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A bottle of CBD oil, by CRYSTALWEED Cannabis via Unsplash

What Is The Difference Between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil?

High There

By High There

December 7, 2021

Understanding the differences between hemp oil vs CBD oil can be confusing, especially considering the spread of misinformation surrounding natural treatments. The growing acceptance (and often high prices) of CBD oil has encouraged people to seek out other natural treatments, leading many to wonder if hemp oil can be a viable alternative remedy.

Today, we’re here to talk you through exactly how hemp oil differs from CBD. We’ll go over the extraction process and health benefits of each, and help you make an informed decision about which treatment is best for you. Let’s get started.

A person applying CBD oil, by Enecta Cannabis Extracts via Unsplash

What Is Hemp?

Hemp oil (often referred to as “hemp seed oil” by manufacturers) is a type of natural treatment made using the cannabis plant hemp.  Industrial hemp is grown specifically for CBD purposes, and hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant.

Both hemp oil and CBD oil are derived from the same plant – a variety of cannabis Sativa plant, from which the compounds are extracted. The difference here, however, is in the method of extraction. In short, hemp oil derives from the seeds, while CBD oil is extracted from plant matter.

People often wonder about the differences between

, but to put it simply, the difference is that neither hemp oil or CBD oil will get you high. Although both are species of the same cannabis plant, hemp the high levels of psychoactive compounds as it’s marijuana cousin.

Hemp seed oil comes with its own health benefits, and the use of hemp oil as a natural remedy is becoming more widely accepted. It has been used as a treatment for a wide variety of both physical and mental health conditions, and can be used alongside CBD oil to further improve your well being.

Another benefit of hemp seed oil is its high content of Omega acids. The oil contains a mixture of essential fatty acids, required by the body to improve heart health and strengthen our immune system. Both Omega-3s and Omega-6 fats are contained within hemp oil, the latter of which can contribute to the health of skin, nails, and hair.

How Are Hemp Oil and CBD Oil Different?

Extraction Process

Although both hemp oil and CBD oil are extracted from the same plant, the method of extraction is one of the main differentiating factors. As the name suggests, hemp seed oil is derived from hemp seeds, which are cold-pressed to produce a thick oil with a high nutritional value.

CBD oil, by contrast, is extracted from plant matter, and this chemical compound can be found in both the leaves and stalk of the plant. It can also be extracted from the flowers and is processed through different methods, common examples of which include CO2 or ethanol extraction.

CBD Content

As hemp seed oil is extracted from the hemp seeds and not the plant matter, it contains virtually no traces of the CBD compound. However, the lack of CBD does not mean that the oil has no health-related properties.

Hemp plant seeds are rich in nutritional value and may provide benefits of their own. Although consumers may not experience the benefits associated with CBD oil, hemp oil has been thought to improve both cardiovascular health and the immune system. The presence of essential fatty acids also provides potential benefits.

Will Hemp Oil or CBD Oil Get You High?

Taking hemp seed oil or CBD oil should carry zero risk of including psychoactive effects when purchased from a trusted vendor, as (again)

. Some consumers have reported a boost in their mood and reduced anxiety, but a legitimate tested hemp oil product should not distort your consciousness.

The psychoactive compound THC is found in marijuana, and it is a high level of this compound that produces the high we experience. In contrast, hemp and CBD oil contain little to no traces of THC.

For further reassurance, farmers must monitor the levels of THC in their crops. When growing industrial hemp plants specifically for CBD purposes, it is essential that the farmer destroys the whole crop if a higher level of THC is discovered. The penalty for not doing so is prison and a heavy fine.

This legislation helps to ensure the low content of THC in hemp oils, so those seeking CBD products do not have to worry about getting high. However, it is possible that hemp seed oil may affect your mood, albeit minus the more intense psychoactive effects.

Users of CBD oils have reported feelings of relaxation, possibly linked to the activation of certain receptors in the body. When CBD oil triggers our peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, we may experience benefits such as better sleep and pain relief.

In other words, while CBD oil won’t get you high, it could enhance your mood.

A row of medicine bottles and an eyedropper, by Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

The Importance of Labeling

While many CBD and hemp oil products available on the market are trustworthy, it is still important to do your research before making a purchase. CBD oil products are largely unregulated in the US, meaning there is a chance that some oils may not be THC-free.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can look out for when purchasing hemp oil. It pays to be aware of the different CBD concentrations, as the concentration of your chosen product should be listed in the ingredients.

