Hemp oil vs CBD oil

Chances are if you have heard of or used either hemp oil or CBD oil than you have noticed that many people are using the two labels interchangeably, but is hemp oil the same as CBD oil? The answer to that question is no. While both products contain many of the same components that we would expect from a cannabis-derived substance, there is a massive difference between hemp oil and CBD oil. To help to clear the air so to speak surrounding this widespread misconception of two of the most marketed cannabis products for health benefits, we will delve into the different elemental qualities of each one separately. Below you will find what each one is including what chemical components are within each one and what specific benefits you can expect from using them.

Hemp oil

Hemp oil AKA hempseed oil is made using hemp seeds that are cold pressed and unrefined. It does not contain any of the active cannabinoids that are found in cannabis. 49% of the hemp seed material ends up in the oil in the form of several essential fatty acids including omega-6, omega-3, linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, stearidonic acid, saturated fat, and monounsaturated fat which makes up 75% of hemp oil.

Hemp oil uses and benefits

Hemp oil or hemp seed oil is most frequently used as a food grade oil to cook with and a dietary supplement that aids in boosting essential nutrients and fats to improve and promote heart health. Since it has a lower than average boiling point it is not suitable to fry or cook in, only as an oil ingredient in recipes.

CBD oil

CBD oil is just the short form of cannabidiol oil. Cannabidiol is found in almost every species of hemp out there and is a naturally produced element located in the stalks, the leaves, and the flowers. CBD oil is made by extracting the essential compound cannabinol along with many other cannabinoids using some form of solvent to draw them out of the plant materials. This process results in a hemp extract that is refined even further into a CBD oil that contains concentrated amounts of cannabidiol.

CBD oil uses and benefits

CBD oil can be taken in pure form orally or mixed into edibles or tinctures that are then ingested. CBD is a cannabinoid found in marijuana that has been studied at length for its potential to treat depression, anxiety, heart disease, acne, and pain relief from ailments such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer's, MS, IBS, and chronic pain due to strain or injury. It is also used in conjunction with traditional cancer therapies to stave off common side effects like nausea, insomnia, lack of appetite, and tiredness.

As you can see there is not only a significant difference between the two oils chemically; they are also useful for entirely different purposes. While both may be considered medicinal or at least having health benefits of some form, only one is medical grade while the other isn’t anything more than a healthy choice of cooking oil alternative in recipes. This is why it is so vital for the public to educate themselves before purchasing any kind of plant-derived products. Just because two products are made using the same plant, that does not mean that both will be equal in benefits and qualities.