2018 was a significant year for the cannabis industry. This stepping stone came in the form on a farm bill that was passed, and not just any farm bill. This 2018 farm bill was monumental because it legalized the production of industrial hemp throughout the US. Because of this farm bill, the CBD cannabinoid industry has skyrocketed even more.
Here’s a little bit about this famous farm bill. When the law came into effect on the 20th of December in 2018, hemp was removed from the list of controlled substances, but cannabis remained on the list.
In what has been referred to as a green rush, we are seeing a plethora of cannabis-related products being marketed for all sorts of issues. For many patrons, CBD is a new ingredient. Hemp, however, whether hemp rope or hemp cream, has been around for thousands of years.
And if you are new to this whole “green rush,” then you may be left scratching your head; what on earth is the difference between CBD oil and Hemp oil?
Both cannabis and hemp are part of the same species. However, they are two separate varieties of the species Cannabis sativa.
What is the primary distinction between the two?
Before the public was aware of CBD and hemp, the FEDs were quite clear about how vital resin is in differentiating between marijuana and hemp.
Recently, a caveat was added to federal law. This caveat is the main distinguisher for hemp and marijuana as it distinguishes industrial hemp as having no more than 0.3% THC.
Most hemp oils that you will find on shelves (both virtual and stores) will, therefore, have minuscule amounts of THC (less than 0.3%). CBD oil could have more than 0.3%.
What is Hemp Oil?
Often labelled as hemp seed oil, hemp oil has been extracted from seeds of the hemp plant, from industrial hemp in particular. As we have already covered, industrial hemp belongs to the Cannabis Sativa family.
During the extraction process, hemp seeds are cold-pressed, and the extracted oil is further refined or processed, or it is bottled and sold as-is. The benefits of hemp include being high in protein, vitamin E, and omegas, and as such it is a widely used oil as a topical or as a protein supplement (despite needing further research to prove these claims further).
What is CBD oil?
Full-spectrum CBD oil could contain cannabinoids, including THC and high CBD levels, as well as terpenes, nutrients, and flavonoids. You could benefit from the entourage effect through CBD oil, offering you the benefits associated with terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds present. One of these benefits could potentially be supporting overall wellbeing due to the manner in which CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system.
In the USA, legal hemp will not contain higher than 0.3% THC.
What are the similarities and differences between CBD oil and hemp oil?
Both CBD and hemp oil:
- Are oils (obviously)
- Are derived from cannabis Sativa plants
- Are used for their various purported beneficial qualities
- Can be ingested orally and topically
That is pretty much where the similarities end between CBD products and industrial hemp extracts. Now, let’s take a look at the differences between hemp seed oil and CBD oil:
- They are derived from different parts of the cannabis plant
- Hemp oil is only derived from a specific variety of the cannabis Sativa (industrial hemp), while CBD oil is derived from several different variations of the same plant family.
- Quality CBD oils will carry a certificate of analysis so that you can see the exact profiles (terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids) while hemp oil will not have a COA.
- Hemp oil should not carry any THC, while CBD oil can contain some THC (legally, CBD oil derived from hemp will not contain more than 0.3% THC.)
To sum it up, CBD oil can offer the potential benefits of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Hemp oil could provide some nutritional value as it is high in protein and omega fatty acids, but it does not contain any cannabinoids.
When looking for reputable products, always read the ingredient list and take what the label says with a pinch of salt. If you are looking for quality hemp oil, then seek one that lists hemp seed oil as the primary ingredient. If, however, you are seeking a decent CBD oil, then find one that contains cannabidiol (CBD) as the primary active ingredient.
If you are ready to see what CBD can do for you, look out for a retailer close to you or purchase quality CBD oil directly from us.
