CBD oil and hemp oil are two products derived from the same plant but have different characteristics, yet most people confuse the two oils. Without a shadow of a doubt, CBD and hemp oils have both nutritional and therapeutic benefits. They provide our bodies with important macronutrients, vitamins, minerals to function well and also help relieve pain, anxiety, and stress.
Just like other oils, we have encountered before such as olive oil, sesame oil, and many others, when you think of wellness products to boost our health, CBD and hemp oils tops the list. For you to make a wise decision when buying any CBD products you have to understand the differences between the two oils.
Due to the many CBD brands today, it’s difficult to choose the one that has the right products that you need. In addition, some brands are misleading buyers when labeling their products, especially concerning the two oils. In fact, the American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine states that 69% of CBD products are labeled incorrectly. New Frontier Data stated that 75%of European consumers are concerned with the quality of CBD products.
With such statistics above, does it mean that it useless using CBD and hemp oil? Absolutely no! There are still CBD brands that put the needs of consumers first and go-ahead to produce high-quality products that meet the standards that are required. To be on the safe side, being informed and understanding CBD oil and hemp oil will be your ticket towards making an informed buying decision.
This is a guide to help you learn about the similarities and differences between the two hemp-derived oils.
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of compounds that include different cannabinoids and CBD along with THC which are the most abundant chemical compounds. However, most CBD products are required to have zero or low THC levels, therefore industrial hemp plants are specifically grown for that purpose.
Similarities
CBD and hemp oil are derived from the hemp plant. The hemp plant is a species or variety of the cannabis plant which is non-psychoactive, meaning that it has no intoxicating effects. Industrial hemp is mainly grown for the production of high CBD and hemp oil. It is grown organically and has no chemicals. Products made from organically grown hemp are the best since they are chemical-free, 100% organic, and safe for human use and consumption.
The belief that hemp and CBD oils will make you high is not only misleading but a misconception that as a consumer you should be aware of. However, hemp’s cousin, Marijuana, is the cannabis species that causes euphoria effects. CBD and hemp oil derived from Marijuana contain high concentrations of THC, a compound that alters the mind.
Other similarities include:
- Both are oils
- Both are non- intoxicating
- Both can be applied topically or ingested
- Both are derived from the Cannabis Sativa(Hemp) plant
CBD Oil
If you haven’t heard about CBD oil you probably live on another planet. This popular oil goes unmentioned and has made a mark for itself in the wellness market. Its uses range from being infused in edibles, clothing to the cosmetics world. Even, pets have products made for them from CBD oil. Let us dig deeper to find out more about CBD oil.
What is CBD oil and how is it made?
CBD is one of the very many 100 compounds derived from the hemp plant. Once the hemp plant has matured, CBD is extracted from the flowers, stalks, and leaves. CBD is removed on its own or with other substances that occur naturally.
It can be extracted using various methods but the effective one is the supercritical CO2 extraction process. It involves the use of CO2 due to its unique properties that allow it to function in solid, liquid, and gas states of matter. The process is considered environmentally friendly and excellent in the production of high-quality CBD oil.
CBD oil is not a ready-made substance like hemp oil as many people tend to think. The oil has to be mixed with carrier oils meaning the final product is not just the plant extract. One of the popular carriers used in the making of CBD oil is none other than hemp seed oil. Other edible oils used are coconut oil or olive oil.
Composition
CBD oil contains very high concentrations of CBD, THC, and minor cannabinoids; it all depends mainly on the cannabis variety used for extraction. Depending on the preparation process, the oil may contain flavonoids and terpenes which have an array of benefits to our bodies. The content for CBD is within12-18% or higher, while THC is 0.3% or less.
Potential Uses
CBD oil is used in:
- Food and drinks
- Supplements
- Pet products
- Clothing
- Topicals
Labeling
It should list as cannabidiol, full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, hemp (not hemp seed), or phytocannabinoid-rich CBD.
Types of CBD oil
Full-spectrum CBD oil- contains CBD among other cannabinoids including THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil- contains CBD among cannabinoids with no THC.
CBD isolate- pure CBD, with no other cannabinoids such as THC.
Benefits of CBD oil
The entourage effects derived from CBD oil is what makes it so popular among its users. Various CBD formats include tinctures, vape oil, capsules, which are used for therapeutic reasons such as:
- Relaxation
- Pain relief
- Stress and anxiety relief
- Sleep aid
- Treatment of medical conditions such as acne, epilepsy, schizophrenia, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
The oil has other medical values such as;
Some of the potential health effects of CBD include:
- Anti-oxidant
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neuro-protective
Side Effects
Even though WHO described CBD as harmless and non-intoxicating it has rare and mild common side effects that include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Appetite loss
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
Some people just can’t easily digest CBD oil even if they have no problems with other oils and supplements.
Hemp Oil
Hemp seed oil is yet another product of hemp products that is undoubtedly important to our health due to its therapeutic and nutritive value.
What is hemp oil and how is it made
Hemp seed oil is commonly referred to as hemp oil. This oil just like CBD oil has a rich nutrient profile that is amazing. It is derived from hemp plant seeds. To extract the oil, the seeds have to undergo cold pressing extraction process.
Hempseeds are a rich source of easily digestible protein and highly unsaturated food oil. The seeds also contain dietary fiber, mostly from the hull, various phytosterols, oil-soluble vitamins (e.g. vitamin E), and minerals.
While most people don’t like the earthy taste of CBD oil, the good news is that good quality cold-pressed hemp seed oil has an excellent taste that resembles walnuts and sunflower seeds.
Composition
Hemp seed oil is rich in omega-3(linolenic acid) and omega-6(linoleic acid) fatty acids and other nutritious anti-oxidants. It contains no cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. The fact that it has no THC means that you won’t experience any mind-altering effects.
Potential Uses
It is widely used in:
- Food supplements
- Cooking Oils
- Industrial products
- Personal hygiene products
Labeling
Hemp seed oil is listed as the active ingredient on the product’s packaging can also be listed as Cannabis Sativa seed oil.
Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil
To start with the hemp seeds can be consumed and are packed with a wealth of nutritive benefits.
Benefits of hemp seeds and oil
They can be added to other foods and are great snacks to chew as you go about your daily chores.
Besides been an excellent source of plant-based proteins they come loaded with vitamins and minerals your body needs, including vitamin E, B-vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, zinc, sulfur, and iron.
They are also good for the health of the heart. They contain a high concentration of arginine, an amino acid that produces nitric oxide in the body which helps blood vessels dilate and relax. The gamma-linolenic acid from the seeds helps reduces the risk of developing heart disease.
Whole hemp seeds are good for digestion. Whole hemp seeds contain around 20% soluble and 80% insoluble fiber, making them an excellent source of the dietary fiber we need to keep our digestive health strong.
Good for women who are in the menopause stage and suffer PMS. Studies reveal that hemp seeds contain gamma-linolenic acid that helps reduce prolactin.
Daily doses of hemp seed oil will be excellent for your skin, nail, and hair growth.
Other benefits of hemp seed oil include:
- Reduces inflammation
- Reduces the severity of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis
- Anti-bacterial properties
Summary
As long as you consume CBD oil and hemp seed oil from the hemp plant, as opposed to a marijuana variant, you can be sure the product is legal. Due to the burden of cannabis and its varieties prohibition in many countries, a lot of research and studies have been limited to fully realize the full benefits of hemp seed and CBD oil. There is still more room for research to discover more about two unique oils.
