In this blog post, I want to chat about the differences between CBD oil and hemp oil. These two ingredients have really taken off in the skincare world in the past few years, and I think it’s worth breaking them down a bit! Hemp oil is becoming increasingly recognised for its numerous health benefits and versatility in various applications.
Table of Contents
Marijuana, Hemp or Cannabis?
In plant identification terms, all three are referred to as Cannabis Sativa. They all come from the same plant species. In general parlance, the terms marijuana and cannabis are used interchangeably, but it wasn’t always like that.
In the early 20th Century, anti-cannabis groups started using the word marijuana more frequently as a racist term. They wanted to demonize Mexican immigrants into the US, and their intention was to evoke strong anti-immigrant feelings. The term “reefer madness” was intentionally used as derogatory language. These days, a lot of people are taking back the word marijuana. They use it on purpose to show they’re not like those narrow-minded bigots. It has also been used as a slang term “Mary-Jane”.
The scientific name “cannabis” comes from Latin and Greek and has a long history of use. Many organisations use this term to distance themselves from prejudiced views. That is my choice too.
Cannabis refers to the entire plant species and all varieties, so hemp and cannabis are the same plant. However, the specific varieties within that genus do differ considerably. Hemp oil is useful for cooking, skincare, and as a dietary supplement, making it a great addition to any wellness routine.
Cannabis vs Hemp
Cannabis contains THC and CBD in varying ratios. Recent selective plant cross-breeding has led to the development of many strains with high THC levels and almost no CBD content.
THC is the psychoactive compound which produces the feeling of being high. Even this term is confusing because being “high” makes many people think you are overexcited, energetic, and out of control. The “high” I enjoy most is a mix of quiet introspection, giggles, clear thinking, pain relief, reduced anxiety, muscle relaxation, and a sense of inner peace. Cannabis strains containing THC are used for recreational and medicinal use.
Recent advancements in cross-breeding and genetics have resulted in cannabis plants high in both THC and CBD. The terpene profile of the plant is also increasingly more important. You can read more about terpenes. This post covers the 14 Top Terpenes in Cannabis and Essential Oils.
Hemp, however, contains 0.3% or less THC by dry weight. That is not enough to feel high and so does not produce psychoactive effects. The term “psychoactive” is flexible. You might find the blog post CBD Is Psychoactive: Understanding the Benefits and Misconceptions interesting.
Moreover, the popularity of hemp oil has spurred interest in its applications in both culinary and beauty products.
Industrial hemp is grown for fibre, food, cosmetics, and hempcrete (hemp based concrete). Different strains of industrial hemp are cultivated to have higher levels of CBD which can be extracted for commercial use. Hemp is always grown outdoors because it is a vigorous grower and can get pretty tall. It’s crucial to understand the source of hemp oil to ensure you are receiving high-quality, pure oil. Choosing the right hemp oil can significantly impact your overall health and wellness journey.
Local legislation varies hugely across the world and in many places it is legal to grow hemp to produce hemp oil which is pressed from the seeds of the plant, so is more correctly called hempseed oil. The seeds are usually cold-pressed to extract the oil, which contains no THC.
Hemp oil offers omega fatty acids that are beneficial for heart health and skin hydration.
In some places it is not allowed to grow hemp to produce CBD oil. CBD is usually extracted from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant and CO2 extraction is a very effective way of collecting hemp extract.
How Do I Know if I Am Buying Good CBD Oil
Because of the extraction process, CBD oil is always more expensive than hemp oil. It’s a minefield though as labelling practices vary hugely. If possible, buy from a supplier that has a COA (Certificate Of Analysis) from an external assessor. Another way is to check the INCI on the label which tells you what else has been added to the oil.
When selecting hemp oil, look for cold-pressed options to maximise the health benefits.
Another way is to make it yourself. This blog shows you how Olive Oil and Cannabis Infused CBD for Skin and Hair Care.
Understanding these differences can help consumers make informed choices about their health and wellness products.
Conclusion
When comparing hemp seed oil and CBD oil, it’s important to understand that they are two different products. Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant and does not contain any CBD. Hemp oil and CBD oil serve different purposes, but both have their unique advantages. Integrating hemp oil into your daily routine can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being.
On the other hand, CBD oil comes from the hemp plant and is a hemp-derived CBD product. CBD oil can be full spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate, depending on the extraction process. Hemp seed oil mainly serves as a carrier oil, while CBD oil provides distinct benefits related to CBD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil?
Hemp oil and CBD oil are two different products derived from the hemp plant. While both are extracted from the same plant, they come from different parts and have different uses. Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant and does not contain significant amounts of CBD, whereas CBD oil is made from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the plant and is rich in CBD.
With the right knowledge, you can harness the full potential of hemp oil for your health.
What are the main benefits of CBD Oil?
The main benefits of CBD oil include its potential to reduce pain and inflammation, alleviate anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and promote overall wellness without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. These are the Top 10 Cannabis Strains With High CBD Levels.
How is Hemp Seed Oil different from CBD Oil?
Hemp seed oil is extracted solely from the seeds of the hemp plant and does not contain significant amounts of CBD. On the other hand, CBD oil is derived from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant and is rich in CBD content.
What are the benefits of Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp oil is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, promoting heart health, skin health, and general well-being. Hemp seed oil contains Vitamin E and is a great source of plant-based protein.
How is CBD Isolate different from Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?
CBD isolate is pure CBD with no other cannabinoids or compounds, while full-spectrum CBD oil includes various cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial elements from the hemp plant.
Can Hemp Seed Oil contain CBD?
Hemp seed oil usually has low levels of CBD because it is extracted from hemp seeds, which lack significant cannabinoids.
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