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Hemp Oil vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?

By now there’s no doubt that you’re familiar with either hemp oil, CBD oil, or both. But even with the popularity of CBD products growing, there is still much confusion about the difference between CBD oil and hemp oil.

How are they similar and how are they different? Are they both used to treat the same things, and do they have the same effects?

Would you be surprised to know that although they come from the same plant, they’re actually quite different? It’s true. 

CBD oil and hemp oil have several key difference between them. Do you know what they are?

Continue reading below to learn more.

What Is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil is an extract that’s cold-pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant. A hemp plant is the cannabis sativa plant that contains less than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. A cannabis sativa plant that contains more than 0.3% of THC is considered marijuana. 

THC is the compound found in the cannabis sativa plant that causes you to experience the “high” of marijuana. The seeds of the plant, however, contain far fewer traces of THC or other compounds found within the plant. 

Hemp, similar to sunflower seed oil and jojoba oil, has been used in products sold in health food stores for many years. It’s used in skin care products and even smoothies. Some refer to it as cannabis sativa seed oil, which may cause some confusion.

If you find a product that lists “cannabis sativa seed oil” as an ingredient, please be aware that this is not CBD oil. It is hemp seed oil and does not contain any traces of THC. 

Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp oil contains no CBD or any cannabinoids and is high in antioxidants, 6 fatty acids, and omega-3. This works as a great superfood that adds nutrition to any diet. As a skin care product, it works well to moisturize the skin without leaving an oily residue. 

Use hemp oil to treat eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, acne rosacea, and more. Its high amounts of fatty acids and vitamins work well for maintaining healthy skin and preventing future breakouts. And because hemp seed oil contains polyphenols, it’s also good for brain health.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is extracted from the same plant that hemp oil is — the cannabis sativa plant or sometimes taken from the marijuana plant. However, CBD oil is not extracted from the seeds, but from the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the plant. CBD oil, unlike hemp oil, does contain traces of THC. 

How much THC is in the CBD oil depends on the plant that it’s taken from. Some cannabis sativa plants contain more than others. It’s often taken from the plant and then combined with other oils and herbs to make the final product sold in healthcare products. 

The uses for CBD oil are more medicinal than that of hemp oil. And although CBD does have traces of THC in it, the CBD to THC ratio is high. Because of this, you won’t experience the psychoactive effects of THC.

Benefits of CBD Oil

Full spectrum CBD hemp oil contains plenty of essential vitamins. They are also full of minerals, protein, fatty acids, terpenes, fiber, and chlorophyll. Aside from the many beneficial elements of CBD oil, it also works well to relieve several conditions.

Because CBD is known as a relaxant, it’s great for treating anxiety without the fear of side effects. After several clinical studies, CBD proved to impact serotonin receptors in the brain in a positive way. This improves mental state, which helps treat depression. 

One of the most well-known benefits of CBD oil is its ability to reduce inflammation. Inflammation in the body is a cause for chronic pain, which CBD oil helps treat. It also helps regulate sleeping patterns and treat insomnia. 

Its anti-inflammatory properties also work to treat brown spots, acne, and wrinkles. And with the treatment of anxiety, it helps lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.

What Is the Proper Way to Use the Two?

There are a couple of ways to deliver the oils to your body. However, there are some ways that are more productive and much safer. Those two methods are as follows:

Drinking Them in a Beverage

These oils are added into teas, juices, and other beverages for oral consumption.

There are many bars and restaurants that serve hemp oil beverages for purchase. 

Consuming Them in Solid Forms

Rather than consuming them as an oil in your drink, you can also consume them as a solid.

These oils are placed in mints, hard candies, gummies, and other solid foods. Consuming the oils orally is safe and speeds up the process.

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: Which One Is Right for You?

Before trying either of these products, it’s always best to first speak with your primary care doctor. He or she will determine if hemp oil or CBD oil is right for you. It’s important to take into consideration any other over-the-counter or prescription medicine that you might be taking. 

And when it comes to deciding which oil is best for you, be sure to keep this guide in mind. It’s essential that you know where each one comes from, what it’s used for, and how it’ll affect you.

Want to learn more about keeping your body healthy? Check back with our blog regularly to get the latest on health topics!