Cannibidiol (CBD and hemp oil have seen a massive rise in popularity and it’s no surprise when you see how people have benefited from both. Although the two oils have some similarities, they also have many differences. The question is, CBD oil vs hemp oil – which one is better for you?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Disclaimer: We are not making any medicinal claims and we strictly sell CBD as supplements.
Where Does CBD and Hemp Oil Come From?
Firstly, it’s important to distinguish two different forms of cannabis plants: marijiuana and hemp.
A marijuana plant may contain up to around 30% of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive substance that can get you high. Growing High THC Marijuana is illegal in the UK.
However a hemp plant contains no more than a trace amount of 0.3% THC so there are no psychoactive effects. To grow hemp in the UK you need to obtain a licence from the home office. In the UK, both hemp oil as well as CBD are extracted from low THC Hemp Plants so you will never feel high from using these products.
CBD Oils contain the cannabinoid CBD and also other phytocannabinoids, terpenes and essential oils. These cannabinoids attach to the cells of our endocannabinoid (ECS) system. Our ECS system is responsible for keeping the body in balance. To make a CBD oil these cannabinoids are extracted from the stalk of the hemp plant. There are a few methods of extraction, with the most popular being CO2 extraction. Once CBD is extracted, it is then mixed with a carrier oil such as olive oil, MCT Coconut Oil or even, you guessed it, hemp oil.
The difference with hemp oil is that it is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. Therefore it doesn’t contain cannabinoids like CBD however it does contain essential fatty acids like Omega 3, 6 and 9. Hemp oil is made through cold-pressing clean hemp seeds into an unrefined oil. Cold-pressing is an extraction method that refers to crushing the seeds in order to obtain the oil.
So, the difference between the two is that CBD oil is extracted from the stalk and has a full array of cannabinoids, whereas hemp oil is extracted from the seeds and doesn’t contain cannabinoids.
Created on Canva
CBD Oil Benefits
Unfortunately due to legislation in the UK we are unable to make medicinal claims about CBD. However we can learn to understand how CBD works when we understand CBD’s role in a cannabis plant and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) within our bodies.
CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids, which are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis. A cannabis plant uses CBD to maintain its health and fight disease.
The human body has many cannabinoid receptors that are a part of a wider system known as the ECS. The ECS has a crucial role with maintaining homeostasis, the immune system and other critical bodily functions. Check out the CBD Beginners Guide for further information on the ECS.
Hemp Oil Benefits
Hemp seeds are full of nutrients such as essential fatty acids. Such fatty acids, including omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, are important for our cells.
The essential fatty acids, and omega-3 in particular, are crucial for brain health, heart health and anxiety. Omega-6’s anti-inflammatory properties allow for better skin; it’s common to apply hemp oil topically to moisturise.
Many have reported that hemp oil has helped with pain and injuries, although CBD is deemed to be the better choice for pain according to various users of both oils.
How to Consume CBD and Hemp Oil
Did you know you can take both together. You can buy Full Spectrum CBD Oils that have been mixed with Hemp Oil.
If you wanted to take them separately you can use both in different ways.
Consuming CBD
CBD can be consumed in four different ways.
Digesting – you can consume CBD edibles such as CBD gummies or capsules. Water Soluble CBD may also be added to any drinks of your choice.
Sublingually – you can take CBD under your tongue via a CBD oil. Such an oil is produced when CBD is mixed with a carrier oil such as olive oil, coconut oil or hemp seed oil, as previously stated.
Topically – CBD creams and balms allow for applying CBD topically. This is a great method to target a particular area of your skin that needs some attention.
Inhaling – CBD can be mixed with an e-liquid and then vaped. You could also try dabbing, which involves using a dab rig to vaporise the CBD, allowing you to inhale the vapour.
Consuming Hempseed Oil
You can take hemp oil orally via a spoon. Alternatively, you may mix hemp oil with a salad or even add it to your smoothie. To target a particular area of the skin, apply hemp oil topically via creams and balms.
Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels
Differentiating CBD Oil vs Hemp Oil
Many CBD oil suppliers label their products as hemp oil, which can be quite confusing for customers. The reason behind this is to bypass sale and or advertisement restrictions which have been placed on CBD. For example, Facebook and eBay do not allow the sale of CBD oil.
On the flip side, some hemp seed oil suppliers market their products in such a way that customers believe they are purchasing CBD. The reason behind why they do this is because CBD typically costs a lot more.
There are up to three steps you can take to check whether a product is actually CBD oil or hemp seed oil:
Look at the pricing. Hemp seed oil is generally much cheaper than CBD oil. 1000mg of CBD may cost around £20, whereas 5000mg of hemp oil may cost around the same price.
Check the product’s bottle or packaging for an accurate list of all ingredients.
Contact the supplier and ask them directly.
CBD Oil vs Hemp Oil for You
As both CBD oil and hemp oil have had so many positive effects on people’s lives, it can be tough to decide which is more suitable for you. To help you decide, find out what your goal is. Why are you looking for CBD or hemp oil in the first place?
Are you looking to consume more essential fatty acids to improve your brain or heart health? If so, hemp seed oil is the choice for you due to being rich in omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9.
Are you looking to improve your wellbeing be it emotionally or physically? CBD could be the ideal choice to bring some peace to your mind.
If you want the benefits of both, we recommend getting a full-spectrum CBD oil which has been mixed with an organic hemp seed oil. This way, you’re consuming aspects of an entire hemp plant.