After decades of prohibition and restrictions, numerous countries worldwide are changing their laws regarding hemp and cannabis for medicinal, supplementary, or recreational use. However, there still needs to be more clarity regarding the different products that can be extracted from the plant: hemp oil vs. CBD oil. A third nomenclature to be added to this list is full-spectrum hemp oil.
Although these are all products from the same plant, they have different ingredients, extraction processes, and effects on one’s body. We have already explained the key differences between hemp and marijuana. In this article, we will explain the main differences between hemp seed oil, full-spectrum hemp oil, and CBD oil, why the pricing is so different, and the benefits you can get from each of these products.
Hemp vs. CBD vs. Full Spectrum Oil – The Key Differences
Hemp Oil: The commonly seen oil, and the cheapest one you’ll be seeing around in many marketplaces and digital stores, is extracted from the hemp plant’s seeds. This oil contains only trace amounts of CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), so it does not have any psychoactive effects nor brings the many health benefits commonly credited to CBD and other cannabinoids. So, if you’re looking for a product to help with ailments, depression, anxiety, or insomnia, hemp seed oil may not be the best fit. This is the primary difference between hemp vs. CBD.
However, the hemp oil benefits are numerous for your health and immune system. It’s rich in essential fatty acids, amino acids, and minerals. So, what is hemp oil good for? It can be used for marinades, salad dressings, and mixed with coffee or smoothies. Hemp seed oil is also fantastic for skin and hair care, as it can bring deep hydration without clogging the pores, improve skin elasticity, prevent hair loss, and boost hair growth. When buying hemp oil, choose cold-pressed, organic, and pure versions.
Total Spectrum Hemp Oil: This oil is diverse from the hemp seed oil since it’s extracted from different parts of the cannabis plant and is considered the pure extract of the hemp plant. This full-spectrum oil made from hemp contains cannabidiol in high amounts and other phytocannabinoids and terpenes naturally present in the hemp plant – all beneficial to many health ailments and conditions. These oils, like hemp seed oils, can only contain trace amounts of THC (up to 0.3%); however, they are rich in CBD.
Although these oils aren’t pure extract of CBD, they can be more effective in handling some symptoms and ailments precisely due to the combination of over 90 cannabinoids in hemp. The presence of these other cannabinoids, such as CBG, CBC, CBN, terpenes, and flavonoids, can cause what is called the entourage effect. This chemical reaction happens with the combination of the substances with our own body’s endocannabinoid system, and it’s one of the main full-spectrum hemp oil benefits.
CBD Oil: CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Usually, CBD is extracted from the flowers, leaves, or stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant. The isolated versions typically go through a cold CO2 method to obtain only the CBD from the plant into a powder that can be mixed into water or other liquids. These can come in tinctures, gels, oils, or capsules.
This isolate version of the CBD oil will not have other cannabinoids and terpenes in its composition. When you’re looking to buy hemp oil with CBD, you can choose the isolated version (pay attention to the amount of CBD in each dose) or a full spectrum version, which also contains the other cannabinoids. The price tag for a CBD isolate product can vary depending on the product dosage.
Hemp vs. CBD Oil – Choose What Fits Your Needs
Among the many benefits of CBD, in the full spectrum of isolated versions, there are several scientific pieces of evidence of anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and pain-relief effects. In sum, the choice between hemp and CBD depends on what you’re trying to achieve for your health.
If you need a vegan alternative to fish oils to ingest essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 or want moisturized and healthy skin, you can buy any cold-pressed and organic hemp seed oil. Suppose you’re looking for the overall health benefits and improvements related to pain relief, better sleep, or anxiety control. In that case, you can choose any organic and third-party tested full-spectrum CBD oil. If what piques your interest are the benefits of the CBD itself without any trace of THC, and you’re aiming for a particular CBD dosage to help with any illness, then you can choose an isolated CBD oil. Pay attention to also going for a third-party tested and organic product.
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