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Updated on January 23, 2023

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil — Is There a Difference?

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Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil — Is There a Difference?

Hemp has been a blessing to humanity for thousands of years, and its potential is finally being realized and appreciated. This amazing plant has multiple uses from food, fuel, and clothing to beauty products and wellbeing support.

Researchers and leading medical organizations around the world continue to study its potential in treating illnesses from anxiety disorders to Parkinson's disease. Ingesting certain forms of hemp may help reduce inflammation in the body — a common issue associated with many chronic illnesses. Furthermore, the cannabinoids from hemp extract may help with pain in conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Hemp is becoming more widely recognized for its benefits for human health. It contains an array of natural compounds that interact harmoniously with the body’s own endocannabinoid system (ECS). This critical neurotransmitter network is composed of self-produced endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors located throughout our brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. These receptors respond favorably when they come into contact with hemp cannabinoids, meaning that the potential applications of this ancient plant are seemingly endless.

As science continues to uncover new information about how hemp interacts with our bodies, its popularity as a natural, safe, and effective wellness supplement is growing. You can now find a plethora of hemp-derived products from edibles to topicals and oils, including hemp oil and CBD oil, but what are the differences between them?

Continue reading as we review hemp oil vs CBD oil and the key differences between them.

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil

Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that contains less than 0.3% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is a psychoactive compound that's concentrated in the marijuana variety of cannabis. Because hemp contains only trace levels of THC, it offers the benefits of cannabis without the intoxicating effects.

Besides THC, hemp contains many more active compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), terpenes and flavonoids. Hemp is a powerhouse of health-promoting compounds and is available in a variety of forms, including different oils.

So, when considering CBD vs hemp oil, it’s important to understand how they differ and the potential benefits they offer.

Hemp oil

Hemp oil, also called hemp extract, is extracted from the leaves, flowers, and stems of the hemp plant. It contains the full spectrum of native, beneficial compounds called phytocannabinoids, that you'd find naturally in the hemp plant. Besides CBD and THC, the most well-known cannabinoids, there are more than 120 other cannabinoids that contribute to the power of hemp oil. This whole-plant extract also contains a blend of active substances called terpenes, and flavonoids that are responsible for the aromas, flavors, and colors of hemp and have been reported to have their own set of benefits.

Nature designed the hemp plant perfectly, and hemp oil reflects this and preserves its natural balance of compounds. These substances work together in synergy to create what's known as the entourage effect, which amplifies their individual benefits, creating a potent and powerful source of healthful nutrients.

Somewhat confusingly, some people also refer to hemp seed oil as hemp oil. As the name implies, hemp seed oil comes from hemp seeds, not the green foliage and stem of the hemp plant. Unlike hemp oil, hemp seed oil contains virtually no phytocannabinoids and doesn't provide the same health benefits. However, it has an impressive fatty acid profile, rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) and omegas. It's an edible oil that can be used as a food supplement or cooking ingredient, making it popular among those looking to add healthy fats to their diet.

Hemp oil vs CBD

Like hemp oil, CBD oil is derived from hemp. But, unlike full-spectrum hemp oil, CBD isolate doesn't contain all of the active compounds and offers fewer potential benefits.

CBD oil is a manipulated product that doesn't exist naturally. CBD oils are specifically produced to contain only isolated CBD, without any THC or other cannabinoids. Therefore, when you use CBD oil, you'll only enjoy the potential benefits of CBD without the presence of other native compounds found in hemp oil. There is no synergistic, entourage effect with CBD oil, making it less effective.

Ultimately, when choosing between hemp oil vs CBD oil, hemp oil provides the most well-rounded experience and benefits, just as nature intended.

Want to Learn More?

  1. Hemp Extract for Athletes
  2. Why your Hemp Oil Should Taste Like…Hemp!
  3. Why is Soil Quality Critical to CBD?

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