Imagine stepping into a health shop or scrolling through online wellness stores
You will surely come across an endless array of goods aptly titled “Hemp Oil” or “CBD Oil.” These are often placed side by side on the shelves, have similar green leafy images in their packaging and are all described to perform the same functions. This makes most people wonder what is the actual difference between hemp oil and CBD oil? Despite these labels being considered one and the same, these goods are different, coming from various parts of the same plant, with a whole array of unique benefits. Knowing that the two products are different will help you make a choice and save money.
What Is Actually Hemp Oil?
We should begin with fundamentals. Hemp oil, which is also known as hemp seed oil, is oil that is derived from hemp plant seeds. You can compare it with sunflower seed oil which is extracted from sunflower seeds or sesame seed oil which is made from sesame seeds. The hemp plant belongs to the Cannabis sativa species, but unlike marijuana, it is grown for its fibers and oil extraction purposes. It contains reduced THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) concentration which is the psychoactive component of marijuana. In order for hemp to be grown across the United States a law established that at any given time the plant should contain less than or equal to 0.3 percent of THC in its dry weight.
What is the process of making Hemp Seed Oil?
In order to produce the hemp seed oil, basically no chemicals are used and only machined processes go on. First, the seeds are collected and then a cold press follows. Cold pressing is a mechanical process that uses a hydraulic press in which the seeds are crushed and their oil is extracted as opposed to heat or chemical extraction. This simple process not only does it keep the taste and smell of oil raw, but it also keeps the oil healthy because no heat or chemicals are used. The oils that are refined are not usually clear or white, and this oil has a green color most of the time and has a nutty taste to it.
What are the contents of Hemp Seed Oil?
Nutrient density of hemp seed oil is comparatively better than many other oils; however, comparably important, is the absence of some nutrients. Most of its efficacy comes from its oil structure, which is useful for a number of reasons. Polyunsaturated fatty acids that are found in most of the edible plant oils such as hemp oil have the highest concentration of omega 6 fatty acids: omega 3 fatty acids being approximately a 3:1 ratio. It also has small amounts of alpha linoleic acid containing omega-3 fatty acids, as well as gamma linoleic acids, and antioxidants, vitamins, and some minerals. But that is not the case with hemp seed oil as it is almost impossible to have any CBD, or any cannabis oils in it. This is because cannabinoids are not manufactured in the seeds of the hemp plant.
Traditional Hemp Seed Oil Usages
In relation to the nutritive composition of hemp seed oil, it is mostly used for dietary purposes and as an addition to the mask’s quality. CBD is not the same type of product as this would not be appropriate for this oil blend. Its utilization encompasses the following:
- Food Supplement: It is a good way to healthily boost calories and healthy fats by incorporating it into dressings, shakes, or dips. High temperatures are not good for this oil, since it destroys its rather perishable fatty acids.
- Food Supplement: It has a high content of fatty acids, which makes it a preferred ingredient in the manufacture of lotions, creams, and tisanes. It supposedly hydrates the skin effectively while not causing congestion of pores which may help with conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
While you are out looking for the product, search for expressions such as ‘hemp seed oil’, ‘virgin hemp oil’ or ‘cold pressed hemp oil’ written on the stickers. When you find Cannabis sativa seed oil in the ingredient section, hemp seed oil is what you will have come across. That is one of the main reasons for the distinction of the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil particularly in the contexts of ingredients.
Miracle CBD Oil
Moving onto CBD oil: This is the aspect of the heirloom plant that is relevant – its medicinal nature. This oil extraction takes place with the flowering tops, leaves and mostly the stalks of the cannabis that has a very abundant concentration of cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD) is only one member of a family that is larger than over 100 other cannabinoids present within the plant. THC, however, is psychoactive unlike CBD; hence you can’t get “high” from its usage.
