There is a lot of noise about the benefits of cannabis oil in the media. There are also hundreds of different products on the market that may confuse the consumer. In this article, we discuss the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil so that you can make a more informed decision before you purchase.
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a variety of cannabis sativa that has been used by both ancient and modern civilizations for millennia, mainly for its industrial and nutritional benefits. Hemp has been used for over 25000 different applications and with the development of technology and industry that number is ever increasing. Hemp is the non-psychoactive version of “cannabis” which is grown for its recreational uses as it produces a “high”. The reason for this difference is the cannabis compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the major cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa. Hemp contains the non-psychoactive CBD cannabinoid and less than 0.3% THC. Cannabis, on the other hand, contains high percentages of THC (can be 15% plus) and limited amounts of CBD (usually less than 1% unless it is a high CBD strain).
Both hemp seed and CBD oil are generally extracted from the hemp plant as it is a commercially viable solution due to the volumes of CBD in the cannabis plant.
What is the Difference Between Hemp Seed Oil vs. CBD Oil and How are They Both Produced?
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seed of the hemp plant. The seed does not contain cannabinoids but rather a host of other nutritional supplements. Averagely speaking the hemp seed contains 30% oil by weight and is packed with vitamins, minerals, and a perfectly balanced ratio of essential fatty acids. In fact, hemp seed is probably the most nutritious seed in the world and is a great replacement for fish oils as it contains omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The high volume of Vitamin E supplements found in hemp seed oil is in huge demand by manufacturers due to its antioxidant properties.
Hemp seed oil is made by de-shelling the seed, or removal of the seed’s outer covering (husk) and then cold pressing the inner core to extract the hemp seed oil. The oil is unrefined and the nutritious compounds are preserved through the cold pressing process.
CBD Oil
Due to the high volumes of CBD cannabinoids found in hemp, commercial processors use hemp to extract high volumes of CBD from these plants. CBD oil can also be extracted from the recreational variety of cannabis, but CBD volumes in cannabis can be limited. Most recreational varieties of cannabis contain less than 1% CBD. CBD-rich medical cannabis strains have been developed in recent years due to the reported medical benefits of CBD and the demand from consumers. CBD oil is generally mixed with a carrier base oil that can be hemp seed oil, coconut oil, or any other vegetable-based oil.
Hemp remains the primary source for commercially available CBD oils and this is also due to the legal ramifications. Although many countries and states are broadening and relaxing cannabis laws, CBD is generally a legal product as it does not contain the psychoactive cannabinoid THC.
Why do People Choose to Consume One or the Other?
Both oils are legally sold as a nutritional supplement but there is evidence suggesting that there are many medical benefits of CBD oil. In June 2018 the US Food and Drug Administration took a huge step forward and approved a new drug on the market that is CBD oil-based. Epidiolex is a drug that is known to assist patients suffering from rare epileptic conditions and associated seizures. There is mounting evidence that suggests CBD oil can be used as a treatment for a number of diseases and conditions. People have been using CBD oil to treat diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, asthma, glaucoma, and HIV/AIDS to name a few.
Hemp seed oil is also a highly nutritious oil that can be used as a replacement for many other oils such as olive or coconut oil. It may be used in cooking, baking, or as a base oil for a nutritious salad dressing. Hemp seed oil, due to its antioxidant properties, is an excellent carrier oil for topical creams used on your skin.
What is Cannabis Oil and How Does this Differ?
Cannabis oil is a generic term for countless types of oils. Cannabis oil may be a full extract oil that contains hundreds of cannabinoids such as THC. Cannabis oil may vary in consistency depending on the process used to extract the oil from the cannabis plant.
Always check the ingredients of your cannabis oil product before making a decision on a purchase. Not all cannabis oils are the same. Both hemp seed oil and CBD oil are not a substitute for a balanced and healthy diet but are intended to support and promote balanced wellness in our bodies and minds.
Conclusion on Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil
There are countless varieties of both hemp and CBD oils available. Enough to get your head spinning. Instead of sifting through the array of mind-boggling terms and explanations, keep it simple. Ask yourself a few basic questions. What is your reason for wanting to take a natural oil? Are you looking for a medicinal product or a natural supplement? A full spectrum CBD product may be more suited to your needs should you require support with, for example, chronic pain. Hemp oil is a super everyday dietary supplement and, both products support general health and well-being. Either way, you win.
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