Whether you've looked at lotions, supplements, or even foods, you have likely seen "hemp" and "CBD" thrown into all kinds of products and likely wondered what the difference is in hemp oil vs CBD oil. It's easy to think that these products offer similar or even the same benefits. After all, if CBD is made from hemp, why wouldn't CBD oil and hemp oil be the same thing?
It may surprise you that CBD oil and hemp oil are different products with completely different uses. Knowing the difference between these two oils can help you make the best decisions for your health. In this article, we'll teach the basics on hemp oil vs CBD oil, how they compare, and the best way to use each product.
Hemp Oil: An Introduction
Hemp oil is made by crushing the seeds found in hemp. Unlike the "bud" of hemp and other forms of cannabis, these seeds don't contain THC, and they contain trace amounts or no CBD. This means that it is not intoxicating, psychoactive or therapeutic, so it isn't used to possibly help common health concerns like anxiety or stress.
Like many other seed oils, hemp oil is full of fatty acids and nutrients. You'll find omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in abundance (which are very healthy fats), as well as a variety of other vitamins and minerals. Since it is so full of healthy fatty acids and other nutrients, it's often referred to as a "superfood."
Hemp oil has many uses, including as a food supplement and moisturizer. We'll go into more detail about how you can use it a bit later in the article.
CBD Oil: An Introduction
CBD oil is an oil that has been infused with CBD. To make it, hemp flower (or the bud) is immersed in a solvent to extract the CBD. CBD can then be formulated into assorted products like CBD gummies, CBD oils, CBD topicals and more. CBD is being studied for its role in helping to treat pain related to inflammation or manage stress and anxiety, among a variety of other health concerns.
CBD oil is found in three oil varieties:
- Full-spectrum oil will contain the "full-spectrum" of cannabinoids and terpenes found in the source hemp, including trace amounts of THC (.3% THC or less).
- Broad-spectrum CBD will contain many cannabinoids and terpenes but no THC.
- CBD isolate will contain only CBD, with no other cannabinoids or terpenes present.
CBD can be infused into a variety of different products, not just oils. You can find CBD in gummies, certain kinds of vape juice, and you can buy and vape raw hemp, too. For example, when you look at CBD oil vs gummies, you'll find some interesting differences with how to create an appropriate dose.
Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: How Do They Work?
You should consider hemp oil to be an ingredient that works well as a food supplement or moisturizer. It's similar to using other oils derived from seeds, though hemp has a notably high concentration of nutrients. It's a great addition to most diets, and it's a fantastic way to get access to more of the fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that may be lacking from your diet.
CBD oil, on the other hand, has almost no nutritional value. Instead, it is therapeutic, meaning that it interacts with your endocannabinoid system to support certain physiological responses. This interaction gives CBD some incredible potential benefits, including helping to manage chronic anxiety and stress.
Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: The Uses and The Side Effects
Let's take a closer look at the ways you can use hemp oil and CBD oil, as well as some of the potential side-effects of each.
Hemp Oil Uses
Hemp oil has a lot of uses as a nutrient-dense food and topical lotion. Some of the most common uses include:
- Nutritional supplement
- Treating skin disorders, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne
- Used as an anti-bacterial
Hemp oil also contains gamma linoleic acid, which is a fatty acid that can help reduce pain caused by inflammation.
Hemp Oil Side-Effects
Hemp oil doesn't have any severe or notable side-effects you need to be aware of before taking it. It may upset your stomach if you take a lot at once (like with any oil), but, unlike CBD oil, hemp oil doesn't have any significant side-effects to look out for.
CBD Oil Uses
CBD oil also has several uses. While it's not nutritionally dense like hemp oil, CBD oil is a potent choice for:
- Managing chronic pain associated with inflammation
- Helping problems with falling asleep
- Reducing anxiety and managing stress
- Treating epilepsy
- Managing withdrawal symptoms of opioids
CBD oil can also be applied topically to joints and other areas where inflammation is common.
CBD Oil Side-Effects
Unlike hemp oil, CBD oil has more potential side-effects. While many of these side-effects can be avoided by starting with a low CBD dosage and working your way up to a comfortable amount, some users may still experience them. Some of the most common side-effects include:
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Reduced appetite
- Diarrhea
Some people even take CBD for tinnitus, though this will typically only show results if your tinnitus is caused by some kind of inflammation.
If you're taking prescription medication, you'll want to talk to your doctor before beginning to take CBD oil, since CBD can interact with certain prescription drugs (like blood thinners).
Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: How Similar Are They?
Though each oil is different, you can find some similarities between hemp and CBD oil. For example, both hemp and CBD oils are derived from the same plant, which is hemp. Both oils can be used directly on the skin or swallowed, and both oils have the potential to reduce inflammatory pain.
While there are some similarities, the terms "hemp oil" and "CBD oil" shouldn't be used interchangeably. That doesn't stop some brands from doing so, and it's common for brands to label their product as "hemp oil" when it's actually CBD oil, or to label their product as "CBD oil" when it's really hemp oil.
You'll need to pay close attention to the products label to make sure you know exactly what you're getting. If a product isn't clear on whether it's a true hemp or CBD oil, we encourage you to look into buying a different brand.
Can You Take CBD Oil and Hemp Oil Together?
Yes! There's no evidence to suggest that taking CBD and hemp oil together causes problems, and it's common for both to be taken together. Many users may want to take CBD and hemp oil together, since both have potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: Is One Better?
Neither oil is inherently better than the other. The best oil for you will be the one that best resolves the problems you're trying to fix. If you're looking for a superfood supplement or a product that has been shown to treat a variety of skin conditions, then hemp oil is likely the better oil for you.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a product that has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory properties, and may be able to help reduce stress and anxiety, then CBD oil is probably the better oil for you. Hemp oil might have some anti-inflammatory properties (as we mentioned), though CBD oils tend to have more potent pain-relieving effects.
Take time to determine what issues you want addressed. You may find that taking both oils is the best choice, especially if you are trying to find a way to manage pain outside of traditional medicine.
CBD oil and hemp oil are often confused for each other, but they are very different products. You'll want to make sure to note the important differences between the two oils, so you make the best purchase for your needs. Remember, if you feel you might benefit from both oils, then take both! There's no risk in taking them together, and you'll get to enjoy the benefits of each!
If you decide that CBD oil is right for you, then take a look at the CBD oil collection at Alchemy Naturals.
