If you are new to the CBD world, you may be wondering the difference between “CBD oil” and “hemp oil.” While it’s true that hemp oil and CBD oil share a common source bond, their potential benefits and uses can vary differently.
That’s why although there can be potential benefits to hemp oil, it shouldn’t be considered the same thing as CBD oil. Here are ten facts about hemp oil you may not have known as the market heats up discussing its future.
Hemp Oil Contains Very Little to No THC
Like CBD oil, hemp oil is gathered from industrial hemp seeds. Around the world, the rules for hemp are almost uniform: it must be grown primarily for its universal benefits (think fibers or paper production), and contain the minimum amount of THC possible.
While different countries have different standards for the definition of “hemp,” the United States, Canada, and the European Union agree it must minimize total THC content. In the U.S., the agreed-upon standard for hemp and hemp oil is 0.3% THC. Anything higher is considered a marijuana by-product, which can land users in potential legal trouble, depending on the state.
Hemp Oil is Processed Differently Than CBD Oil
Although we’ve established that hemp oil and CBD oil come from the same place, they are processed in two completely different ways. Hemp oil – or more formally known as “hemp seed oil” is processed by crushing hemp seeds. The result is an oil not dissimilar from the vegetable oil you get from the store, but with potentially more benefits than even extra virgin olive oil.
CBD oil is extracted from many different parts of the plants, but most comes from the flowers and buds of industrial hemp plants. That’s why organic, full spectrum CBD oil contains a number of cannabinoids, not just cannabidiol.
Hemp Oil Contains Omega Fatty Acids
One of the primary benefits of hemp oil over other vegetable-based oils is its suspension of omega fatty acids. Hemp oil contains a higher number of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than avocado oil, sunflower oil, or even soybean oil. Only flaxseed or linseed contains more omega-3 fatty acids than hemp seed oil.
Some of the identified prospective benefits of omega-3 fatty acids include lower blood pressure, reduced likelihood of heart attack and stroke, and less fat plaques developing in arteries. If you want the benefits of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids but hate the taste of fish oil, you may want to consider hemp oil or NuLeaf Naturals organic full spectrum CBD oil.
Hemp Oil Also Has Vitamins Found in Other Seeds
But omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids aren’t the only good things found in hemp oil. A 2010 report published by the American Oil Chemists Society discovered significant amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins, and trace minerals.
“Hempseed is a rich source of easily digestible protein and highly unsaturated food oil,” J.C. Callaway wrote in the report. “Aside from being extremely low in saturated fats, hempseed oil is interesting in other ways. For example, hemp seed oil has a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids than most other industrial food oils.”
Hemp Oil is “Legal” in the United States
As discussed above, hemp oil and CBD oil are both considered “legal” to possess in the United States. As long as any hemp oil or CBD oil contains less than 0.3% THC, users may be allowed to possess and use them at their discretion.
However, laws governing CBD and hemp oil may differ from state to state. Before you buy CBD oil, it’s important to understand your state’s laws and make sure your use would not interfere with other laws, such as operating a car or other heavy machinery.
Hemp Oil is Not “Approved” By the FDA
Although hemp oil is “legal” under state law, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved hemp oil as a treatment for any condition. All statements about the efficacy of hemp oil are not reviewed by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you see a hemp oil making such a claim, avoid it.
Academic Research is Different for Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil
While scholars are continuing to investigate the benefits of pure CBD oil and hemp oil, the research is certainly varied between the two. Peer-reviewed studies on CBD oil benefits focus primarily on perceived benefits and use for both humans and animals. Research on hemp oil is primarily focused around its industrial use, or as a food-grade oil.
Hemp oil is Often Used for Industrial Purposes
It may come as no surprise that industrial hemp is primarily harvested for industrial purposes. Subsequently, seeds crushed into hemp oil have a lot of different purposes in the workplace. Hemp oil can be present in many of the products we take for granted, from bio-diesel fuel to varnishes and wood finish.
Hemp Oil is Not the Same as CBD Oil
While it may come as no surprise, it’s worth noting that hemp oil is not the same as CBD oil. Both are sourced differently and contain different chemical compositions. And while CBD oil may contain some of the same things as hemp oil, hemp seed oil does not contain cannabidiol.
Many Potential Hemp Oil Benefits Can Also Be Found in CBD Oil
If you are thinking about using hemp oil, you may want to consider CBD oil instead. Because of their source material and common basis, CBD oil contains many of the good things found in hemp oil. They can also be taken the same way: either sublingually or as a topical oil for skin.
Although they may sound the same, hemp oil and CBD oil are two completely different products. By knowing the difference, you can make the decision on which one makes the most sense for your lifestyle.
Disclaimer: This content does not necessarily represent the views of IWB.