CBD Oil and its Manufacturing
CBD extracting methodology is quite more diverse scientifically than pressing cold the seeds. This is to extract the necessary compounds i.e. cannabinoids and terpenes, leaving the plant behind. The methods commonly used are provided below:
- CO2 Extraction: This is the most preferred method. It utilizes carbon dioxide, under pressure, to extract other materials like Cannabidiol (CBD) from the plant. It is very effective since it delivers a very clean and clear extract.
- Ethanol Extraction: This involves the use of pure grain alcohol to remove the cannabinoids in the plant. Chlorophyll may be removed as well to some extent and this is also highly effective, the only downside being that its presence sometimes causes a stronger bitter taste.
Once extracted, the raw CBD is mostly mixed with a diluent carrier oil such as the MCT oil from coconut or olive oil or even hemp seed oil. This makes it easier to take and for the body to process accordingly. It is also another aspect which explains the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil.
Content of CBD Oil
The most common component of CBD is cannabidiol or simply CBD. Nonetheless, based on the extract that is used, the other healthy substances may be present. These include:
- Full Spectrum: Explains all naturally occurring chemical compounds within the limits of the Cannabis sativa plant, more precisely hemp plant, such compounds include: Cannabidiol, other non-CBD cannabinoids (CBG, CBN), terpenoids, small amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (less than 0.3% as per the law). It is claimed that these components have a greater effect when combined.
- Broad Spectrum: Nearly identical to full spectrum, however, no THC is present in broad spectrum. This implies that the client can still derive the importance of the cannabinoids and terpenes that are present.
- CBD Isolate Pure Form: This is the purest state of CBD devoid of impurities including other components of the plant. Typically, it is 99% pure cannabidiol devoid of any THC.
Most Popular Applications of CBD Oil and its Benefits
CBD oil improves or enhances the well-being of people due to its health benefits. It has the ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system also known as (ER) which is a system of complex signals to several cells in the body which usually helps in regulation of some functions like sleep, emotion, appetite and pain. Though studies are being done to firmly establish the use of this cannabis plant extract, people who have tried it seek CBD oil as a means to help them in:
- Management of pain and inflammation
- Calm the mind and calm the body
- Helping with sleep
- Brain health support
If you are in drug stores, purchase products that have ‘cannabidiol’, ‘CBD’, ‘full spectrum hemp extract’, or ‘broad spectrum hemp extract’ on the pack. There should also be an indication of the concentration of CBD in the form of total milligrams present in the bottle. This is important when trying to figure out the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil.
A Comparison of Hemp Oil and CBD Oil: What Are the Differences?
See table below to better understand the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil. Hemp oil is food while CBD oil is a supplement; they are present in two different forms.
| Characteristics | Hemp Seed | CBD Oil |
|---|---|---|
| What (Part of the Plant) | Hemp seeds | Hemp flower, leaves, and stalks |
| Mode of Extraction | Pressing | Involving the use of CO2, or ethanol, or any other suitable solvent for extraction |
| Major Ingredients | The main ingredients include omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, some vitamins and minerals | CBD & terpene constituents of certain plants |
| Amount of Cannabidiol | Very limited or insignificantly low levels of CBD | It depends upon the carton (e.g., 250mg, 500mg, 1000mg+) |
| Uses Specific to Product | Consumption in food preparation, fortification of diet, beauty care | Kho-kho supplement: pain reduction, anxiety relief, sleep induction, so on & so forth |
| Naming and Description | The ingredients contain ‘hemp seed oil’ or ‘Cannabis sativa seed oil’ | Raise or contain a particular number of milligrams of cannabidiol or the word ‘cannabidiol’ on the label |
Note that understanding to the reader the reason why people make a mistake by taking hemp oil and CBD oil as the same promotes the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil differences. There are complexities involved in the language of advertising of cannabis, and consumers cannot avoid exploitation by some companies. An illustration of this practice is when companies continue to package the direct writing facts on the pure hemp seed oil as though it had some content of CBD and charge it expensively. Knowing how to read and interpret labels is the only way to be a wise consumer. It is the tiny details that show the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil.
