp seed oil. CBD Isolate is precisely as the name suggests- the isolated cannabinoid, and it will not contain any terpenes or cannabinoids.
Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid, but it’s not the same kind that gets you high if you smoke marijuana. According to the National Cancer Institute, cannabidiol is a chemical in cannabis that doesn’t cause any mind-altering effects by itself but may be taken along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for medical use. Unlike THC, cannabidiol won’t make you feel “high” or euphoric. All the benefits without any psychoactive effects (no high here!).
Pros and Cons of Using CBD Isolate
Pros
- Mostly over 99% CBD concentration
- High value (due to high CBD concentration)
- Zero THC
- Easy to gauge dosages
Cons
- No benefits from the ‘entourage effect.’
Which CBD Oil is Best?
If you’re worried about the high feeling, then broad-spectrum is probably best for you. But if you’re looking to take advantage of all that CBD oil has to offer, then go with full-spectrum—you won’t regret it!
My Favourite CBD Oils
Best Overall CBD Brand: Nuleaf Naturals CBD Oil Products
Best CBD Isolate: CBDistillery CBD Isolate Oil
Why I Love This One
There are only two ingredients in this oil. Although the price is slightly higher than others in a similar bracket, I choose this isolate. Their lab reports and COA are super easy to find (and understand), so I can trust this company! CBDistillery uses third-party testing (certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority). So I know that before these products hit the market, they are already certified by an independent testing authority. This is one of the most important features of a CBD product for me! The CBDistillery isolate comes in three potencies, similar to a Goldilock’s porridge scenario; a lighter one (17 milligrams of CBD per serving), a medium one (33 milligrams of CBD per serving), and a more potent one (83 milligrams of CBD per serving). I appreciate that there are only two ingredients in this oil, MCT and CBD.
Best Broad Spectrum CBD Oil: cbdMD CBD Oil Tincture
Why I Love This One
Sure, there may be a few negative reviews related to customer service on third-party websites. Still, I personally have never had a problem with their customer service. Out of three different brands, cbdMD’s customer reps were the only company to come back to me with an answer that I could actually use. The broad-spectrum CBD oil from cbdMD is my go-to if I get a broad spectrum CBD oil. The certificate of analysis is available directly from the product page, which, as you can tell, is one of the most important features of a CBD brand. All of cbdMD’s products go through third-party lab reports, and all of their results are easy to find.
Best Full Spectrum CBD Oil: FAB Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Why I Love This One
All FAB CBD products are made from organically grown hemp, one of the most critical features of any CBD product (in my opinion). While the products are not batch tested, you can easily find the full-spectrum CBD oil’s COA on the website. Because they are made from hemp, the FAB Full Spectrum blend is free from noticeable levels of THC! This brand’s oil also comes in numerous flavors, if that’s what you are looking for. I prefer the natural flavor, but I am also aware that some people struggle with the flavor and taste of regular CBD oil.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana?
Answer: There are two major types of cannabis plants: hemp and marijuana. Though both hemp and marijuana contain many cannabinoids, each type contains high levels of a different cannabinoid: hemp contains high levels of CBD and low levels of THC; marijuana contains high levels of THC and low levels of CBD.
Question: Will Hemp Oil Make Me Sleepy?
Answer: Hemp oil will not make you sleepy or tired but rather support a healthy mindset and reduce feelings of stress.
As we all know, stress is one of the leading killers in America today. It can lead to several health problems. But Hemp Oil might be a natural solution for supporting minimized stress levels and creating a healthier lifestyle for yourself. While more research still needs to be done on this topic, it’s clear that Hemp Oil has some promising potential to help us all stay focused at work!
Question: What is the Difference Between Hemp Seed Oil and Hemp Oil?
Answer: Hemp seed oil is exactly as the name suggests. It is made by pressing the oil from the hemp seeds. Hemp oil is made using seeds, flowers, leaves, and stalks. This might not seem like a significant difference. Still, it is important because the seeds do not contain any terpenes or cannabinoids (unlike the leaves and flowers, which are rich in cannabinoids and terpenes). This means that hemp seed oil is more likely to be used as a stock item in the pantry. Unlike CBD oil used to reduce anxiety, improve mental clarity, or other potential benefits people enjoy using CBD for.
A Final Note
While it might not be as versatile and healthy as hemp oil, CBD isolates still has plenty of benefits to offer you. Especially since you’re only ingesting one kind of cannabinoid (rather than a bunch). In fact, studies show that CBD isolate could have positive impacts on patients who have epilepsy, diabetes, PTSD, and even chronic pain. Not bad!
So the next time you’re searching for a way to chill out after a stressful day, try something new. Give CBD oil a try! Now, before you take off to go find your local hemp dealer, know that CBD products are widely available online these days, and there’s no reason to smoke it. You can eat it or apply it topically. Products like NuLeaf Naturals CBD Oil are made with organic CBD extract and just happens to be one of my personal favorites.
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