Is There A Difference Between CBD Oil and Hemp Oil?

You often see products advertised as CBD Oil or Hemp Oil, or at least see the term being tossed around as it has been gaining much popularity over the last few years. There is much controversy and confusion and we often find ourselves asking, “What is the difference between CBD Oil vs Hemp Oil?”

The confusion is mainly due to the fact that the word “hemp” is often mistakenly referred to for recreational and medicinal marijuana, which is inaccurate.

Essentially, we are going to cover Hemp-derived CBD Oil in this article. CBD Oil comes in many different forms, depending on where the oil was derived from and it’s not uncommon for folks to think that CBD Oil is the same as Cannabis Oil (otherwise known as hash oil) – they are completely different in terms of THC concentration. If you want the therapeutic benefits of medicinal marijuana without the psychoactive effects of getting high, opt for Hemp-Derived CBD products.

Origin: Where Do These Oils Come From?

Before we dive into this indulging topic and get down to the sole reason (reasons, there’s a lot!) why many are beginning to seek CBD and Hemp Oil as an addition to their diet, it’s important that we cover the most basic facts and discuss the origin of both oils.

CBD Oil and Hemp Oil come from the same plant species, Cannabis. The confusion sets in here, because we know Cannabis in the form of marijuana and we often associate anything having to do with Cannabis as resulting in intoxication, feeling high, or stoned.

But this isn’t the case.

There are three different species of Cannabis, namely:

• Sativa
• Indica
• Ruderalis

Hemp and CBD Oil are both from the Cannabis sativa plant. Now, to avoid confusion with misconception surrounding marijuana with hemp and CBD, let’s take a look at the following example.

An easy way to distinguish the hemp plant used to produce CBD and Hemp oil from the marijuana plant is to visualize the two compared to the canine family. There are many variants of the canine family, but we’re going to use the typical domestic dog as an example. Dogs come in many different breeds, varying in size, color and physical attributes that distinguish them such as ear shape, tail size, snout, etc., yet they all come from the same origin genus of Canis – very much like the hemp plant being a different variation of the plant Cannabis sativa.

Apart from that, hemp is also referred to as industrial hemp. This greatly differentiates between the two plants simply due to the fact that hemp is legal when it contains 0.3% less THC, as opposed to marijuana, which contains anywhere from 15-20%+ THC and is the sole reason for the associated psychoactive effects.

Distinguishing Factors

Hemp and CBD: What’s The Difference?

Aside from the fact that Hemp and CBD are from different strains of the Cannabis sativa plant. The most significant factor that differentiates between the two oils is where the oil was extracted from.

Hemp oil is primarily taken from the seeds of the hemp plant, which is why we often see hemp oil being termed also as hemp seed oil. CBD on the other hand, is obtained from the leaves, flowers, and stalks.

It is important to acknowledge the fact that CBD, as a cannabinoid, can be extracted from both the hemp and marijuana variety of Cannabis sativa, but we highly recommend you to opt for CBD Oil derived only from 100% organic hemp for quality concentration amounts of CBD and reassurance of very low.

Extraction Methods

Source: https://cdn.technologynetworks.com/tn/images/thumbnails/rectangle/essentials-of-cannabis-extraction-techniques-for-creating-marijuana-products-288970.png

Pressing: Hemp Oil

Pressing is a common extraction method often used in oils derived from the seed of a particular plant. The best quality hemp oils are extracted through the use of a cold press, which presses the oil from the hemp seeds without the need for applying heat. The same extraction method is used for peanut, coconut and olive oils.

Solvents: CBD Oil

Liquid solvents in the form of butane, isopropyl alcohol, hexane, or ethanol is pushed through the plant matter which allows for the separation of cannabinoids, trichomes and terpenes. Once separated, the solvent is then evaporated to leave the concentrate mixture of cannabinoids. This method may result in a bitter taste.

CO2 Extraction: CBD Oil

This method is often done with a closed-loop extractor and processes the separation of the plant matter to cannabinoids, trichomes and terpenes similar to that of the solvent extraction method. The plant matter goes through three different chambers and processes which then results into a cannabinoid rich oil. This particular method of extraction ensures a minimal risk of contamination and is quicker to extract compared to the use of solvents.

Concentration: CBD and THC

Hemp oil generally contains very little CBD and has benefits unrelated to medicine, more of which you will find in the section below for each oil’s uses and benefits.

CBD oil, as the name implies, has a high CBD content. Remember that CBD is the key ingredient to providing a vast number of medicinal benefits such as pain, arthritis, anxiety, cancer, seizures, and many more.

Use and Benefits

Hemp Oil: Industrial

Due to the minimal concentration of CBD in hemp oil. We often see it being used as a food supplement or additive. Though not ideal for medicinal use, it has many other industrial uses:

• Shampoo
• Soap
• Lotions
• Paint
• Biodiesel fuel
• Cooking
• Plastic

Its high nutritional value such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin E, Potassium and Magnesium make it ideal for the following benefits:

• Natural moisturizer
• Promotes a healthier immune system
• Vitamins serve as a brain food
• Prevents degenerative heart and organ conditions

CBD Oil: Medicinal

It is highly favored for its many medicinal and therapeutic effects. And as you scroll down the list below you’ll see why. CBD help with the following conditions:

• Acute and Chronic Pain
• Anxiety
• Inflammation
• Nausea
• Seizures and Epilepsy
• Cancer
• Loss of appetite
• Diabetes
• Alzheimer’s Disease

How To Weed Out The Best Hemp Products

See what I did there? No pun intended! Well, okay, maybe it was. With all of the different hemp products and producers out there, it can be difficult to choose the right product. Here’s a convenient checklist you can use to determine which products are safe. Along with one of our recommended producers that checks each item off the list.

• 100% Organic
• Made in the USA
• Free of Pesticides, Herbicides and Insecticides
• Offers Transparency in the form of a Certificate of Analysis
• Method of Extraction
• Source of Hemp is from Northern Europe
• Beware of Health Claims

Now, if you’re looking for hemp products, be it in the form of Hemp Oil, Hemp Capsules, or even for your pets, look no further. The CBD Full Spectrum PhytoCannaBinoiD Oil from VitaLeaf Naturals is a top recommendation. Not only do they meet each item on the checklist, but they offer cheaper prices than most competitors without hindering the quality. Plus, they offer more mg of CBD compared to others for the same price. If quality CBD Oil with an added mix of hemp oil is what you’re looking for, you’re getting safe and pure CBD Oil readily made for ideal and easy dosing.