You’ve probably thought to yourself before, “Hemp oil, CBD oil, it’s the same thing.” Or you’ve at least seen them being used interchangeably and are a little bit confused. You’re not alone. Many people are unsure of the difference between the two. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide comparing hemp oil vs CBD oil!
Hemp oil and CBD oil are, in fact, not the same thing. But people confuse the two because they come from similar sources, have some of the same benefits, and are often used together to create very effective products. So let’s take a closer look at what these two truly are and what makes them so powerful when combined together.
Table of Contents
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant with 0.3% THC or less. Because of the low amount of THC in hemp, products made from hemp (including oil) won’t get you high. In fact, hemp oil (also known as hemp seed oil) doesn’t include any of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in CBD oil, including CBD. Instead, it’s made from just hemp seeds.
Hemp oil is actually known as a “superfood” thanks to its many benefits, nutrients, and positive effects on your body. From improving your mood to benefiting your skin, hemp oil is becoming more and more popular in the health and beauty world.
How is Hemp Oil Made?
Hemp oil is made from the hemp plant’s seeds. That’s why it’s also known as “hemp seed oil.” Hemp oil is harvested from the plant by cold-pressing the hemp seeds.
Hemp oil is semi-transparent, green oil that has a nutty flavor. It’s often unrefined, which means it comes in its natural state and hasn’t been processed.
What Are the Benefits of Hemp Oil?
From nutritional value to wellness benefits, hemp oil has a long list of positive effects for people who use it regularly.
Nutrients
Hemp oil is very beneficial to your overall health thanks to the many nutrients within the seeds. It’s usually called a “super food” due to its abundance of benefits.
The first is protein. Hemp seeds have about three tablespoons of protein per 30 grams, which is almost as much as soybeans. Because of this, they are considered a complete source of protein. That means they have all nine essential amino acids. This is uncommon for most plant-based foods, making hemp seed pretty popular amongst vegetarians and vegans.
Hemp seed is also rich in omega-3-6-9 fatty acids and other unsaturated fats. The body cannot produce essential fatty acids so they must come from the diet. They are crucial to long-term health so having hemp seed each day is definitely a great addition to any diet!
Fiber is another nutrient found in hemp seeds. It’s found in the outer shell. But even without shells, hemp seeds are a great source of fiber. Consuming fiber each day can regulate your appetite, stabilize your blood sugar, and promote better gut health.
Hemp seeds contain an abundance of vitamins and minerals. The most important are Vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. You can also get a good amount of Vitamin B, iron, and zinc.
Soothing Properties
Hemp oil can reduce swelling and irritation, thanks to the omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids it provides. This can be good for swollen joints and muscles. A 2016 study found that omega-3 can assist with blood flow throughout the body, reducing swelling and improving joint tension. You might also notice an improvement in your overall physical discomfort.
Reduces Negative Thoughts
A 2018 study on the fatty acids found in hemp oil found that they can play a part in reducing feelings of nervousness, stress, and fear.
Healthier Skin
Hemp oil can reduce skin blemishes. This is thanks to the polyunsaturated fats found in the oil. A 2018 study found that eating more omega-3s improves skin blemishes. At the least, you’ll feel rejuvenated and fresh-faced.
Boost Heart Health
The medical community at large agrees that omega-3 fatty acids can improve your heart’s health, reducing the risk of heart disease. Hemp seeds also contain a high level of arginine, which improves artery and vein dilation. When combined with lower blood pressure and a healthy diet, hemp seeds can decrease the risk of heart failure.
What is CBD Oil?
While hemp oil is made from the hemp plant’s seeds, CBD oil comes from hemp’s leaves and flowers. Full spectrum CBD oil contains all of hemp’s cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The main cannabinoid is, of course, CBD.
CBD is also known as cannabidiol. It’s a phytocannabinoid found in hemp that has no intoxicating qualities. That means it won’t get you high at all. Instead, it provides a lot of health and wellness benefits for your mind and body.
While THC is one of the cannabinoids present in full-spectrum CBD oil, there isn’t enough to intoxicate you. When the Farm Bill passed in 2018, it made hemp plants legal if they have 0.3% THC or less. That amount of THC won’t get you high.
How is CBD Oil Made?
CBD oil comes from hemp’s leaves and flowers. These elements of the plant are rich in cannabinoids and terpenes, which is what gives them so many varied benefits, flavors, and aromas.
There are a few ways to extract CBD from hemp. The most common is the CO2 method. Liquid CO2 is run through the plant material within a chamber. A certain amount of pressure and a specific temperature are used to help the CO2 reach its “supercritical state.” At that point, CO2 acts as a solvent, causing the plant material to separate. This includes all of the compounds within.
Once the process is done, CO2 is separated from the organic compounds. That leaves full-spectrum CBD oil. This is considered the most efficient and swift method to extract CBD. It’s also said to be environmentally friendly because it has a limited amount of emissions and doesn’t use flammable and chemical compounds. The Food & Drug Administration has called it “safe.” It also maintains the hemp’s integrity, making the CBD oil more potent.
What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
CBD oil has similar benefits of hemp oil but with the added benefits of the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other hemp plant properties. All of these compounds combine to give users the “entourage effect.”
CBD interacts with the receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is in charge of our body’s well-being and balance. This is also known as homeostasis. The ECS includes all of our body’s major systems, including the digestive, immune, and nervous systems. Since the receptors are throughout the body, that means CBD has a variety of positive effects on your body and mind.
CBD is often taken every eight hours or twice a day. Regularly taking CBD will make the effects more potent (even if you take a smaller dosage over time). It’s non-intoxicating, meaning you won’t get any negative side effects associated with being “high.” And you can’t get addicted to CBD or feel withdrawals.
