Hemp Oil vs CBD: What's the Difference?
Oct 07, 2024
Many people assume that hemp oil and CBD are the same thing, but how true is that – really? The reality is that they are each entirely different products with their own uses and benefits. Find out the key differences below!
Key Takeaways:
- Hemp Oil and CBD Come from the Same Species of Plant
- CBD Comes from the Cannabis Plant's Flowers, Leaves, and Stems; Hemp Comes from its Seeds
- Neither Hemp Oil nor CBD Contains Enough THC To Get You High
- Hemp Oil is Often Used as a Topical Treatment or as a Culinary Ingredient
- CBD is Typically Used for Anxiety, Pain, and Sleep
What is Hemp Oil?
Let's start with hemp oil. Hemp oil, or hemp seed oil, is an oil extracted from the hemp plant's seeds. It has a lot of nutritional benefits, as it's rich in E vitamins, omegas 3 and 6, as well as other healthy minerals that boost the body's well-being. You can find hemp oil in a range of products, including skincare products (such as body oils), sprays, and capsules.
Hemp oil offers benefits when taken both topically and orally. Topically, it can moisturize the skin, prevent free radical damage, reduce inflammation, and slow down aging. It can even be applied to the hair to stimulate growth and strengthen strands. When taken orally, it gives a lot of nutritional benefits from the healthy fats.
What is CBD?
CBD is a chemical derived from hemp and cannabis plants, specifically from the leaves, stalks, and flowers. It is a cannabinoid that can affect your body's central system, helping with things like anxiety, sleep, memory, and pain relief. While it comes from the cannabis plant, it does not contain THC, so it won't get you high – although certain CBD products may contain traces of it.
CBD comes in a variety of forms to benefit the user. It's typically taken orally for its health and well-being benefits. You can get CBD gummies, oil drops, and capsules. You can also purchase CBD topicals, which can target muscle pain and inflammation when applied to a specific area.
The Similarities
Before diving into the key differences between hemp oil vs CBD, it helps to understand the similarities and why they get mixed up so often. Essentially, it's because they both are derived from cannabis plants. A lot of the benefits overlap, too – for example, both hemp oil and CBD have anti-inflammatory effects that can help with things like arthritis and muscle pain.
Hemp Oil vs CBD: The Key Differences
Now, onto the key differences. Here are the qualities that set hemp oil and CBD apart:
Where They Come From
The main difference is where they come from – that's what sets them apart and leads to the unique health benefits they both provide. Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the hemp plant, whereas CBD comes from the hemp plant's leaves, stalks, and flowers.
CBD Content
Hemp oil does not contain any CBD, as there is none of this compound present in the hemp plant's seeds. Of course, CBD does contain this cannabinoid substance.
Uses
Hemp oil and CBD are both purchased for different reasons. On one hand, you have hemp seed oil, which is typically bought for health and beauty purposes. Specifically, hemp oil can be used in shampoos, skincare creams, soaps, and body oils to moisturize and nourish the skin. Hemp oil is also used in cooking due to the presence of healthy fatty acids – it's often used in salads, sauces, and smoothies.
On the other hand, CBD is typically purchased in oral form to boost the well-being of the user. People with anxiety disorders, sleep issues, and chronic pain find a lot of relief through CBD. It's also been known as an effective medical treatment for seizures.
Can Hemp Oil or CBD Get You High?
Hemp seed oil does not contain any THC or even CBD, so you will certainly not feel a high sensation when taking it. The same can be said for CBD – while it does contain CBD, the compound that creates the high sensation associated with marijuana use is THC, and CBD doesn't typically contain that. Some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, but this won't be enough to get you high.
Which One is Better for You? What to Consider
As you can see, hemp oil and CBD offer several benefits and can be a useful addition to your routine. Which one is right for you, though? Here's what to consider:
Your Health Goals
First, what are your health goals? If you are looking for a healthy addition to your diet – one rich with fatty acids like omega 3 – hemp seed oil makes a lot of sense, as you can simply pour a few drops in a soup or salad dressing and benefit from it. However, if you suffer from something like anxiety and want a natural remedy that keeps it under control, CBD is the better option.
Your Health Issues
When choosing between CBD and hemp oil, consider your current health issues. CBD is generally the best option if you have a specific condition you want to treat, whether that's depression, anxiety, arthritis, chronic pain, or seizures.
Your Preferred Way of Taking Herbal Remedies
Both hemp seed oil and CBD act as herbal remedies, with some of the benefits overlapping. If either of them sounds great to you, you may want to consider which one you'd prefer to take – specifically, which you'd be more likely to consistently include in your diet/daily routine. Hemp seed oil typically comes in the form of oil, and you can drop some oil into your food or directly into your mouth. You can also find hemp oil products in the form of capsules if that's easier for you. Then, there's CBD, which comes in a range of products, including CBD gummies, CBD topicals, CBD capsules, and CBD oil. If the idea of taking a sweet, tasty gummy each morning to boost your well-being appeals, CBD is a better option.
The Potential Side Effects
It's important to be aware of the potential side effects of CBD and hemp seed oil. The side effects of CBD include:
- Dry Mouth
- Reduced Appetite
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
The side effects of hemp seed oil include:
- Bloodshot Oils
- Liver Issues
- Sleepiness
- Hypertension
If you're at all worried about the side effects of either hemp oil or CBD, speak to your doctor first – it's always good to consult a medical professional before taking a new medication, herbal or otherwise.
Find Pure CBD Products Right Here Today
While there is a lot of crossover between hemp oil and CBD, specifically the species of plant they come from and some of the benefits, there are also many differences to be aware of before deciding between the two.
If you want to improve your anxiety levels and sleep quality or treat something like chronic pain or arthritis, CBD makes a lot of sense. It's even useful in boosting your overall well-being, helping you feel more focused in your day-to-day life. You can find high-quality, pure, third-party, lab-tested CBD products here at Receptra. Browse our range to find CBD gummies, topicals, capsules, and much more. We have over 100,000 happy customers, and we offer free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Let this be the start of your CBD journey!