“Full-spectrum” CBD oil refers to oil with a minimal THC content, and this product is also likely to contain compounds extracted from cannabis plants. On the other hand, “

” applies to products with zero THC, but which still may contain terpenes alongside CBD.

It also goes without saying that you should buy from reputable sources, and steer clear of any products with a high number of poor reviews. Look into their online presence and check for testing reports and results, and if it looks like a certain brand may be untrustworthy it’s always worth trusting your instincts (and make sure to check out our article on

for more tips on how to be a smart cannabis consumer/shopper).

Which Oil Offers Better Health Benefits?

When exploring the differences between hemp oil vs CBD oil, it’s important to be aware of the unique benefits of each. Familiarizing yourself with these benefits can help you make an informed choice, and help you in your decision as to which product is right for you.

Hemp oil contains

that contribute to the body’s smooth functioning, including fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins B and C. Omega-3s and Omega-6s are found within hemp seed oils, and it is possible that these acids can contribute towards lowering blood pressure.

It has also been thought that hemp oil can slow the development of plaque in the arteries, and as a result could improve both blood flow and distribution of oxygen within the body. The healing qualities of the hemp plant can also make this product an effective massage oil, and taking hemp oil for pain relief could be a soothing natural treatment.

Although CBD oil can often be an

, the benefits of this product can make it a worthwhile purchase for some users. Consumers of CBD have reported improved concentration and sleep, as well as reduced anxiety and a decrease in blood pressure levels.

CBD oil has also been used to relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis, and it has recently been thought to reduce side effects from cancer treatment such as nausea. Although further research may be required to examine these potential benefits in more depth, the growing usage of CBD oil suggests it is somewhat effective.

When comparing hemp oil vs CBD oil, it is clear that both products have a range of potential benefits. Deciding upon which is best for you is dependent on a number of factors.

CBD oil may appear to be the better choice at first, as it is thought to be highly versatile in treating a wide range of conditions. When it comes to reducing anxiety, it is suggested that CBD is more effective, although it is possible that both oils could have a positive impact on our mood.

However, hemp oil is seen as having a higher nutritional value, so it may be more suited to those who would like to help lower their blood pressure levels. Hemp seed oil has also been used in the treatment of skin conditions, and some consumers have reported a reduction in inflammation.

Overall, both oils have a range of potential benefits that could improve your well being. If you’re still unsure as to which product is best for you, it may be worth considering trying a combination of both.

FAQs

Is hemp the same as cannabis?

Although hemp and cannabis both derive from the cannabis Sativa plant, the term “hemp” refers to plants grown specifically for CBD purposes.

What is the meaning of “broad-spectrum” CBD”?

If a CBD product is listed as “broad-spectrum” CBD, this means that it is likely to have zero THC content. It will, however, contain naturally occurring plant terpenes.

Should hemp oil contain any CBD?

Hemp seed oil is processed from the seeds of cannabis plants. As CBD can only be extracted from the plant matter, hemp oil should contain little to no traces of the CBD compound.

What other hemp oil products are there?

Hemp extract is available in a wide variety of formats, including hand soaps, face masks, and body lotion. It is recommended that you only purchase from reputable sources, and do your research on the brand before placing an order.

What other CBD products are there?

The growing usage of CBD oils has resulted in CBD becoming widely available. You can purchase traditional CBD oils in a wide variety of flavors, and discover a vast range of beauty products including overnight masks and shower oils.

A bottle of CBD oil, by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash

Final Thoughts

Although hemp oil and CBD oil may appear to be similar at first, they do have some key differences. As interest in natural treatments continues to grow throughout the US, we believe it is important to be aware of their potential benefits – and possible drawbacks.

Having compared the differences between hemp oil vs CBD oil, you should now have a clearer idea of the healing qualities of both, and which sounds best for you and your needs. Whichever oil you choose, it’s important to do your research before you try – staying informed is the best way to stay safe when it comes to choosing between hemp oil and CBD oil. Happy smoking!

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High There

About The Author

High There

HIGH THERE MISSION

WE’RE A CREATIVE COMMUNITY — EXPLORING THE SCIENCE, CRAFT, AND CULTURE OF CANNABIS.
WE BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS ERADICATING THE STIGMA, MISINFORMATION, AND INEQUITIES SURROUNDING THIS PLANT, SO WE CAN UNLOCK ITS TRUE POTENTIAL FOR ALL.