CBD vs Hemp: What's the Difference?

Hemp oil and CBD oil are two different products that come from the same plant but have different uses and benefits. Learn more about their differences in this article.

CBD vs Hemp: What's the Difference?

Hemp oil and CBD oil are two different products that come from the same plant, but have different uses and benefits. Hemp oil is mainly used in cooking and making beauty products, while CBD oil is an oral tincture that is said to provide its own range of benefits. Both are made from hemp, but the similarities largely end there. Hemp oil generally has more nutritional benefits, while CBD oil is the best for treating conditions such as anxiety and depression.

When it comes to pain relief, CBD oil wins (although hemp oil can also help). Cannabis and hemp plants contain CBD and THC, along with more than 540 other substances. The main difference between the two plants is the amount of each compound they contain. Cannabis contains more THC and less CBD, while hemp contains more CBD and less THC.

Products that contain CBD usually have a label that shows the number of milligrams of CBD per unit or per serving. Many pharmacies, and even corner stores today, have started selling some of the most legitimate brands of CBD oil. It doesn't view hemp, CBD, THC, or even marijuana in the same way as illicit substances such as methamphetamine and cocaine, even though the DEA classifies both as having a lower potential for abuse than marijuana. However, CBD products must come with a COA from an independent and accredited external laboratory.

People considering using CBD for physical or mental problems should inform their doctors to make sure it doesn't interact with any medications they're taking. While the terms “CBD tincture” and “CBD oil” are often used interchangeably, the two are actually different. Regardless of whether you decide to take CBD or hemp, talk to a health professional before adding it to your daily routine. Most importantly, the benefits of CBD don't change if it's cannabis-derived CBD or hemp-derived CBD.

Unlike CBD oil, which is made with all parts of the cannabis plant, hemp oil or hemp oil come solely from the seeds of the plant. The active ingredient is likely to appear as a “whole plant extract”, most commonly isolated or distilled from CBD. The most commonly used methods for the extraction of CBD oil are supercritical fluid extraction (also known as CO2 extraction) or more traditional solvent-based extraction. In my opinion, the best CBD products for arthritis and joint pain relief will be a high-concentration full-spectrum CBD oil.

Several states, such as Nebraska and Idaho, still essentially regulate CBD oil as a Schedule 1 substance similar to marijuana.