With the passing of the U.S. farm bill in 2018, there has been an influx of hemp-derived Cannabidiol (CBD) based products on the market. From oils, edibles, and even beauty products, you can’t have missed hearing about this potent remedy. While many have heard about CBD, there appears to be confusion about the product’s exact nature. The most common misconception is the confusion between hemp oil and CBD oil, which are often considered the same.
So what is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil? You need to understand that both are different products, each with their own definitions and unique characteristics that cause different effects on the body. Knowing these differences is crucial in selecting the right product for optimal user experience. Here is everything you need to know about the properties of hemp and CBD oil that make them different.
CBD vs Hemp Oil
Extraction Methods
CBD and hemp oil are derived from the same plant, which is known as cannabis sativa. This is most likely the root of the confusion; however, they are extracted from different parts of the plant and are processed very differently, resulting in differing properties.
CBD oil is extracted from leaves, flowers, and stalks, which is where the cannabinoid-rich resin is found. There are different methods of extraction that result in different potencies, but the most commonly used extraction methods are through solvents or CO2. The result is a pale yellow or even an amber-gold oil that contains a high level of CBD.
Hemp oil is a Cannabis Sativa variety but it is cold-pressed from the seeds of the plant. The process is much faster than the extraction of CBD. Hemp seeds are taken, cleaned, and crushed, and the residue is separated to release a clear green oil, which is known as hemp seed oil or hemp oil. Hemp seed oil has no or very few traces of CBD in it.
Concentration of THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is an active compound of the cannabis plant which causes the feeling of being high. When it comes to understanding the difference in THC levels in both CBD and hemp oil, you need to understand that there are two types of cannabis plants, Cannabis Sativa, and Cannabis Indica. Sativa may contain less than 0.3% THC, whereas Indica usually has a higher amount of the psychoactive compound. This is why hemp oil from the Sativa plant has little or no THC and, therefore, does not have any mind-altering properties.
CBD oil can be derived from both variations of the cannabis plant, where a cannabis Indica derivative results in a stronger psychoactive oil. However, it is to be noted that currently in the United States, only CBD oil derived from the Sativa or more precisely hemp plant is legalized owing to the low concentrations of THC. Marijuana is still not legal on a federal level, but most states have legalized a form of it, which is why you will see an abundance of hemp-derived CBD products on the market.
Usage and Benefits
The industry is currently exploding with CBD and hemp oil products that are being used in multiple ways in the health and wellness industry. However, owing to their differing properties, both products have different types of benefits that they offer.
CBD oil is consumed in various ways, depending on the preference of the consumer and the benefit they are trying to reap. They are most commonly available as tinctures or oils that are placed beneath the tongue for sublingual intake. Other usage methods include consuming it in the form of edibles. They can also be used via topical application in the form of lotions and creams. The abundance of products on the market is due to the association of CBD with many health benefits. CBD oil is useful for pain relief because of its anti-inflammatory properties, especially for patients with arthritis. It also helps with treating anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s and has shown considerable benefits in obtaining healthy-looking skin.
Hemp oil, on the other hand, is mostly turned to as a nutrition supplement. It is used in hair and skincare, and cooking oil used to make food, especially salads. Because of its properties, hemp oil also offers different health benefits; the first is that it is considered a powerhouse for nutrition. Because it is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, hemp oil is a superfood for your diet. Being rich in gamma linoleic acid, it can help reduce inflammation caused by menopause, thereby alleviating its symptoms. Another great benefit of hemp oil is that its fatty acids help treat skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and eczema.
Parting Thoughts
You might be ready to start your CBD journey but knowing the basics is the first step. While confusion remains, using them interchangeably does not cause much harm.
The only drawback is that if you end up using hemp products seeking the benefits of CBD, you might get disappointed when the results don’t satisfy you. Therefore, knowing the difference is essential, and so is buying the right product. Be sure to read the labels. They will tell you the nature of ingredients in the product correctly when you’re shopping for one.
Did you find our guide to CBD and hemp oil useful? Or are you already a user? Let us know your thoughts on which out of the two you prefer in the comment section below.