Understanding CBD Oil Label
Appropriate designation of CBD: Total amount of CBD present in a bottle in milligrams and sometimes per serving must be stated on the label. Practically, if an ingredient list or a product claim omits CBD, one should not expect it to be CBD oil.
Nutrition Fact Panel: As an indicator that a ‘CBD’ product is real, it should have a panel labelled “Supplement Facts” that has the content of active ingredients such as cannabidiol or hemp extract and the respective carrier oil.
Independent Testing Lab Reports: It is the standard norm for authentic or original brands to issue a COA (Certificate of Analysis) from a third-party laboratory. That claims the levels of cannabinoids of the products, such as CBD and THC, and absence of potentially harmful substances, for example, pesticides, heavy metals, etc. It should be possible to use a QR code on the package to check these.
Relevant Information to a Label of Hemp Seed Oil
Nutrition Facts Label: The reason is simple- hemp seed oil is a food product, hence it will have a ‘nutrition Facts’ label. This presents calories, fat content with omega 3s and 6s, and other nutrients. As mentioned before, would not, for instance, show the number of children receiving free school meals or child benefits.
List of Ingredients: With only one – the ingredients “hemp seed oil,” or “cold pressed Cannabis sativa seed oil.”
Promo for CBD: On this product, this would mean that milligrams of CBD would not be advertised as there is none in the product.
The difference between hemp oil and CBD oil is that the active component cannabidiol is present in the latter, whereas the former contains none. By scrutinizing the label, you can quickly spot the true distinction between hemp oil versus CBD oil and choose the product that meets your needs, whether it involves supplementation with beneficial fats or the medicinal use of the plant cannabinoid, cannabidiol.
FAQs
Nevertheless, a number of questions still arise despite this explanation. Below are responses to some of the most asked ones regarding the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil.
Are Hemp oil and Hemp Extract considered similar?
It is in most cases untrue. The term ‘Hemp oil /hemp seed oil’ often makes reference to a ‘plant-based’ oil. On the contrary ‘Hemp extract’, often describes a whole-plant extract; which includes flower, stalk and leaves and is high in CBD amongst other cannabinoids. The other term equivalent to full spectrum CBD oil is ‘full spectrum hemp extract’.
Is Hemp Oil Inducing a High?
Absolutely not. There is a big difference between hemp oil and CBD oil. Remember that hemp seed oil lacks tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana. Hemp seed oil is categorically nutritional and non-intoxicating.
Is CBD Oil Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill makes hemp-derived CBD products (which contain not more than 0.3% THC) legal at the federal level in the USA. However, states have their own laws, and it is recommended to always verify the rules of the place you are in. In the United States, CBD oil that is derived from the marijuana plant is only permitted in states where marijuana is legal for either medical or recreational use.
Which One is Better for Pain?
When it comes to pain and inflammation, CBD oil will do the trick. This is because of the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol, which is due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system of the human body. However, CBD is absent in hemp seed oil, hence it does not relieve pain, although its anti-inflammatory oils may be beneficial in a much broader sense.
Can I Use Both Oils Together?
Yes. Both substances are different, so they can be used together. Hemp seed oil in a salad can be a nice addition thanks to the nutrients it contains and for the sublingual health benefits, one could take CBD oil. In fact, many CBD oils consist of hemp seed oil, acting as both the product and the carrier.
Conclusion
It’s easy to see why so many people confuse what hemp is with CBD, and yet it is possible to differentiate between the two with precise details. This obvious difference between hemp oil and CBD oil can be made on the grounds of the raw materials used in their production, the chemistry they exhibit and the application for which they are created. Hemp Seed Oil is an edible oil made from seeds that are overloaded with healthful lipids and do not have any CBD inside them. This makes them ideal for preparing meals and for cosmetic purposes. CBD, on the other hand, is a health product that is made from the flower and leaves of the plant, appreciated for its all-rounded cannabinoid content and has many benefits such as pain reduction and sleep adhesion. Knowing how to navigate labelling and these relevant aspects helps you closely direct your choice of product for the purpose of achieving optimum health and wellness.
