As more states legalize both marijuana and its byproducts, it’s hard to keep up. Not to worry, the experts at The Other Path want to educate you by presenting the differences between CBD oil and hemp oil and their benefits.
Hemp extracts are now federally legalized due to the 2018 Farm Bill. That means that farmers may now legally grow and produce hemp plant extracts such as hemp oil and CBD oil throughout the United States.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved one drug, known as Epidiolex, which uses CBD oil to help treat seizures.
Though the FDA has yet to regulate other CBD oil products, the administration recognizes potential healing properties in CBD oil, and the FDA continues to research the topic. The FDA has, however, approved hemp seed oil as safe to consume.
Today we will break down the difference between hemp oil vs. CBD oil and suggest how to use both.
What Is CBD Oil?
Producers mainly derive CBD oil from hemp plants, though some use marijuana plants. Though hemp and marijuana plants are both in the Cannabis family and thus closely related, hemp contains only 0.3% THC, while marijuana contains up to 30% of the same compound.
Both THC and CBD are chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. The difference between these two cannabinoids is their effect in getting you high.
THC is the main chemical compound that produces the euphoric feelings many consumers associate with marijuana. People use CBD to treat a variety of conditions without this sensation.
Although research is still needed, preliminary results indicate that CBD oil may help with conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, and pain. Some users report feeling relaxed and less stressed when using CBD oil.
What Is Hemp Oil?
There are two types of hemp oil: regular hemp oil and hemp seed oil. They are processed differently, and therefore contain different health compounds and chemical structures.
Producers make hemp oil by processing the stalks and flowers of hemp plants. Hemp oil is packed with cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. The concentration of THC in hemp oil is only 0.3% or less, however, due to the naturally low concentration in hemp plants.
On the other hand, many individuals use hemp seed oil for culinary consumption. Because hemp seed oil is made purely from hemp seeds, it does not contain any cannabinoids. It has a nutty flavor and is packed with nutrients, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
How Is Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil Processed?
To make hemp seed oil, producers use a cold-pressing process that squeezes out the oil and nutrients from hemp seeds. Regular hemp oil, on the other hand, comes from processing the flower, leaves, and/or stalks of the plant.
Producers make CBD isolate oil, or oil containing only cannabidiol, through many processes. In states where marijuana is legal, producers may use marijuana plants rather than hemp to produce CBD oil. The most important fact is that CBD isolate oil only contains CBD and no other compounds.
Is Hemp the Same as Marijuana?
As previously mentioned, hemp and marijuana are not the same plant. Hemp has a much lower concentration of THC than marijuana, meaning that hemp products do not cause the same high. However, hemp and marijuana are both members of the Cannabis family.
Does CBD Oil Get You High?
Because CBD oil removes all other cannabinoids, including THC, CBD oil will not get you high. In its pure form, CBD oil is meant to help consumers relax and reap the benefits of only cannabidiol.
In states where marijuana is legal, some CBD oil may contain higher THC levels due to how companies process the oil. Any CBD oil that contains more than 0.3% of the THC compound can potentially get you high.
Are There Any Health Benefits to Consuming Hemp or CBD Oil?
Many consumers report experiencing health benefits after using CBD, hemp, and hemp seed oil, though experts are still formally researching the topic. The FDA’s approval of the medication Epidiolex also indicates that CBD can be effective as a seizure treatment.
Regular CBD oil users also report lessened pain, better stress management, and better quality sleep. The main difference in the health benefits of hemp oil vs. CBD oil is that hemp oil is a well-rounded, whole-plant extract.
Hemp oil is less processed and contains over 140 cannabinoids. Therefore, if you are seeking to reap the health benefits of multiple cannabinoids, hemp oil is a much better option. You should purchase CBD oil if you are looking for isolated effects from CBD.
Finally, hemp seed oil is not only FDA-approved for consumption but boasts a myriad of health benefits when used in your daily diet. It contains Vitamin E and fatty acids that may help with immunity and contribute to a healthy mind and body.
You can use hemp seed oil for your pets as well! Either add it to their diet or use hemp seed oil products to wash them and brighten their coat. Because hemp seed oil lacks cannabinoids, it is completely safe for animals.
However, make sure that you are buying hemp seed oil and not hemp oil for your furry friends. Remember that hemp oil is not devoid of cannabinoids and is processed much differently than hemp seed oil. Check the ingredient list and contents before giving your pets hemp seed oil.
What Do the Additional Qualifiers Mean on Hemp and CBD Oil Labels?
Trustworthy companies, like us at The Other Path, label all their CBD and hemp or hemp seed oil products. These qualifiers refer to the density of cannabinoids in the oil that you are buying. There are three main qualifiers: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate.
Full-Spectrum
Full-spectrum oils contain many cannabinoids. If you are seeking to reap the benefits of the hemp plant in its entirety, full-spectrum oils are the best option for you. Hemp-derived, full-spectrum oils contain 0.3% THC or less.
Some CBD oils are also marketed as full spectrum. This marketing strategy typically indicates that THC is present in the oil, meaning it has the potential to get you high if the THC concentration is strong. Any CBD oil marketed as full spectrum does not contain pure CBD.
Broad-Spectrum
Broad-spectrum CBD oils contain all cannabinoids except THC, meaning that there are no trace amounts in the oil. Essentially, producers have removed the natural 0.3% THC that hemp products normally contain.
If you are adamant about having an entirely THC-free experience, broad-spectrum CBD oils are the best fit for you. However, the normal trace amounts of THC found in hemp products don’t get you high regardless, meaning broad-spectrum oils may not have the same health benefits and are more processed.
Isolate
CBD isolate oil is pure CBD, containing approximately 99% CBD. CBD oil has no other included compounds. You should not find even trace amounts of THC.
Due to a current lack of regulation on hemp products, labels are at times misleading. Check for a CofA, or Certificate of Analysis, when purchasing your hemp products. The certificate should break down the amounts of different cannabinoids in the product you’re purchasing.
Buy products that display a CofA from an independent lab, which indicates that an unbiased organization has analyzed the product. By following these guidelines, you can be confident in the contents of the product you are purchasing.
How Do I Take Hemp or CBD Oil?
You can ingest hemp and CBD oil orally by placing either under your tongue. Due to the presence of veins underneath the tongue, this method allows your body to easily absorb both oils into the bloodstream.
However, you can also take hemp or CBD oil by mixing it into your food or drinks. This integration does not affect each oil’s beneficial outcomes for pain, anxiety, sleep, or otherwise. You can safely consume hemp and CBD oil simultaneously as well.
Some users opt to directly apply either oil topically to their skin. This treatment is recommendable to anyone using the oils as a pain treatment, although oral ingestion is just as functional.
Where Can I Get CBD or Hemp Oil Shipped throughout the United States?
CBD and hemp oil are legal throughout the United States. Consequently, you have access to both these substances no matter where you live, even if no local supplier exists. The Other Path provides nationwide shipment of all our products so people across the nation can reap the benefits of these oils.
The Other Path is in Sherman Oaks, CA. We strive to educate consumers about different cannabinoids and their health benefits. We focus on wellness and want to guide you on your body’s needs.
If you have further questions about hemp oil vs. CBD oil, we’re happy to help. You can call us at 818-825-2739 or use the contact form online. Our shop is open and ready to fulfill your needs whenever you are, so check out our hemp products today!
