Understanding the Difference Between CBD Oil and Hemp Oil
Although sometimes used interchangeably, hemp seed oil (hemp oil) and CBD oil are very different products. CBD oil is made using the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant in its creation. These plant compounds contain elevated concentrations of CBD.
On the other hand, the hemp seed oil is obtained from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. These seeds do not contain CBD. Instead, they are rich in nutrients, fatty acids, and valuable bioactive compounds that boast health benefits.
A better understanding of hemp seed oil and CBD oil may allow you to choose the safest and most appropriate product for your specific condition. Keep reading to find out more about the differences between hemp seed oil and CBD oil.
Note: It is important to note that some manufacturers may use these terms interchangeably because they are not regulated.
What Is the Difference Between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil?
Hemp Seed Oil Uses
Both hemp seed and CBD oil carry a range of compounds that may offer potential health benefits. Hemp seed oil originates from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. Its nutrient profile consists of omega-6, omega-3 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid, and other nutritional antioxidants. Additionally, it is also high in B vitamins and vitamin D. Because of its low THC and CBD levels, hemp seed oil is not meant for recreational purposes, meaning it won't get you high.
Effects and Benefits
When used topically, hemp seed oil is known for unclogging pores, anti-inflammatory properties, and superior moisturization. It can be infused into a product or just used on its own as a face oil.
Hemp seed oil reportedly helps in healing:
- acne
- sensitive skin
- rashes
- eczema
- psoriasis
When added to nutritional products, such as snack bars, cookies, and yogurt, hemp seed oil provides an excellent nutrient source. It is rich in essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Hemp seed oil has several potential benefits, including:
- Alleviating constipation
- Providing cardiovascular health benefits
- Improving gastrointestinal conditions
How Hemp Seed Oil Is Made
Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. Since the end product comes from the seeds and not the flowers, leaves, or stem of the cannabis plant, hemp seed oil contains minimal CBD and THC amounts.
Risks and Side Effects
Consuming hemp seed oil is generally safe. While no fatal incidents have been reported so far, some consumers have reported experiencing digestive problems, but these adverse effects may not occur in every case.
CBD Oil Uses
There are currently three different types of CBD oil:
- Full-spectrum CBD oil, which contains the complete cannabinoid profile of the cannabis plant, including THC (but at a trace level)
- Broad-spectrum CBD oil, which includes several active compounds without the THC
- CBD isolate, which contains only CBD (no other active compound or flavonoids)
How It Works
Scientists suggest that CBD works in several ways, including:
- Interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system
- Inhibiting endocannabinoid reuptake
- increasing the activity of serotonin receptors
Effects and Benefits
Some people use CBD oils for their claimed medicinal benefits. For example, CBD-derived products may help with:
- Pain and inflammation
- Anxiety and depression
- Addiction control
- Inflammatory skin conditions
- Neurodegenerative conditions
Learn more about the potential health benefits of CBD oil here.
How CBD Oil Is Made
CBD oil is obtained from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. With rigorous extraction processes such as carbon dioxide extraction, manufacturers can produce an extract rich in CBD and other active compounds.
Risks and Side Effects
Research suggests that CBD products are generally safe and have little to no side effects. For example, there were no recorded side effects when participants in an experiment took 300 mg of CBD per day for up to 6 months. Another study also showed no side effects when people took up to 1,500 mg per day for a month.
On the other hand, more extensive studies into the side effects of Epidiolex, a CBD drug for people with epilepsy, reported some minor side effects, including:
- Tiredness
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Elevated liver function
We advise people who plan to start a CBD routine to make sure that they can trust their source. Misleading labeling and defective manufacturing processes can expose users to contaminants and other harmful synthetic additives.
Currently, regulations on product labeling in the country are still unclear. To pick an appropriate and safe product, we recommend ensuring that:
- The manufacturers did not apply any solvent during extraction.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has certified it as organic.
- The product was tested for pesticide and herbicide.
- The label explicitly lists the potency.
Note: People who want to use CBD oils or other CBD-derived products but are on other prescribed medicine should speak with a doctor or qualified cannabis clinician before committing.
Summary
Hemp seed oil and CBD oil both derive from the same plant - cannabis. CBD oil is obtained from the leaves, flowers, and stems, while hemp seed oil uses an extract from the plant's seeds.
Products infused with hemp seed and CBD oils do not typically cause a high since THC levels, if any, tend to be very low.
Both CBD oil and hemp seed oil boast numerous potential health benefits. Still, because research is limited, experts must continue to study them. And we must continue to update our views on these compounds.