The words Cannabis, marijuana, and hemp are often used interchangeably. However, cannabis and hemp are two different varieties of the same plant species – the cannabis sativa. Because they share are derived from the same species, these two plants are irrefutably linked, and as a result, there is a lot of confusion concerning their properties and uses.
Although hemp seed oil has been around for a long while, CBD oil, a product of Cannabis, otherwise known as marijuana, only came into the limelight recently. When placed together, however, it would almost seem like they are the same product.
This poses a problem for CBD enthusiasts who hope to take advantage of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil but are misled into buying hemp oil that cannot provide the same therapeutic effects.
To prevent such occurrences, it is important to outline the basic differences between hemp oil and CBD oil as well as their benefits.
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp is a type of cannabis majorly grown for its industrial purposes. Although it contains the two most common cannabinoids, Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) they are present in meager quantities. Hemp oil is gotten from the hemp plant and is extracted from the seeds of hemp plants by process of extraction quite similar to that used to get oil out of coconuts and olives.
Although hemp seeds do not contain any THC, trace amounts of the compound may be found in the extracted oil due to some plant matter combined with the seeds during processing. It should be noted that oils can also be extracted from other parts of the hemp plant and thus may contain some levels of THC or CBD. However, their THC or CBD content makes no difference, and they would still be labeled as hemp oil since they are derived from hemp plants. If you are concerned about getting hemp oil, which is both CBD and THC free, be sure to inspect the information printed on the products before making a purchase.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD or Cannabidiol is one of the several hundred compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Basically, CBD oil refers to any oil that contains a high concentration of Cannabidiol. It is derived from Cannabis plants that are specifically cultivated to contain high levels of CBD and only trace amounts of THC so as to ensure that little or no THC is found in the oil after extraction.
THC, as mentioned earlier, is one of the most commonly known cannabinoids in cannabis, and it is psychoactive, thus responsible for the feelings of euphoria experienced by marijuana smokers. CBD is mainly used for its therapeutic effects and so does not elicit a high when consumed but rather, counteracts some effects of THC due to its interaction with the body system.
Therefore, a basic difference between hemp oil and CBD oil is where they are derived from as well as their uses.
Benefits of CBD Oil vs Hemp Oil
| CBD Oil | Hemp Oil |
| Works with the endocannabinoid system in the body to regulate functions of mood, sleep, pain, hormone, appetite and immune responses. | Contains fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) which help to improve heart health and reduce signs of aging by increasing skin elasticity and water retention. |
| Influences the serotonin and dopamine receptors in the body which help to regulate anxiety levels, cognition and behavior. | It lowers cholesterol levels and also aids the burning of fat through increased metabolism |
| Is used to provide relief from pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, insomnia, acne, and a wide range of health conditions | Is involved in the protection of nerve cells. |
