CBD Oil vs. Hempseed Oil: What’s the Difference?
The Cannabis sativa plant has given rise to several products used in the treatment of pain and integrative medicine. Hemp and Marijuana are two different strains that originate from the C. Sativa plant; they give rise to products, including cannabidiol (CBD) oil, CBD hemp oil, and hempseed oil. Hempseed and CBD oils have gained attention for their potential medical benefits without the associated “high” caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Clinical studies on the use of cannabis oils are limited in strength and quality. There is also a lack of enforced regulation with the manufacturing of these oils on the market. The oils should be used with caution.
There is great potential for disease treatments, symptom management, and nutritional benefits from these oils; however, more research is needed to understand the clinical applications better.
The Difference Between Hempseed Oil and CBD Oil
First and foremost, let us make clear the most significant difference between hempseed oil and CBD oils. Hempseed oil contains almost no CBD. CBD is a natural cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. In the body, it affects what is known as our endocannabinoid system that works to maintain homeostasis, or balance, in the body, and to connect all of the different organs and systems (1).
The receptors in the body CBD interacts with are located in the nervous system, brain, and immune system. The location of these receptors means CBD can have both mental and physical effects (2). CBD is antipsychotic, meaning it won’t make you feel the high associated with smoking cannabis.
Methods of Extraction
CBD oils come from the flowers and leaves of the marijuana and hemp plant, depending on the variety of oil. The plant is harvested specifically to contain a high level of CBD and low level of THC, the psychoactive/mind-altering part of the plant. Note the minor differences in THC content between different types of CBD oil below:
- CBD oil extracted from marijuana has no limit to the amount of THC it can contain, which means it is only legal in states/countries where marijuana is legally sold (3).
- CBD hemp oil, which is extracted from the hemp plant, is, however, regulated to contain less than 0.3% of THC (4).
Like CBD hemp oil, hempseed oil also comes from hemp plants; however, it is extracted from the seeds, instead of from the flowers and leaves. The seed must again come from a strain of Cannabis Sativa low in THC. All hemp seeds are hulled (have the outer shell removed) to remove the risk of contamination from THC on the outside of the seed coat, the seeds are then cold-pressed to separate the oil (5).
In some cases, as a method of increasing the bioavailability of CBD oil, it may be infused into hempseed oil. Hempseed oil is rich in fatty acids and is thought to help dissolve the cannabinoids in CBD.
CBD Oil Uses and Effects
CBD oils contain few nutrients but are rich in phytocannabinoids. These phytocannabinoids are thought to have potential therapeutic applications, including being antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressive, neuroprotective, and useful for addiction treatment.
CBD oils are often sold in tinctures or capsules and advertised for their use in disease symptom management. Many are turning to CBD oil for pain and anxiety as a way of repressing symptoms, but a lot of people remain confused about the ideal CBD dose.
A systematic review of randomized clinical studies on cannabinoids concluded that there is moderate-quality evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids for treating chronic pain and spasticity (6). Low-quality evidence also suggested cannabinoids may help with nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, sleep disorders, weight changes due to HIV, sleep disorders, and Tourette syndrome.
Hempseed Oil Uses and Effects
Hempseed oil contains little to no phytocannabinoids at all; it is instead very rich in nutrients. Hempseed oil is a great source of unsaturated fatty acids, essential fatty acids, and polyunsaturated omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids (7). Polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 are essential to healthy bodily functions, but can’t be synthesized by the body in large amounts and thus must be consumed through the food we eat.
Diets supplemented with omega-6 and especially omega-3s have been reported to have numerous health benefits, some of which include blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering improved diabetic management and potential resistance to cancerous cell growth, inflammation, and blood clotting. Hempseed oil also contains fiber and is an easily-digested protein source containing off of the essential amino acids (8).
Methods of Consumption
CBD oil comes in several different forms and is used in different quantities and through various delivery methods depending on the type. The oil can be a pure isolated form of CBD, whereby you may need only a few milligrams, or it may be a full-spectrum CBD oil requiring a much higher dose.
One of the best ways to use CBD oil is to apply it under the tongue; this method of administration is known as sublingual. It can also be used in sprays and topical creams and oils, as well as edible gummies and capsules.
Hempseed oil is used in more similar ways to your classic cooking oils. It can be tossed through salad dressings, used to fry food or dip bread into, added to smoothies, and foods like pesto. Hempseed oil is also known to be used for healthy skin and hair, as well as being added to products like shampoo, lip balm, hand lotions, and soothing creams.
The Bottom Line
As this article highlights, the uses for both CBD oil and hempseed oil should not be confused. With the potential therapeutic medical effects of CBD oil in comparison to the nutritional benefits provided by hempseed oil, the two types of oil range substantially in price, recommended dosages, and effects.
Both hempseed oil and CBD oils remain relatively new to the food and supplement markets. Consumers should take caution when using them by informing themselves of the potential safety risks as well as the potential therapeutic benefits that may result. Identifying the correct type of cannabis oil for your need is essential to ensuring your money is well spent.
**Standard Disclaimer: CBD is not FDA-approved. We make no such claims that using our products will guarantee relief. Moreover, research regarding CBD is still ongoing and in the early stages.**
Why Choose Sunny Skies For Your CBD Needs?
At Sunny Skies CBD, we are committed to:
1) making high-quality products
2) operating in an open and transparent manner
3) building an independently-owned and operated family business
