Photo Credit: Hinterland Co.
There are lots of people asking questions like, “What is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?” and “Is CBD and hemp oil the same thing?” Well, actually, these two phrases describe different products, so if you are one among those who ask these questions, you should read below.
The Benefits
Hemp oil and CBD oil are two different products that both give benefits to our health in two different ways. Basically, these two came from various parts of the cannabis plant and so they have different uses and advantages.
Most of the time, people are confused between CBD oil and hemp oil maybe because of the recent CBD craze wherein many companies that sell CBD products commonly label or use the term hemp oil for marketing their CBD products. And this is the main reason why there is a complication of the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil. On the other hand, some companies don’t mean to confuse the market, but they have just chosen to use the term hemp oil rather than CBD oil to avoid issues with the FDA.
The Sources
Both hemp oil and CBD oil come from different parts of the cannabis plant. The CBD oil uses the entire plant, while the hemp oil is from the seeds only. However, because the CBD market is continuously growing, the hemp oil that is derived from the seed of the cannabis plant is now called hemp seed oil. CBD oil, on the other hand, came from the mature hemp plant, including its flowers and stalks. To separate CBD from other compounds found in the plant, it undergoes extraction. Reliable producers use CO2 extraction or ethanol extraction because neither incorporates the use of any harmful compounds.
Throughout the extraction process, the valuable parts of the hemp plant are typically pelletized. Then, gases like CO2 or solvent like ethanol are used to gather the CBD and some other essential nutrients. The end product is an oil having high CBD content. Next, the oil is thoroughly tested to make sure that no unwanted substances exist and that the level of essential compounds is at the right place.
On the other hand, hemp oil, which is now referred to as hemp seed oil, came only from seeds and is derived by a process known as cold pressing. This is the same process done to other carrier oils such as jojoba oil and sunflower oil. This process is preserving all the nutritious and raw contents of the hemp seeds. The hemp seeds that hold up to 50% of their weight in oil are typically chilled, de-shelled, and pressed for their content. The end product is a green-colored, unrefined substance. So, one of the main difference between hemp oil and CBD oil is that hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of hemp plants and don’t possess any cannabinoids such as THC.
The Uses
When it comes to the uses, CBD oil is primarily used in the alternative or the holistic wellness approach that helps balance the internal system of the body, while the hemp oil or the hemp seed oil is mostly utilized in skincare and food products.
Hemp Seed Oil
We already mentioned that hemp seed oil is produced by pressing the hemp seeds together until the oil excretes. This extraction method is also used in producing coconut and olive oil. Hemp seeds are one of the best sources of plant-based protein. Aside from protein, hemp seeds are also rich in amino and fatty acids that the human body needs.
The fatty acids found in hemp oil, namely, omega-3 and omega-6, are beneficial in reducing the signs of aging as well as improve heart health. These fatty acids are also the main reason why hemp oil is an excellent moisturizer because omega-3 and omega-6 act similarly as the natural lipids of our skin.
For the reason that hemp oil only uses the seeds, thus it doesn’t contain any CBD or other types of cannabinoids.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is produced from the hemp plant, and so it is full of cannabinoids that are only present in the cannabis plant family. CBD oil from the hemp plant is low in THC that’s why it is non-intoxicating. CBD oil interacts directly with the body’s ECS or endocannabinoid system. This system is the one in-charge in balancing our body’s function of the immune response, hormone, appetite, pain, mood, and sleep.
Also, CDB oil could help in stimulating your body’s natural cannabinoid production to keep the effectiveness of the receptors and the endocannabinoid system’s optimal function. Yet, it’s not that all. It also affects other receptors, such as the opioid receptors, serotonin, and dopamine receptors. The dopamine receptors are the ones regulating the aspects of behavior and cognition. The serotonin, on the other hand, is the one dealing with mood conditions like depression and anxiety.
Hemp oil and CBD oil are both essential wellness ingredients; thus, you don’t have to be worry if you unintentionally bought one or the other.
What is the difference between Hemp Oil and CBD? The recap
Both oils may support our health and wellness goals in different ways. The main difference between hemp oil and CBD oil is how it’s made and what part of the plant the oil is made from.
Hemp oil or now known as hemp seed oil, is extracted from hemp seeds and possesses a stimulating blend of nutrients that is best for supplementation or cooking.
CBD oil, on the other hand, comes from the hemp flowers and directly interacts with the human body’s endocannabinoid system and establishes an internal balancing effect.