The most exciting fact about CBD is that it is a continuous learning process, and the more you learn, the easier it becomes to identify quality CBD products and get the most out of them. Unfortunately, the massive popularity of CBD has resulted in numerous consumers who don’t fully understand the products and are easily deceived by unscrupulous manufacturers. One of the oldest tricks in the books is mislabelling CBD oil and hemp oil.
By understanding the differences between the two, you can easily differentiate the two products from each other and select the right product for the proper purpose.
What is Hemp Oil?
While CBD oil just recently became popular, Hemp oil or hemp seed oil has been around for ages and has made a name for itself in the skin care industry for its ability to keep the skin looking supple without clogging pores. Hemp seed oil is a type of hemp extract made from industrial hemp seeds that come from the Cannabis Sativa plant. The hemp seeds are pressed, bottled, processed, and refined before packaging. Hemp oil has a high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E and protein.What is CBD Oil?
CBD or cannabidiol in full is extracted from the hemp plant and combined with a carrier oil like MCT or coconut oil to increase absorption in the body. CBD is extracted directly from the hemp plant's stalk, stems, leaves, and flowers. There are many ways to extract CBD, including CO2, olive oil and ethanol. CO2 is the most preferred method because it produces the purest CBD extract.Similarities Between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil
CBD oil and hemp oil may have numerous differences, but they also have some similarities, which explain why most inexperienced consumers often can’t tell the two apart;- They are both natural oils from the hemp plant
- Neither produces a euphoric effect nor has a psychoactive effect.
- Both can be applied topically or ingested.
Differences Between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil
There are more differences than similarities between these two hemp products. These differences are what consumers of either product should look into when purchasing to ensure they pick the right product.- Hemp oil is made from the hemp plant's seeds, while CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant's stalk, stem, flowers and leaves.
- Hemp oil only comes from industrial hemp, whereas CBD can be extracted from other varieties of the cannabis plant. However, for the CBD oil to be legally sold, purchased and consumed in the UK, the CBD oil must have been extracted from the hemp plant.
- CBD oils are usually accompanied by a certificate of analysis from a reputable third-party lab. This is the practice among all leading and reputable CBD brands. However, hemp oil doesn’t come with any documentation, and such paperwork is also not required.
- There are specific legal requirements that CBD oil must meet to be sold legally in the UK. These requirements include having no more than 0.2% THC concentration, and the CBD extract must be hemp-derived. However, because hemp oil doesn't contain any THC, there are no legal requirements or restrictions.
- The hemp seed oil contains no beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes or phytonutrients. Because it lacks these essential compounds, it doesn’t provide benefits like the entourage effect. However, it is rich in vitamins and other nutrients.
- Although you can apply both hemp oil and CBD oil topically, you’re more likely to ingest CBD oil and use Hemp oil topically.
Benefits of Hemp Oil
The benefits of hemp oil might not be as far-reaching as those of CBD oil, but it still has plenty to offer. Hemp oil is packed with fats, minerals and vitamins. It has strong nutritional power and is also vastly used in the skincare and beauty industry.What are the side effects of hemp oil?
There are no known side effects of hemp oil on its own. However, people react differently to different things. Therefore, you should be cautious with your first experience with hemp oil. When applying it topically, do the patch test, and when ingesting, only take a small amount to see how your body reacts before increasing your intake.Benefits of CBD Oil
The benefits of CBD oil are well documented and far-reaching. Most people go for CBD because of its energising, calming and relaxing effects. There are also numerous reported health and wellness benefits of consuming CBD oil which has contributed to the massive uptake of CBD oil and other CBD products.What are the Side Effects of CBD Oil?
Most people tolerate CBD oil without any challenges. But like hemp oil, some people might react differently after taking CBD. Some mild and temporary side effects have been reported, especially among those that have taken too much CBD oil before building enough tolerance. These side effects include;- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Drowsiness
- Reduced appetite
