Yes! Hemp oil and CBD oil are two distinct products with different uses and effects. Between the two, CBD oil has become more popular thanks to a wide range of uses and a higher level of effectiveness in supplements. These products have a variety of potential uses that can improve your life or serve as a substitute for other products.
Before you choose a hemp oil or CBD oil product, let’s explore the different uses and benefits of these two popular products.
Hemp and CBD Oil Definitions
What often confuses people about the difference between these products is that hemp oil and CBD oil both come from the hemp plant. Hemp is a variety of cannabis that is specifically grown for fiber, oil, and seeds. Compared to many other cannabis plants, the hemp plant possesses very little THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis plants. In most cases, the extraction process for both CBD oil and hemp oil removes a majority of the THC in the plant, rendering it non-psychoactive.
All parts of the plant are used during extraction. However, components extracted from the different parts of the plant yield different benefits. Typically, CBD oil is extracted from the stems and flowers while regular hemp oil is extracted from the seeds. Both types of oils are beneficial when added into your wellness routine, but much of today’s research indicates that CBD oil produces more dramatic benefits.
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: Are They Used the Same?
Since hemp oil and CBD oil have different profiles and results, they are applied, ingested, and consumed differently. In general, hemp oil (extracted from the seeds) has more limited use because it rarely gets used as a supplement. A large portion of the market for hemp-derived CBD products comes from supplements and health products, making CBD oil the more popular choice for most customers.
Hemp seed oil can be used in cooking and topically to nourish dry skin in skin care products, but it does have limitations. It’s not recommended to cook with hemp oil at higher temperatures since some of the main nutrients are destroyed by high heat. The best ways to use hemp seed oil in cooking are in dressings, finishing sauces, or as a healthy fat additive for smoothies and other recipes. Other than cooking, hemp seed oil works well as a skin moisturizer. It is absorbed into the skin quickly and supplies additional lipids similar to those naturally found in the skin.
In comparison, hemp-derived CBD oil has greater potential for use as a health product or supplement. CBD oil has been studied for internal and external issues, research to discover additional uses is ongoing. For now, most CBD oil-based products are considered supplements by the FDA, so we can’t make health claims. However, initial research has shown promising results, particularly in the realms of anxiety-relief and pain management. If you want to learn more about what studies have been conducted on CBD products and the results of those studies, Harvard Health Publishing has published an article detailing what we do and don’t know about CBD as of 2020.
Unlike hemp seed oil, CBD oil comes in several different forms. CBD concentrates can be consumed orally, sublingually, used in vaporizers, and topically on the skin. This variety in use makes it appealing to those that may just want to take a quick supplement or those who enjoy the relaxing ritual of vaping. You can also purchase edibles that contain CBD, but it is not traditionally used in cooking.
CBDor Hemp Oil: Which One is Right for Me?
The right choice between hemp seed oil and CBD oil depends on your nutrition and wellness goals. If you want to add some essential fatty acids, fiber, and protein to your diet, hemp seed oil may be sufficient. However, if you want all those benefits and are interested in naturally powerful Endocannabinoid System support, CBD oil may be a better option. To date, studies have shown that it yields more wellness support for many people. Whatever product type you choose, be sure to start gradually when adding any new supplement to your diet. This helps you see which serving size and delivery method works best for your lifestyle and health goals.