In recent times CBD has experienced a popularity increase thanks to its many properties and effects. Blogs, news sources, and vendors have contributed to this popularity increase and, at the same time, research and scientific studies have demonstrated the capacity of this substance to improve certain health conditions. Consequently, the number of vendors and suppliers of CBD has risen dramatically. Typically, vendors offer two types of products: CBD oil and hemp oil.
But, are all CBD products the same? Where does CBD come from? And especially, are CBD oil and hemp oil the same? Do they have the same effects? The answer is no. CBD and hemp have different properties and are made differently. In this article, we’ll try to clarify all these questions. So, keep reading below to learn the differences between CBD oil vs hemp oil.
Cannabis Vs Hemp: Differences
Both hemp and cannabis derive from the Cannabis sativa plant. But, although both cannabis and hemp are, in fact, the same species, their chemistry is completely different. Whilst hemp is cultivated to contain low THC levels, marihuana contains very high levels of THC. But what is THC? THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the compound that gives cannabis its psychoactive properties.
On the other hand, you must understand that not all cannabis plants are the same, and not all of them are marihuana. In fact, not all cannabis plants have psychoactive properties. But, how can this be?
As we already explained, hemp is grown to contain very low levels of THC. But there are other cannabis plants that are not hemp which is also cultivated to contain low THC levels. Instead, they have high concentrations of CBD, which is the other main cannabinoid of the Cannabis sativa plant. And, contrary to THC, CBD holds no psychoactive properties. So, taking this into consideration, whilst hemp oil is derived from the hemp plant, CBD oil is typically extracted from cannabis species with low THC levels.
CBD Oil Vs Hemp Oil: How Are They Made?
Typically, hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant, which are pressed at a certain temperature to extract the oil from them.
On the other hand, although CBD can also be extracted from hemp flowers, in most cases, it is made from cannabis flowers. Typically, to make CBD, only cannabis strains containing very low levels of THC are used.
In order to make CBD, there are different techniques that can be used, including CO2 and alcohol extraction.
CBD Oil Vs Hemp Oil: Uses and Benefits
Probably the most important difference between CBD and hemp oil is its use and properties. Although hemp oil has beneficial nutritive properties, it doesn’t have the therapeutic effects of CBD. So, let’s see each one of them individually.
Uses and properties of hemp oil:
Hemp seeds have nutritive properties and it has been used in many countries as a food. Today, it is a common ingredient in foods such as bread, cookies, non-dairy based plant milk, and ice creams, to name a few.
Hemp seeds oil contains high omega 3 and 6 levels. Additionally, it contains minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids, which makes it a great ingredient to prepare soaps and cosmetics.
Thanks to its beneficial compounds, hemp oil has the following properties:
- Antioxidant
- Cardioprotective
- Prevents cancer
- It helps lower cholesterol levels
- Prevents inflammation
Uses and properties of CBD oil:
Like hemp seeds oil, CBD oil also has many beneficial properties. However, its therapeutic use is wider. CBD or cannabidiol is one of the cannabis main cannabinoids. And, as such, it interacts with the cannabinoid system of the human (and animal) body to help ease various conditions.
Some of the main properties and uses or CBD oil include:
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Helps relieve seizures
- It helps relieve nausea caused by chemotherapy treatment
- Prevents and slows the progression of glaucoma
- It has beneficial effects on the skin
- Cardioprotective
- Neuroprotective
- Antitumoral
- Helps relieve anxiety
CBD is believed to have many other properties; however, more studies and research is needed to validate its properties.
How to Use Hemp and CBD Oil?
Hemp and CBD oil can be applied directly to the skin to be able to feel its beneficial effects. Additionally, you can add hemp seeds to foods like yogurt, milk, smoothies, or salads to benefit from their nutritive properties.
On the other hand, both hemp oil and CBD oil can be found in extract format in the market. These typically come in small bottles with a dropper to help administer the dose. To do so, simply place a few drops of the oil under your tongue and allow it to dissolve.
