Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What’s the Difference?

You’ve probably already heard about the industrial hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) which is one of the hottest topics across the globe right now. The market is flooded with cannabis-based products, from those which enhance the wellbeing to those made for beauty purpose. 

To many consumers, CBD is actually a new ingredient whereas hemp oil has been used sold at health food stores for decades. Similar to CBD, hemp oil is used for cooking and skincare. However, when talking about both of these options, there are a lot of misconceptions about them which lead to incorrect usage of all of these products.  

To ensure you utilize any of these products on the market the right way, we’ve decided to take a closer look into hemp oil and CBD oil. As both cannabis and hemp come from the same plant species, cannabis sativa, it’s crucial to understand their differences to make the most of them. 

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Cannabis Species

Cannabis is often referred to as marijuana and it produces tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at more than 20% which leads to a person experience the so-called “high” feeling. When it’s used for medical and therapeutic purposes, it’s used by people who suffer from chronic pain, mental health and illnesses. 

On the other hand, hemp needs to have less than 0,3% THC to be sold in stores legally. Its stalks can produce paper, clothing, rope, home insulation, etc. Hemp seeds have 0% of THC, but they contain trace amounts of CBD. They are usually cold-pressed for oil production and later used in the beauty industry, cooking and paint. 

The Beauty World

Both hempseed oil and CBD oil are now trending as one of the preferred ingredients in the skincare industry. For instance, hempseed oil doesn’t clog pores, it’s anti-inflammatory and provides great moisturization that keeps your skin looking fresh. It can be used as an ingredient of a product or directly applied to the skin as just an oil. 

When talking about the CBD oil, scientists are now increasingly focusing on revealing all the skin benefits of using it. There are three major CBD oil benefits – it’s anti-oxidant, anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory. Also, it prevents DNA damage as it provides a missing particle for a free radical.

But, you will need to do your research before purchase any of these popular products on the market. As marketers are aware that consumer will pay more for CBD oil, which is more expensive that hempseed oil, they will allow the confusion between these two terms. So, you might end up buying a product that contains hempseed oil thinking it is CBD.  

When talking about products, the variety might completely surprise you. For instance, you can now even buy a CBD oil balm if you don’t like vaping or taking capsules or sublingual oils. 

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Effects of Hemp Oil and CBD Oil

Although these two oils are becoming increasingly popular all around the world, there is still a certain number of people who hesitate to try it out as they are afraid of possible side-effects. Could hemp oil or CBD oil “get you high”? 

Our body has cell receptors that stimulate certain responses and this affects our skin, lungs, brain, etc. These receptors are called CB1 and CB2 and their purpose is processing cannabinoids. In other words, our body is always prepared to absorb CBD. 

When consumed differently, CBD can help reduce anxiety and ease stress as CB1 is located in our brain and nervous system. But, if it’s taken as skin or any other similar type of product, it cannot affect our mood in any way. 

How to use CBD Oil and Hemp Oil?

What is the most efficient way to utilize cannabis oil? For both types of oils, there are a lot of different ways of utilizing it. However, some of them are far safer and productive than others. The best way to use cannabis oil is by ingesting the oil orally. It helps you take in the oil faster as it takes full advantage of your sublingual gland. 

Also, you can utilize it through cannabis-based beverages, such as tea or juices, but you should know that having CBD oil passing through your digestive system actually reduces the bioavailability impact of it. 

Equally important as the way of usage, you will first need to purchase the right oil. As it’s one of the biggest trends, there are tons of cannabis- and hemp-based products which tremendously vary in quality. 

Conclusion

These oils are not harmful to your health or body in any way if you utilize them the right way and make an informed purchase decision. Unfortunately, there are a lot of products on the market that will advertise their product as CBD-based, but it actually contains so little of it that it won’t have any visible effects. Finding the right product and informing yourself on the best way to use this product will increase your chances of enjoying all the benefits of these oils.