CBD Oil vs. Hempseed Oil: Do you know the difference?
In 2018, a farm bill passed that made the production of industrial hemp legal in the United States. This has opened doors for the legalization of the cannabis compound cannabidiol (CBD).
With the CBD craze in full swing after that and a “green rush” of cannabis-inspired products in the world, there is a lot of confusion going around. Here, in this text, we will talk about oils derived from plant ‘Cannabis Sativa’. So, what exactly is difference between “CBD oil” and “Hemp Seed Oil”?
They are completely different things, one is used primarily in cooking and the manufacturing of beauty products, while the other is a sublingual tincture with its large range of benefits. Both are made from HEMP (Specific type of cannabis plant that is rich in cannabidiol and extremely low in THC – usually around 0.3%), so sometimes it is hard to figure out which one is which.
CBD oil is made from the leaves, flowers and stalks of the hemp plant - parts of the plant where cannabidiol is found. Hemp oil, or hemp seed oil, as the name suggests is made from hemp seeds, meaning there is little to no CBD content. Each type of oil offers its own potent health benefits.
Production methods
Hemp seed oil is generally produced through cold-press extraction using just hemp seeds.
CBD oil is produced using the entire hemp plant and more high-tech extraction techniques. The most commonly used methods for CBD oil extraction are supercritical fluid extraction (also known as CO2 extraction), or the more traditional solvent-based extraction. Once extracted, CBD oil is suspended in a carrier oil, such as MCT oil, grapeseed oil, and olive oil. Hemp oil tends to be green and dark, while CBD oil is usually more of a light golden to dark brown color.
Ingredients to Look For
The best way to determine if a product is CBD oil or hemp oil is to look at the ingredients listed on packaging. If the package doesn’t clearly include the words “hemp oil” or “hemp seed oil,” look for “cannabis seed oil” or “cannabis sativa seed oil”, which are the scientific names for hemp oil. To look for purely CBD products, you must find ingredients like “cannabidiol” or “CBD.”
CBD Content
This is a very important one. Products that contain CBD usually have a label displaying the amount of milligrams of CBD per unit or per serving. Hemp is naturally rich in CBD so, since CBD oil is produced using the whole plant, it naturally contains very high levels of CBD. It may also contain other naturally occurring organic compounds, known as phytocannabinoids and terpenes. The more premium CBD oil brands also publish third party test results with a detailed breakdown of its cannabinoid and terpene profile, along with various other metrics for quality.
The bad news is that hemp seed oil is actually a very poor source of CBD! If a product doesn’t have a label listing the amount of CBD in milligrams, chances are it’s not even a valid CBD product. Interestingly enough, hemp seed oil can actually still contain trace amounts of THC, but not anywhere near the amount it would take for you to get high or fail a drug test.
CBD Oil Health Benefits
CBD is sought for its range of health benefits, which include relief from pain, inflammation and insomnia. CBD can alleviate cancer-related symptoms and help those suffering from depression and anxiety. For those sensitive to the “high” of THC, CBD offers the power of the cannabis plant without psychoactive effects and actually might have neuroprotective properties.
Read how to choose the right CBD Oil for yourself here.
Hemp Oil Health Benefits
Hemp oil is often looked to for its nutritional power, due to its healthy fats and mineral content. Fatty acids, which we obtain from food, are vital for the normal operation of all body systems. Hemp oil contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a ratio of 3:1, which is proposed to be the ideal ratio. Hemp oil is also a rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid. There have also promising studies on its effect on skin disorders, brain health, heart health, and PMS symptoms.
The next time you are trying to decide between Hemp Oil and CBD oil, consider which benefits you hope to gain. Always check ingredients on the packaging and consult with a healthcare professional if you are still uncertain.