The year 2018 marked what many people call, “the green rush.” A farm bill introduced at that time allowed the legal production of hemp products. Since then, cannabidiol (CBD) has been also legalized in many states. In many places, you can see hemp and CBD products on store shelves including foods, beauty products, and oils.
Unfortunately, many see both types of products on the shelf and end up using the terms, CBD and hemp interchangeably. It is an honest mistake since both are marketed similarly which makes the differences confusing. In fact, there are a lot of people who do not realize there is a significant difference at all.
What exactly is the difference and how do you know you are getting the benefits you are looking for? This article hopes to shed some light on the differences between hemp and CBD oils.
Why the Confusion?
The biggest reason people question if hemp and CBD are the same is because of their origin. Both are technically derived from the same plant, Cannabis sativa. Cannabis plants have over 400 chemicals. Of those chemicals, cannabinoids make up about 60 compounds.
A Little History
Another reason for the confusion may be that the discoveries regarding cannabis’ pharmacological uses are fairly new. Cannabinol was the first compound that was isolated in pure form from plants and at first, this compound was thought to be responsible for psychoactive effects. In 1963, cannabidiol, also known as CBD, was discovered and a year later THC was isolated.
Hemp
Hemp is one of the oldest cultivated crops that we know of. For thousands of years, we have been using it in paper and textile products. Scraps of fabric composed of hemp have been found and dated back to around 8000 B.C. making it the oldest human industry relic. Thus, we are no stranger to its usefulness.
Hemp and marijuana come from the same species of cannabis plants. However, hemp is obtained from strains of the Cannabis sativa L. that are extremely low (under .3 %) in the intoxicating chemical THC. This means that ingesting or smoking hemp products will not give you a “high.” The plants differ in use, cultivation methods, and chemical composition.
The seeds of a hemp plant can be used to create a variety of products. Along with the flowers, hemp is used in health food such as bread, cereals, dairy products, and protein supplements. You will also find it in natural beauty products, and for products that provide pharmaceutical benefits.
Uses do not stop there; hemp can literally be incorporated into thousands of products from fuel to pet food. Stalks and fibers of the plant are used for materials used in clothing and construction, paper, and plastics.
Hemp Oil Benefits and Uses
Even the oil created from hemp seeds can be used in a variety of applications.
- Biofuel
- Lubricating products
- Ink
- Varnish
- Paint
- Condiments such as salad dressing
- Margarine
- Makeup
- Beauty care products
The oil is made by pressing the seeds of the hemp plant. You may find the oil itself bottled for consumer use. Janice Newell Bissex, M.S., R.D.N. is a nutritionist and holistic practitioner. She explains that using the oil can support a healthy diet by providing omega-3, omega-6, antioxidants, and vitamin E. Regardless of the CBD amount found in an industrial hemp plant, the seeds do not contain the cannabinoid.
As far as beauty benefits, hemp oil is deeply hydrating for even the driest skin. It will help moisturize without blocking pores and create a supple complexion by supporting the elasticity of your skin. Your hair and nails can also benefit from hemp oil since it helps strengthen and boosts growth.
CBD
CBD is the most common cannabinoid to be extracted from the cannabis plant. Even though CBD is made from the same plant that hemp is, its chemical makeup is different. This is mainly because it is harvested from a different part.
CBD is created from the aerial parts of the plant that grow above the soil such as the flowers, stalks, and leaves. The oils are extracted using one of several methods that separate it from the solid plant matter.
The most common method for obtaining CBD oil is through the use of a solvent such as butane or ethanol. A more advanced method, the Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) process, uses carbon dioxide at an extreme supercritical cold liquid state to flow through the plant matrix and extract the cannabinoids.
CBD has gotten a lot of flak because it is so closely related to THC which is responsible for giving its users a high. CBD oil is non-addictive and will not give you a psychoactive reaction but it does promote a relaxed state of mind. To know about some interesting fact check evolvhealth
CBD Oil Benefits and Uses
While hemp oil seems to help on a dietary and beauty level, CBD is more sought after for its alternative medicinal value. Taken orally many can find relief from pain due to its analgesic properties. Many find it can help with migraines, sore muscles, and achy joints. CBD oil also has anti-inflammatory characteristics that help with auto-immune issues.
Topically, products that include CBD oil help relieve stress and relax muscles. After a good workout, CBD oil can help speed up muscle recovery. It can also help heal and protect skin from things like sunburn, rosacea, or insect stings.
Finally, since CBD helps activate the parts of your brain to produce serotonin and dopamine, it can be effective in treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia and other mental health concerns.