Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What's The Difference?

If you're like most people, you probably thought that hemp oil and CBD oil were the same thing. After all, they are used interchangeably quite often. It's okay, we've all been there. You may also be surprised to know that hemp and CBD oil are actually not the same. Not only are they cultivated differently, but they also have their own unique set of benefits.

Hemp oil contains no CBD at all. To make hemp oil, the seeds from the hemp plant are cold-pressed. The result is culinary hemp oil that is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. To make CBD oil, on the hand, cultivators extract the compound from flowers, stalks, and leaves of a mature hemp plant. Whether it's hemp oil or CBD oil, you are likely to gain various health benefits from both.

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first CBD-based drug, there has been a surge of interest in these oils from consumers wanting to learn more and understand what these oils do. Due to the increase of interest, it's easy to mistake one oil for the other, as mentioned above.

Having said that, it's time we take a closer look at the numerous uses of hemp and CBD oils.

 

What is CBD Oil?

As mentioned above, CBD oil is made from the extraction of flowers, stalks, and leaves of mature cannabis plants. Generally, there are three main forms of CBD, namely:

• CBD Isolate: contains pure CBD, with no traces of THC at all. Typically in powder form.
• Broad-Spectrum CBD: contains other cannabinoids and terpenes alongside CBD with trace amounts of THC.
• Full-Spectrum CBD: contains all the compounds from a cannabis plant, including low doses of THC (.03%). It is also the most natural form of CBD because it undergoes less processing.

Because of the lack of proper authoritative regulations, manufacturers often use some terminologies interchangeably. Therefore, it is always prudent to double check labeling for any certification stamps, such as a Certificate of Analysis (COA).

 

CBD Oil Uses

It's alleged that CBD has medical benefits. Research shows that people have used CBD or CBD infused products to control the following conditions:

• Epilepsy
• Inflammatory Skin Conditions
• Anxiety
• Gingivitis
• Depression
• Body Aches
• Body Inflammation
• Addiction Management
• Neurodegenerative Conditions

The list doesn't stop there. It goes on and on. There have also been reports that suggest CBD oil can be used in therapeutic conditions and even oral hygiene. Recent studies show that CBD oil can contain liberal amounts of terpenoids and phytocannabinoids.

 

How Does CBD Oil Works?

Although there's ongoing research and case studies to determine the validity of CBD use on the human body, preliminary reports indicate that CBD works in three ways.

Once the CBD is absorbed by the body, it works by increasing serotonin receptors' activity. It also activates the potential of the transient receptor vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). This receptor then works by regulating body pain with the help of receptor 55 (GPR55). Additionally, it inhibits the endocannabinoid reuptake.

As mentioned earlier, the three types of CBD have different components. Each of these components play a vital role in the human body.

• CBD: antiepileptic, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressive, pain-reduction and neuroprotective
• THC: anti-nausea, pain-reduction and anti-inflammatory
• Limonene: antitumor and antioxidant.
• Beta-Caryophyllene: pain-reduction and anti-anxiety
• Cannabichromene: pain-reduction

 

CBD Oil Side Effects & Risks

Numerous pieces of research show that using CBD infused products is by large safe. However, there have also been reports of certain side effects of using CBD oil. It then means individual CBD products may have certain side effects and risks, whether used as directed or otherwise.

One such study indicated that there were no risks when users took 300 ml of CBD oil daily for six months. On another occasion, there were no risks reported after users took a whopping 1500 mg of CBD oil daily for 30 days.

However, after extensive studies on people who used Epidiolex, which has certain amounts of CBD oil in treating epilepsy, showed some side effects. Some of the side effects recorded include:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Decreased Appetite
• Liver Complications

After analyzing those side effects, researchers advise CBD oil users to be vigilant on the source of the products.

 

What is Hemp Oil?

The unique things about hemp seed oil are that the product contains Omega-3 and Omega-6, gamma-linolenic acid, as well as other essential nutritional anti-oxidants. In addition, hemp oil is extremely rich in Vitamins B and D.

To get hemp seed oil, manufacturers press the seeds of a mature hemp plant. The end-product does not have THC because it is not extracted from leaves, branches, stalks, or even flowers. That explains why people don't typically use hemp oil for recreational purposes because it lacks the psychoactive component. 

PS. You will never get high if you take hemp oil or products rich in hemp oil. The reason is the oil does not contain CBD or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

 

Hemp Oil Uses

 Those who decide to use hemp oil do not do so because they want to get high. Therefore, hemp oil will never be used for recreational purposes. The product either has very low amounts of THC and CBD or does not have any of those components at all.

Because of the Omega-3, Omega-6, and the nutritious anti-oxidants, people use hemp oil to add these valuable nutrients to the body. In addition, hemp is used in the manufacturing of fibers and clothes.

 

How Does Hemp Oil Work?

Research indicates that when used, hemp oil can help users maintain a healthy cardiovascular system by improving or increasing:

• Lipoprotein cholesterol that is low-density
• Total cholesterol
• Lipoprotein cholesterol that is in its high-density form
• Triglycerides

Although that is what current research says about how hemp oil works, efficacy is yet to be ascertained.

 

Hemp Oil Benefits

 Many modern hemp oil manufacturers add it to quick foods such as snacks, yogurt, cookies, bread, and snack bars. When they do, they want users to enjoy some of the benefits of hemp that include:

• Improving skin conditions
• Relieving constipation
• Improving the body’s gastrointestinal conditions
• Modifying the body’s immune system
• Providing the user with cardiovascular benefits

Researchers also believe that hemp oil has the following additional benefits:

• Anti-aging effects
• Anti-cancer effects
• Antioxidant effects

 

Hemp Oil Side Effects & Risks

 At least, it is known that everything will be safe when you take hemp oil. The efficacy of providing the various cardiovascular benefits mentioned above is under study; thus, no one can say with certainty that you will get all the cardiovascular benefits mentioned before.

Some users had reported digestive issues when they used products infused with hemp oil. While a few people can report side effects, the risk is not on everyone. For instance, those who reported the side effects either used large amounts of hemp oil or did not follow manufacturer instructions.

 

Final Thoughts

After seeing the difference between CBD oil and hemp seed oil, how each of them is extracted and from what,  their different uses, how it works, nutritional and health benefits, and side effects and possible risks, it is up to you to see which of them you will go for the next time you're in the market for these products.