CBD oil is new and on the uptrend. While hemp oil, the lesser-known cousin, has been around for quite some time. The products often get mixed up. And rightly so. Not only are both made from the same plant, but hemp is sometimes marketed as CBD and vice versa. So what’s the big difference between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil? Read on to find out.
Cannabis
Firstly yes, hemp and marijuana come from the same cannabis plant. There are different strains of cannabis. Some cannabis plants are high in the psychoactive chemical compound called THC, and others are not; hemp is the cannabis strain that has no THC, while marijuana is the cannabis strain with the most.
So, hemp won’t get you high. But neither will CBD.
Due to legal issues surrounding marijuana, CBD is usually extracted from hemp. CBD is only found in the leaves, flowers, and stalks of hemp or marijuana plants. Contrary to popular belief, hemp oil has zero CBD because it is made by cold pressing the seeds (which have none).
Confused yet? It gets easier.
Used and Benefits of Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil:
Hemp Oil
You probably weren’t aware that hemp oil contains more nutrients than both olive oil and coconut oil. Unfortunately, hemp oil has dark green characteristics like marijuana, deterring would-be buyers.
Unlike CBD oil, hemp oil is mainly used for its nutritional content. It is chock-full of omega-3s and contains omega-6 at a ratio that is extremely beneficial for your body. These are fatty acids that help:
- Good brain and heart function
- Improve circulation
- Boost your immune system
- Skin, hair, and nail health.
On top of that, hemp oil has no trans fats and almost half the saturated fats as olive oil. Impressive.
CBD Oil
CBD is a natural compound that interacts well with your body’s endocannabinoid system (notice how closely that word resembles cannabis?). This is the part that is responsible for managing various molecular structures in your body – like your immune system and appetite.
Just like THC, CBD is psychoactive in that it affects the chemicals in your brain. But unlike THC, it produces no high. CBD oil helps:
- Relieve pain
- Bring down inflammation
- Lessen anxiety and depression
- Reduce acne
- Improve heart health
- Protect your brain
- With sleep and restfulness
Recently, CBD has even been shown to fight cancer and ease its side effects. As different as they may be, both hemp oil and CBD oil are used in skincare.
One, however, is less expensive than the other.
Hemp vs CBD oil for your skin
CBD oil is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is now gaining traction as a means to treat various skin issues like acne and eczema. But the research is still new.
Hemp oil is equally anti-inflammatory and treats many of the same skin problems as CBD. It provides superior moisturization and is even said to help with PMS and menopause. But it costs a lot less, so be careful.
CBD is all the craze and companies know this. Because of their shared origins and skincare properties, companies often market hemp oil and CBD oil interchangeably. Whether this is intentional or not, it is misleading.
The next time you’re shopping for either oil, make sure to read the label and check the CBD content. Contrary to common misconceptions, hemp oil and CBD oil do have different applications and price points.
If you liked this piece, take a look at our article on using CBD oil for anxiety.