CBD affects everyone differently. It can depend on your age, ailments, weight, activity level, metabolism, how often you take CBD, and even if you’ve recently eaten. But there are many common benefits that have made CBD oil more and more popular over the years.
Reduces Physical Discomfort
CBD is commonly used to reduce joint tension, muscle swelling, and other physical discomforts. A lot of people use CBD to feel soothed and comforted, making it popular for people who work long hours or enjoy tough workouts. People with chronic discomfort also turn to CBD to reduce soreness each day.
Reduces Negative Thoughts
Another popular use for CBD is the positive impact it has on your mind. CBD may minimize nervous, sad, or stress-related thoughts. CBD can leave you feeling clear-minded, positive, and even creative.
Regulate Sleep Schedule
CBD is known to help you feel comforted and relaxed. That’s partially due to the fact that CBD can wash away your negative thoughts and physical discomforts. But CBD is often used to regulate sleep. People with inconsistent sleeping schedules often turn to CBD for this reason. Take it before bed to not only encourage sleep, but deeper sleep. You’ll wake up feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Improve Skin Conditions
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties have other popular uses, including reducing skin blemishes and improving skin conditions. It’s no surprise that we see CBD in a lot of beauty products, including lotions and bath bombs.
Encourage Regular Appetite
CBD won’t give you the “munchies.” You won’t suddenly feel hungry and overeat. But CBD is known to regulate your appetite because the symptoms of an upset stomach. That’s why taking CBD can inspire you to eat healthy and stay active!
Terpenes
CBD oil doesn’t only have the benefits of CBD. It also has the benefits of the other compounds found in hemp, including terpenes. Terpenes are basically essential oils found in hemp that ward off insects and other predators in the wild. And when consumed by humans, terpenes provide benefits that can’t be ignored.
- Limonene: Known for its fruity and citrusy scent, this terpene has anti-inflammatory properties. In various studies, it’s been shown that limonene’s ability to reduce inflammation has a lot of positive impacts. Limonene is also known to reduce stress and support healthier digestion.
- Mycrene: Peppery and spicy, this is one of the most abundant terpenes found in hemp. It’s been used to reduce physical discomfort throughout history. It’s also known for its sedative properties when a lot is consumed, making you feel relaxed and comforted.
- Pinene: Rosemary and pine needles are what comes to mind when you smell this terpene. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can even protect the skin from UV damage. Some people use pinene to improve memory and brain function.
- Caryophyllene: This terpene reduces swelling and can improve the management of certain diseases. Caryophyllene, with its woody aroma, can also promote better sleep. A study found that it increased sleep time.
- Linalool: Found in lavender, this light, sweet terpene can decrease negative thoughts and feelings. It can even make the immune system more resilient to the effects of stress. This can encourage better rest and inspire energy the next day.
- Ocimene: Citrus, wood, and herbal scents make this terpene a treat to experience. It’s known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce discomfort. It also has anti-oxidative properties.
Benefits Of Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, And Isolate CBD
Okay, you’ve learned the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil. But there’s even more to learn! Don’t worry, it’s pretty straightforward.
CBD oil is usually full-spectrum. That means it contains all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in hemp. This creates the “entourage effect,” which means they all work together to make the effects of the CBD more potent. This is also called “synergizing.”
Keep in mind that one of the cannabinoids found in full-spectrum CBD oil is THC. There is only 0.3% or lower, which means you won’t get high or have any negative side effects. But some people who are frequently tested for marijuana may be nervous about its presence at all. If so, you might want to check out broad-spectrum CBD oil instead.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil is very similar to full-spectrum except it has even less THC, sometimes none. But it still has every other cannabinoid, terpene, and flavonoid. That means you’ll still feel strong benefits, but not as strong as full-spectrum.
CBD isolate is another great option. It’s 99% pure CBD, meaning that most other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids aren’t present at all. You won’t get the entourage effect at all and some people believe it provides more subtle benefits of the CBD. But CBD isolate can be used in certain ways that require a more concentrated amount of CBD, like mixing into liquids or vaping.
What’s the Best Way to Take CBD Oil
CBD oil is one of the most popular CBD products out there because it’s so versatile. There are so many ways to take CBD oil, meaning there’s definitely a way that meets your specific needs and preferences.
The most popular way is to take it sublingually as a tincture. Simply drop your preferred dose under your tongue, hold it there for 30 seconds to a minute, and it will be absorbed into your bloodstream. You’ll feel the effects of the CBD pretty quickly, which is why this way is so popular.
Which is Better – Hemp Oil Vs CBD Oil?
Okay, this is hard to answer. Both have so many amazing benefits. So why not both!? Hollyweed’s CBD oil has hemp oil as a carrier. That means you get the benefits of both in one healthy, vegan, organic, non-GMO product!
CBD oil is fat-soluble. It needs a fat to make it easier to digest. When paired with hemp oil, we can digest CBD oil easier and feel its benefits a lot stronger.
Final Thoughts – Hemp Oil Vs CBD Oil
While hemp oil and CBD oil offer a lot of the same benefits, there are many major differences between the two. Hemp oil comes from the plant’s seeds while CBD oil comes from the flower and stems. Hemp oil is full of nutrients and vitamins, while CBD oil is full of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes.
It’s also known as a “superfood,” since many of its nutrients are proven very beneficial to our health. This includes improving gut health, reducing skin blemishes, and inspiring better heart health. CBD oil reduces physical discomfort, reduces nervous thoughts, and promotes deeper sleep.
Even better? You can get all of these benefits combined when you use Hollyweed’s CBD oil. It also contains hemp oil, allowing you to feel the effects of both oils much stronger and more effectively.
