Are CBD Oil and Hemp Oil the Same thing?
There is a great deal of confusion regarding the distinction between CBD and hemp oil, mainly because CBD oil is often erroneously referred to as hemp oil. While both oils come from the hemp plant, a variant of the cannabis sativa plant, hemp oil is extracted from the seeds, while CBD oil is extracted from the leaves, stalk and flowers.
The extracted oils therefore have different effects, strengths and benefits. In this blog, we will describe the key differences between CBD oil and hemp oil.
Hemp Oil
Hemp oil, or hemp seed oil, is a fatty oil that is extracted from hemp seeds and has a nutty flavour. This oil is high in omega fatty acids, as well as gamma-linolenic acid and nutritious antioxidant content. Importantly, hemp seed oil contains little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or CBD. The amount depends on the way the seeds are handled and processed. Strict guidelines ensure that commercial hemp seed oil must contain 0.3% THC or less.
Since hemp oil is high in nutrients, it has numerous health benefits. For example, it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. These fatty acids improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, reducing blood clotting and reducing the risk of strokes or heart failure.
Some researchers argue that hemp oils can aid cardiovascular health by improving total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low- density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. However, this has not been proven.
Potential Benefits
As well as improving heart health, hemp oil has several other potential benefits. These include relieving constipation, modifying the immune system, improve skin conditions and improving gastrointestinal conditions. It has even been argued that hemp seed oil has anticancer effect, antioxidant effects and anti-aging effects. Of course, none of this is confirmed.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is taken from the leaves, stalk and flowers of the cannabis sativa plant. As the name suggests, the oil is high in CBD, which is a non-psychoactive isomer of THC. In other words, the consumption of CBD will not result in a ‘high’ sensation. Commercial CBD oils contain different amounts of CBD so it is important to check the product description.
How it Works
Further research is needed to determine how CBD affects the body, however most researchers agree that CBD help to stabilise the body’s homeostasis.
Cannabinoids interact with the body’s central regulatory system, activating two of its core receptors, CB1 and CB2. These receptors regulate mood, temperature, cognitive function and muscle repair. CBD also helps to manage several bodily processes, such as appetite, mood, memory and sleep.
Potential Benefits
Preliminary research suggests that CBD oil can be used to improve chronic pain, inflammation, digestive health and skin health. It may also aid the treatment of epilepsy, anxiety disorders, psychiatric and neurologic conditions, insomnia and cancer. However, more research is needed.
Should I Buy CBD Oil or Hemp Oil?
The answer to this question is dependent on the specific person and their needs. Due to its high level of omega acids, hemp oil is often used for skincare and cooking. In comparison, CBD oil is primarily used by people seeking to improve health concerns. If in doubt, consult a GP or pharmacist to discuss which oil is best for you.