Is Hemp Oil The Same As CBD Oil?

Let’s be clear: hemp oil is not the same as CBD oil. So, why the confusion? It’s probably because some people use these two terms interchangeably, but upon further investigation, you’ll realize they are poles apart despite being related. 

What sets these two oils apart is the type of plant and the specific part they are made of. CBD oil comes from the hemp plant’s leaves, stalks, and flowers, all of which have high volumes of CBD. Meanwhile, hemp seed oil comes from cannabis sativa plant seeds, which barely have any CBD but are loaded with fatty acids and helpful nutrients.

Hemp Oil Unveiled 

This nutrient-rich extract boasts high levels of vitamins B and D, along with tons of gamma-linolenic acid, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids.

You’ll find plenty of antioxidants here, but not a hint of THC and barely any CBD (Trace amounts). That’s because hemp oil is extracted solely from the seeds of the hemp plant, not the flowers, leaves, or any other part. So, in case you’re wondering, no, you can’t get high from hemp seed oil.

Why Do People Use It?

Without any THC or enough CBD to pack a punch, hemp oil isn’t exactly what you’d use if you’re looking for a trippy escapade. However, it can be used in food, for skin care, or for nutritional purposes.

A Nutritional Source

The presence of nutrients and helpful acids makes this extract a go-to ingredient for various dietary supplements.

Culinary Oil

When we say culinary oil, we really mean finishing oil. That’s because frying this oil will only ruin its nutritional value as the omega-3 fatty acids won’t be able to handle the heat and break down.

Hemp seed oil has an incredibly nutty and earthy flavor, which makes it an interesting option for the cooking table. It can add a delightful zest to your dips, salad dressings, or even smoothies. Want to keep things simple? Just drizzle some on your plate of veggies!

Skincare

One of the things hemp oil has plenty of is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which contains tons of health benefits.

The presence of this acid, along with several antioxidants, makes hemp oil a valuable asset in skincare items like moisturizers, creams, and lotions. What’s more, it can also help combat premature skin aging.

Textile And Industrial uses

There has been a lot of research done on the role of hemp in textiles and industrial manufacturing. The extract contributes to the production of eco-friendly fabrics, high-quality fibers, lubricants, paints, and even biofuels.

Health Benefits Of Hemp Oil

Consuming the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids present in hemp oil can help maintain your blood pressure and heart rate and ease PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness.

Hemp seed oil also contains calcium, potassium, magnesium, chlorophyll, zinc, carotene, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, and potassium. When dissecting each and every component, we conclude that it can improve your immune system, combat aging, and even fight cancer to some degree. 

Negative Effects Of Hemp Oil

Nothing in this world is perfect, and the same goes for hemp oil, which poses several risks despite its incredible benefits. For starters, it might not be helpful for everyone, as several people have reported suffering digestive issues after consuming hemp oil.

Another downside, albeit less serious, is that the extract is notoriously difficult to store. The fatty acids it is loaded with make it susceptible to degradation when exposed to air. It has to be stored at low temperatures (below 300 degrees Fahrenheit) to remain fresh.

Decoding CBD Oil

While hemp oil is the serious older brother, CBD is like the cool cousin with the happening lifestyle everyone’s jealous of. Extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the cannabis and hemp plants, this THC variant has many health benefits to its name.

According to scientists, CBD is the second most prevalent among the approximately 100 cannabinoids found in hemp, with THC taking up the number one spot.

Why Do People Use It?

Given its many health benefits, we aren’t surprised why this plant compound finds itself in everything from drinks to skincare products. Is CBD making you feel high? Don’t worry; it’s all in your head. While there are several uses for CBD oil, experiencing a whacky trip isn’t one of them.

Combating Mental Health Disorders

CBD oil is known to reduce the effects of anxiety, psychosis, and depression and can even combat post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Pain Relief

Did you know that cannabis can offer pain relief? It’s probably the presence of CDB that allows it to do that. These little guys can even engage with neurotransmitters, promising helpful results. In fact, CBD just might be able to treat chronic pain by tinkering with our endocannabinoid receptors and decreasing inflammation.

Reducing Inflammation

CBD has the potential to combat inflammation, which means it might help combat arthritis. CBD oil reduces tooth pain, which is good news if you hate visiting the dentist.

Health Benefits Of CBD Oil

Some additional health benefits of CBD oil include reducing the symptoms of neurological conditions like epilepsy and autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis. There is also an endless list of CBD skincare items that can ensure you’re always looking your best.

Negative Effects Of CBD Oil

With great benefits come side effects, even for this seemingly useful plant compound. The side effects can vary from casual to extreme, so pay attention to your dose and ensure you don’t combine it with something incompatible.

Mixing CBD with alcohol causes drowsiness, so make sure you wait until the effects are gone. Some medications might not be compatible with the compound, which might mess with your metabolism. CBD in high doses can also give you dry mouth and diarrhea and dangerously boost your liver enzymes.

Final Thoughts

Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil? Absolutely not. They are both extracted from different parts and contain distinct properties and chemical compositions from one another. 

While CBD oil is mostly used for medical applications, hemp seed oil has benefits in various aspects, including textiles and culinary applications. 

So, the next time someone uses these terms interchangeably, we hope you’ll understand the massive difference between them.