As of 2019, 33 states in the United States had given marijuana the green light. This move by the US state governments heralded a boom of marijuana products. Hemp oil and CBD oil are more popular among these CBD products.
Apart from marijuana’s recreational uses, the herb is also overwhelmingly beneficial health-wise. By now, most folks are familiar with the term medical marijuana. CBD is the active compound in marijuana that confers its medical benefits.
“What is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?” is a common question many CBD enthusiasts ask. The same question has had many CBD product vendors fidgety and hesitant.
While there’s a lot of confusion regarding the two terms, we may have a clear cut answer to the question. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting in the cannabis stores. Also, vendors won’t be so nervous when confronted with this question.
This piece will expound on the difference between these two oils. However, let’s elaborate on the medical aspect of marijuana.
What Makes Marijuana a Medical Miracle?
The United States was using marijuana for medical purposes as far back as 1850. However, these medical benefits were downplayed by governments worldwide. Understandably, because of the not-so-medicinal aspects of the herb.
Marijuana has two major active compounds, namely, THC tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD cannabinoids. These two compounds are in a class of compounds called cannabinoids.
THC is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that makes you feel high. CBD is not psychoactive but has effects like anxiety and stress relief, pain relief, and can even control epileptic seizures. THC also exhibits some inflammation and pain relief effects.
CBD is gaining traction in the medical community because of its treatment of chronic pain and anxiety relief. Doctors use CBD on cancer patients and people with certain mental illnesses with incredible results.
However, the reason why CBD products are so popular is because of their anxiety and stress-relief properties. It’s not uncommon to find people plopping a drop of CBD oil in their morning coffee. A few minutes later, they are ecstatic and calmer than they were minutes ago.
CBD products are almost endless. From colas to chocolate, to lotions, confectionery, and the very popular koi gummies.
You may also find CBD in your girlfriend’s make up kit. That’s because CBD can also reduce acne and make your skin glow.
What Is the Difference Between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil?
Hopefully, you now have a firm understanding of what CBD is. We’ll get to the oil part later, but first, we’ll look at what hemp is.
Most folks, especially in the business sector, use the term hemp interchangeably with industrial hemp. Hemp is a strain of cannabis that has a THC content of 0.3% or lesser.
This strain of cannabis doesn’t get you high. It is thus fit for manufacturing products from edibles to topicals for retail. Apart from these products, hemp has a lot of other uses.
These uses of hemp include paper manufacturing, textiles for clothing, diapers, and building construction uses, among others.
There’s a lot of confusion and debate about the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil. This confusion gets worse when companies market their hemp oil as CBD oil for more sales.
We’ll methodically break down the difference between these two oils. Starting with their different sourcing, uses, and lastly, their benefits. Let’s get straight into it.
1. The Different Sources of Hemp Oil and CBD Oil
Manufacturers don’t source hemp oil and CBD oil from the same parts of the plant. The cannabis plant is just like any plant, but has separate male and female flowers.
Producers obtain CBD oil from many parts of the plant, even the flowers, and the stalk. On the other hand, hemp oil is obtained from the seeds of the cannabis plant. For that reason, some manufacturers may refer to hemp oil as hemp seed oil.
2. The Extraction
Since we obtain hemp oil and CBD oil from different parts of the plant, they also have different extraction methods. Extraction is the process companies use to get the active ingredients for their CBD and hemp products.
Companies extract hemp through a process known as cold pressing. They remove the shells of the seed, freeze them, and then squeeze them to remove the oil. This useful component makes up about 50% of the seed by dry weight,
The CBD plant extraction is as follows:-
- Field workers pick out useful parts of the plant out from the rest of the plant
- They then make these parts into pellets or pelletize them
- They then use organic solvents to get the CBD from these parts
- Finally, they test the CBD for any impurities and remove them, if any
3. Hemp Oil Uses Vs. CBD Oil Uses
These two oils have different uses, but some uses are similar across both oils. Let’s look at the different uses of both oils.
Here are a couple of hemp oil uses:-
- Hemp oil is a vital component in many cosmetic products like conditioners and lotions
- Hemp oil is a great cooking supplement and is very nutritious too
- It is used in the manufacture of paints and even some plastics
The following are some CBD oil uses:-
- Medical purpose like pain alleviation, reducing inflammation
- Also used to cure insomnia, anxiety, and stress
- It is an incredible sleeping aid
4. Benefits of Hemp Oil and Benefits of CBD Oil
Both these oils confer pretty amazing benefits, but they aren’t all the same. The benefits of CBD are more therapeutic, while that of hemp oil is nutritious and nourishing.
CBD oil is excellent for relaxing the body. Alleviating anxiety, stress, and helping with sleep. It can also cure a variety of ailments and nourish your skin
Hemp is a nutritive supplement and a vital component in making some paints and plastic.
CBD Oil and Hemp Oil are Different Products
Hopefully, you have the answer to “What is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?” Now you can make well-informed purchases the next time you visit the cannabis shop.
Also, you won’t be leaving any negative reviews that a particular oil doesn’t work. You may have been buying the wrong kind of oil.
Remember, you can always buy both hemp oil and CBD oil. In doing so, you can experience the magic of both these oils.
For more insightful reads, be sure to check out our other articles.
