CBD and Hempseed Oil Aren't the Same Things
The last few years have seen an explosion of CBD products on the market, but many people still don't know what it is or how it's different from hempseed oil.
Many people confuse hemp products - hempseed oil and CBD oil (Industrial Hemp), believing they're the same thing, but they are different in terms of their chemical components and their effects on the human body. Let's look at how the two entities differ and clear up some confusion.
CBD Oil vs. Hempseed Oil: What is CBD Oil?
CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is one of almost 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids derived from the Cannibis sativa plant. To make CBD oil, manufacturers extract the oil from the flowers, stalks, and leaves of the cannabis plants.
Depending upon the extraction methods and processing, CBD oil can contain various quantities of cannabinoids:
Full-spectrum CBD Oil
As the name implies, full-spectrum CBD oil is an extract from the entire hemp plant and contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD). It also contains THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant that causes a "high."
However, the amount of THC in full-spectrum CBD oil is low. (less than 0.3%) and is not enough to cause psychoactive symptoms.
Manufacturers use terms to describe the components of CBD oil or Hemp Extract and you should know these terms to ensure you're buying CBD oil that meets your needs.
In United State, The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) authorized the production of hemp and removed hemp and hemp seeds from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) schedule of Controlled Substances.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad spectrum CBD oil contains a variety of cannabinoids, but it does not contain THC, the psychoactive component. The advantage of broad-spectrum CBD is you get several types of cannabinoids without THC.
CBD Isolate
You can also buy isolated CBD oil that contains only CBD (cannabidiol), one cannabinoid from the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD isolate usually contains 99% plus CBD and is free of THC. CBD isolate is a more purified form of CBD oil since it contains only cannabidiol.
How Hemp Seed Oil Differs from CBD Oil
Unlike CBD oil that comes from the flowers, stems, and stalks of the cannabis sativa plant comes from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. The seeds do not contain significant amounts of cannabinoids, unlike CBD oil. They also lack THC.
On the plus side, hempseed oil contains essential fatty acids including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Some people take hempseed oil to add more essential fatty acids to their diet and there's some evidence that omega-3s are beneficial for heart health, although recent studies have called this into question.
Plus, hempseed oil contains some vitamins and antioxidants. Some manufacturers add hempseed oil to other products
Possible Benefits of CBD Oil
You would choose CBD oil if you're seeking cannabidiol (CBD) or other cannabinoids in CBD oil. Whether you choose full spectrum, broad spectrum, or an isolate depends on whether you want only CBD or full spectrum of cannabinoids.
Research is exploring the possible health benefits of cannabinoids. Cannabinoids interact with endocabinoid receptors located on various parts of the body, including the brain, immune system, as well as other organs and glands. Interaction with these receptors may explain their health benefits.
Although more research is needed, some studies suggest that cannabinoids may reduce inflammation, help with blood pressure, pain, and be beneficial for anxiety and depression. These are areas that need more research.
The Food and Drug Administration authorized a medication for seizures that contains synthetic versions of some cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. In other countries, CBD oil is used by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and people with multiple sclerosis.
What about Hempseed Oil?
Hempseed oil contains no CBD nor tetrahydrocannabinol thc , so you won't provide the potential benefits listed above. However, it is nutrient rich and contains antioxidants. Some people use it on their skin to improve its texture since it helps reduce moisture loss.
It's also an ingredient in some skincare products. Some people use it for culinary purposes, for example, to make salad dressings.
One advantage of hempseed oil over CBD oil is it's safe to buy and use anywhere in the country because it lacks THC and other cannabinoids.
There are still some restrictions on CBD oil, depending on the state you're in. In general, CBD oil is legal if the THC content is less than 0.3%.
The Bottom Line
Now you have a better idea of how CBD oil and hempseed oil differ. Which you purchase depends on whether you want cannabinoids or only the nutritional benefits that hempseed oil offers. If you purchase CBD oil, research the source.
One study found that of 84 CBD products evaluated, 1 out of 4 contained less CBD oil than stated. One out of 4 also contained THC. So, know your source.
References:
"FDA Regulation of Cannabidiol (CBD) Consumer Products." 10 Feb. 2020, https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11250
"2022 CBD Laws by State | CBD Awareness Project." 13 Jan. 2020, https://www.cbdoil.org/cbd-laws-by-state/
"CBD: Safe and effective? - Mayo Clinic." 18 Dec. 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700