If you’re considering cannabidiol (CBD) oil, and whether or not you want to start implementing into your daily regimen, it’s important to make sure that you know precisely what you’re getting. Having the facts allows you to make more informed questions about your health. There have been a lot of CBD and CBD-like products released onto the market, and it may be easy to get confused between them. One of the most common questions we’ve heard people ask is “is CBD oil the same as hemp oil?”
The answer to this question is a clear no, but the details of what sets them apart are worth knowing about. Both products do come from the cannabis sativa plant, but the ways in which they are extracted, their chemical composition, and the effects they can have on you are all significantly different. If you want to make sure that you’re getting the right product to suit your needs, read on to learn more about what sets CBD oil and hemp oil apart.
Origins And Extraction Differences
The differences that set CBD oil and hemp oil apart begin from the very moment that they’re processed. For one, they’re both derived from different parts of the cannabis plant and we use different processes to extract them.
How CBD Oil Is Extracted
To begin with, CBD oil is extracted from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the cannabis sativa plant. This is the part of the plant that has the highest concentration of cannabinoids. Through a complex process of advanced extraction techniques, such as supercritical CO2 extraction and ethanol extraction, CBD can be separated from the other components and purified.
CBD oil needs specialized equipment and expertise to effectively extract it, while still maintaining the potency and purity that makes the final product ready for use, free from contaminants and unwanted compounds.
How Hemp Oil Is Extracted
Hemp oil doesn’t come from the cannabis plant itself, but rather from the seeds within the plant. These have a negligible amount of cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, compared to the plant. The process of extracting hemp oil from these seeds is much simpler, using the cold-pressing technique, similar to how olive oil and coconut oil are produced, in which a hydraulic press applies high amounts of pressure to the seeds, squeezing out the liquids.
Since hemp oil doesn’t require the complex refinement processes of CBD oil, it tends to be a lot easier and cheaper to manufacture at large, which makes it relatively affordable.
The differences between the extraction methods of the two oils result in a wide range of differences, not just in cost, but the availability and overall benefits using them, as well.
Composition and Key Components
As the two different products are extracted in different ways from different parts of the cannabis plant, it should be no surprise that their chemical compositions are very different as well. Here are some of the differences and the key components that set them apart.
CBD Oil Composition and Key Components
As the name suggests, this oil has high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), which is a compound that is known for how it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system regulates a host of bodily functions, like mood, sleep, pain, and immune response.
There are different kinds of CBD oil that can include other cannabinoids as well, such as CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromene), and terpene. CBD isolate is the kind of oil that contains CBD alone, with broad-spectrum and full-spectrum, which can have a wider range of cannabinoids, which can change how it affects you.
THC is the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. CBD typically contains less than 0.3% of THC, which means that it has no psychoactive effects when taking it. However, this faint presence of THC does allow for the “entourage effect” to take place. This is when different cannabinoids work together to enhance each other’s therapeutic effects, so the CBD works better as a result.
Hemp Oil Composition and Key Components
Unlike CBD oil, hemp contains very little to no CBD or cannabinoids, at all. As such, it has none of the benefits associated with CBD but is instead very rich in essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are essential nutrients for brain health, skin health, and inflammation regulation.
Hemp oil is also a great source of vitamin E, minerals, and antioxidants. For that reason, it’s used more often as a dietary supplement, rather than for any therapeutic benefits when compared to CBD oil.
The chemical compositions of CBD oil and hemp oil largely change how they are used, so it’s important to keep those in mind.
Cost and Availability
The differences in cost and availability of CBD oil and hemp oil are largely a result of the differences in extraction methods mentioned above.
CBD oil is generally more expensive than hemp oil due to the advanced extraction methods used to produce it. It is typically sold in dispensaries, specialty stores, and online retailers with a focus on cannabis-derived products.
Meanwhile, hemp oil tends to be much more widely available, to the point it can be found in supermarkets, health food stores, and all kinds of online marketplaces. Since the cold-pressing process is simpler and less resource-intensive, hemp oil also tends to be the cheaper option.
Therapeutic Benefits of CBD Oil and Hemp Oil
Given the different compositions and key components of the two oils, as mentioned above, the two also tend to play very different roles in the health and wellness world. If you want to make sure that you’re taking the right oil for your goals, pay attention to the differences laid out below.
CBD Oil Benefits:
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Anxiety and stress relief: CBD interacts with serotonin receptors, which can promote feelings of relaxation and help relax symptoms of stress.
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Pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties: Many use CBD as a means to control conditions like arthritis, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and migraines. Some athletes also use CBD to reduce inflammation resulting from physical activity.
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Improving your sleep: Some use CBD to fight against sleep disorders such as insomnia, as it can help regulate their sleep cycles.
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Epilepsy and neurological disorders: CBD oil is often used as a treatment for epilepsy, usually as a component of medication, which has significantly reduced seizures in those taking it.
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Mental clarity and cognitive function: Many have attested to improved focus and concentration, especially as a means to relieve the symptoms of ADHD and brain fog.
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Mood disorders and PTSD relief: Some have taken CBD as a means of reducing the symptoms of depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorders.
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Potential cancer support: There are some studies that show CBD may be able to help alleviate the nausea, pain, and appetite loss of cancer patients going through chemotherapy.
Hemp Oil Benefits:
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Promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails: The high levels of omega-fatty acid content in hemp oil make it a common ingredient in cosmetics, lotions, and shampoos.
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Supports heart health: Hemp oil can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart function.
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Regulates hormone balance: The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content in hemp oil may be able to address hormone imbalances and reduce symptoms of PMS.
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Boost immunity: Hemp oil has high levels of antioxidants and essential nutrients that can bolster your immune system.
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Aids digestive health: Since it’s high in fiber and healthy fats, hemp oil can support gut function, helping you better absorb nutrients in your diet.
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Weight management support: Many take hemp oil for its role in regulating metabolism, which can improve the body’s ability to burn fat.
If you intend to take either CBD oil or hemp oil as a means to improve your health or as a treatment for specific conditions or symptoms, it’s always a good idea to inform your doctor, first. They can help you choose the right type of products and address any concerns about other medications or pre-existing conditions.
Legal Status And Regulation
CBD oil that is made from hemp and has less than 0.3% THC content is legal in most places, but laws can different based on your location, especially your state. Some states have strict regulations requiring third-party lab testing to ensure product potency and purity.
Since hemp oil doesn’t contain cannabinoids, like CBD or THC, it is legal in most places and doesn’t fall under strict regulations. It’s usually classed as a nutritional supplement of a cosmetic product.
Which One Should You Choose?
The best product to suit your needs depends on exactly what it is that you’re seeking. CBD oil is often chosen for its therapeutic benefits for anxiety, pain relief, or sleep support. If you’re looking for a nutritional supplement, however, hemp oil is much more likely to be the product you’re looking for.
Although both oils originate from the same plant, they are very different in composition and purpose. Keeping the above differences in mind can help you make much better-informed decisions about which suits your health and lifestyle needs.