CBD Oil or Hemp Oil: What's the difference?

Recently, I have noticed many consumers being confused about the differences between CBD oil and hemp oil. To help clear the confusion, I have created this article on the differences between the two. The companies creating hemp oil and even CBD oil are mainly responsible for creating the confusion. Not all are responsible, but many companies have been ”green washing” their product to take advantage of the CBD trend. Some hemp oil companies will even label their product as “Cannabis Sativa Oil.”

    Yes, CBD oil and hemp oil are extracted from the same plant. However, the oils contain different medicinal properties and compounds. To start, hemp oil is extracted from the cannabis seed through a cold press extraction process. The seed is pressed to extract the oil contained in the seed. The oil contains no cannabinoids, which are found naturally in the plant matter. The leftover shell casing from the seed is commonly eaten as a food. This is usually referred to as “hemp hearts” or "hemp meal." Many consumers add the hemp hearts to oatmeal, smoothies, and even baking recipes.

Watch a cold press in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhEen_oA4Bo

    CBD oil is commonly extracted from the cannabis flower material or “buds.” The oil can be extracted in many ways. It is commonly extracted through a CO2 extraction process or by combining the CBD with fatty oils through heat. The CBD can be whole plant extract, commonly referred to as full-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate, which contains only CBD. As mentioned in our article here, whole plant extract CBD contains all the cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis plant. This creates an “Entourage Effect” in which the effects of each cannabinoid are magnified when used together.

CBD Oil

Cannabidiol or “CBD” is one of the many cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis plant. As mentioned above, full spectrum CBD has the most medicinal value. More details on the differences between full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate can be found in our article here.

    CBD oil can treat many different ailments. CBD is anti-inflammatory and an anti-depressant. CBD can treat various mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and stress. It can prevent acne as well. Many baby boomers have started using the oil to treat skin conditions such as eczema, and dry skin. CBD can benefit those suffering from muscle pain, joint pain, insomnia, and epilepsy. There are many other medicinal benefits from CBD. Clinical research is still in the beginning stages, but we will begin to see more information as the cannabis plant becomes less stigmatized and more legal.

    CBD oil is commonly derived from hemp to limit the concentration of THC. Industrial hemp contains less than 0.3% THC. Users will not experience any psychoactive effects. However, the small concentration is still beneficial when used with all the cannabinoids. CBD can be derived from psychoactive marijuana, but the oil will typically contain larger amounts of THC. This can be beneficial for cancer patients or those that want to experience the effects, but don’t want to get too high.

Hemp Oil

    As mentioned above, hemp oil or “hemp seed oil” is extracted from the cannabis seed. The oil is cold pressed to extract the oil. An example of the process can be seen here. Even though CBD oil and hemp oil are different, hemp oil is still beneficial for your body. The oil is high in antioxidants and contains an ideal ratio of omega’s 3 and 6. In addition, the oil contains all the essential amino acids. This can be very helpful for those adding hemp hearts or hemp oil to their diet. 25% of the calories in hemp seed or “hemp hearts” are from protein. When compared to flax or chia seed, hemp seed contains 7% more protein.

    Hemp oil has been widely used for years. Before Industrial hemp was legalized in the U.S., it was commonly seen in natural food stores. This was legal because the oil contains no cannabinoids, which were illegal at the time. The oil is beneficial, but companies need to specify what is contained in their product.

Clear the Confusion

    CBD and cannabis products are becoming very popular in the U.S. The U.S. CBD hemp market is expected to triple by 2022. This is exciting news for CBD companies, but the industry needs more regulation for the labeling of products. So far, there is no regulation for the processing of CBD and hemp oil. This gives companies the ability to confuse consumers with misleading labels.

    Both hemp oil and CBD oil are beneficial, but the medicinal benefits are vastly different. Hemp oil is a good option for those living in an area where cannabis is highly illegal. The oil can be an ideal choice for those subject to drug screening tests or generally nervous about the plant. The oil can be used for preventive care as well. CBD oil is the better choice for those wanting to experience the medicinal benefits found in the many different cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. This is best for cancer patients and those suffering from mental illness. All in all, do your research prior to buying. Research the product you are considering on CBD review sites and ask your friends. When buying CBD oil, you want to be a “smart” consumer.
​

References
https://www.wellandgood.com/good-looks/hemp-oil-vs-cbd-oil/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-health-benefits-of-hemp-seeds#section6
https://www.cbdschool.com/cbd-hemp-oil-vs-hemp-seed-oil/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/10/10/mother-frustrated-schools-hemp-oil-policy/73759614/
https://www.cbdschool.com/hemp-oil-vs-cbd-oil/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#section1
https://highlandpharms.com/benefits-of-cbd-oil-for-mental-illness-a-complete-guide/
https://newfrontierdata.com/marijuana-insights/u-s-hemp-cbd-market-to-triple-by-2022/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/

---