“Are CBD oil and hemp oil the same thing?” – is the most common question cannabis oil users ask. They believe both terms are interchangeable but this is not true. Although derived from the same plant, i.e., cannabis sativa, CBD oil and hemp oil are not the same. These are distinct products.

CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the cannabis and hemp plants and contains a higher concentration of CBD. Hemp oil, on the other hand, is sourced from the seeds of the hemp plant and contains less than 0.3 percent THC.

Knowing the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil is crucial because every product contains distinct different chemical makeups, uses, and modes of extraction. Moreover, an appropriate distinction between hemp oil and CBD oil will help healthcare professionals and consumers pick the safest and most effective products.

This article will help you understand these differences as well as the risks and benefits of CBD oil and hemp oil.

Difference between Hemp and Cannabis

Although the hemp and cannabis plants are otherwise indistinguishable, there is a difference between their chemical compositions. Scientists have found numerous active components in cannabis, such as over 120 cannabinoids, that interact with specific receptors in the body to regulate mood, pain, appetite, and inflammation, leading to a wide range of potential health management options.

The primary cannabinoid found in the plant is Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is known for its psychoactive effects commonly known as the “high” in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most common cannabinoid which, instead of producing intoxicating effects, offers various medicinal benefits including anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Legal definitions have started to make distinctions between cannabis strains that have high THC levels, known as psychoactive cannabis, and strains with low THC levels, referred to as industrial hemp or non-psychoactive cannabis. Hence, hemp is officially classified as the Cannabis sativa plant and includes any plant parts that have a THC content of less than 0.3% when dried.

What is CBD Oil?

Hemp contains at least 100 different compounds known as cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most prevalent active compound present in both hemp and cannabis varieties of cannabis sativa. Although it is a THC isomer, it is not psychoactive and does not cause intoxication.

Most CBD oils are obtained from hemp plants since the legality of cannabis is still a subject of debate in certain areas, even though they come from the leaves, stalks, and flowers of both hemp and cannabis plants.

Types of CBD Oil

There are three different types of CBD oil available:

1. Full-spectrum CBD oil: contains all the chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant as well as THC, but in extremely low amounts
2. Broad-spectrum CBD oil: contains many chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant except THC
3. CBD isolate: contains only CBD

Despite these classifications, some CBD oil manufacturers use these terms interchangeably because of a lack of regulation of CBD-based products. Hence, it is very important to check the certificate of analysis (COA) of a CBD product before buying it, preferably one issued by a third party. If you’re purchasing products online, the COA is usually available on the website and is the only way to guarantee what compounds the CBD oil contains.

Extraction

Previous methods of obtaining CBD, like steam distillation, were ineffective as they left a significant amount of cannabinoids and other compounds in the hemp plant.

When solvent extraction was adopted, it introduced new issues because the residue from the solvent used to extract the CBD oil was retained in the oil. If the solvent used was something like butane, it could result in toxic substances being present in the oil distributed to customers.

CO₂ Extraction Process

Currently, CBD oil is obtained using a specialised method known as carbon dioxide extraction. This not only provides nutrient-dense oil containing high cannabinoid content, it is more advantageous in terms of ease of extraction, consumer health, the environment, sustainability, and cost.

While full-spectrum CBD oil products require manufacturers to preserve all components, only CBD extraction is necessary to obtain CBD isolate.

Here is a step-wise guide explaining the CO₂ extraction process used to obtain CBD oil:

1. Convert CO₂ to a supercritical state. Supercritical CO₂ is obtained by cooling the gas to approximately -57 degrees Celsius while simultaneously compressing it. This transforms into a state known as “supercritical.”
2. Adjust pressure and temperature based on the substance being extracted and the desired outcome of the extraction process.
3. Send the supercritical CO₂ through a container that holds the plant material.
4. A mixture is created with the combination of CO₂ along with cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant-derived compounds.
5. Send this mixture through a separator in order to promptly eliminate (and potentially reuse) the liquid CO₂.
6. Let the fresh wax/oil extract sit out to let any remaining CO₂ evaporate on its own.

Uses

Although research on the effects of CBD in humans is still ongoing, there is sufficient evidence to suggest promising health benefits. Moreover, since CBD oils contain small quantities of other plant-based compounds such as phytocannabinoids and terpenoids, their holistic effects need further investigation.

The first and only CBD-based drug to be approved by the FDA was Epidiolex. This plant-based, purified prescription cannabidiol is used to treat seizures in patients two years and above.

Other potential uses of CBD oil-based products include:

• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Managing itchy and inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne
• Improving sleep
• Reducing nausea and vomiting after cancer treatment
• Managing acute and chronic pain and inflammation such as that in arthritis
• Managing digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome
• Improving cardiovascular health
• Weight management

CBD oil products are available in many forms, from gummies to tinctures to topical creams. Currently, CBD oil-based fizzy drinks and pet food have also emerged on the market, while cosmetics and beauty products are among the most popular products.

Benefits

In simple terms, CBD helps restore and maintain the body’s internal balance, i.e. homeostasis by interacting with our central regulatory system called the endocannabinoid system. The phytocannabinoids found in CBD oil activate two of the endocannabinoid system’s core receptors – CB1 and CB2. This stimulates the production of neurotransmitters that influence several bodily processes such as pain, inflammation, appetite, mood, sleep, memory, stress responses, and immune function.

Below is a list of some of the active compounds present in CBD oils and their potential health benefits:

Risks and Side Effects

Scientists claim that it is generally safe to use CBD-derived products since they have limited to no side effects. A small study where participants were given 300 milligrams of CBD every day for six months reported no side effects. Similarly, individuals who took 1500 milligrams of CBD daily for a month showed no side effects.

However, large-scale studies investigating the CBD-based antiepileptic drug Epidiolex revealed certain adverse effects, including:

• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Reduced appetite
• Raised liver function tests (LFTs)

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD-based products, it warns against the potential risks associated with using these products, such as:

• Liver injury
• Heightened risk of dizziness and drowsiness if these products are used with drugs, alcohol, or any substance that slows down brain activity
• Altered alertness
• Digestive problems
• Changes in appetite
• Mood changes, including agitation and irritability

Moreover, people looking to use CBD oils, especially those using medicines or supplements, must consult with a healthcare professional or qualified cannabis clinician since these products might cause adverse drug interactions.

Overall, further research is required to conclusively establish the possible side effects of CBD, especially with regard to its continuous long-term use. In addition, aspects such as the maximum dosage that can be consumed, how the mode of consumption (eating, drinking, or topical application) influences the effects, risks for a developing foetus or a breastfed newborn, and the impact of CBD oil on children need to be thoroughly investigated.

Selecting CBD Oils

According to experts, you should always purchase CBD oil-based products from reputable and trusted sources. Incorrect labelling and unregulated manufacturing processes increase the risk of a contaminated product or high levels of THC in products that claim to have CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD oil.

When choosing a CBD oil, make sure to check the following:

• The manufacturer should not use solvents during the extraction process
• The CBD is certified to come from an organic source
• The product has passed pesticide and herbicide testing
• The potency is clearly mentioned on the label

What is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is obtained from the seeds of the hemp plant. It has a strong and nutty taste. Composed of approximately 70 to 90 percent polyunsaturated fatty acids (known as good fats), hemp oil is rich in tocopherols, omega-3 essential fatty acids, and linoleic and linolenic acids.

A report by Oklahoma State University states that hemp oil may contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD oil, depending on how the hemp seeds are handled and processed. However, the majority of businesses that manufacture hemp oil for ingestion are required to follow rigorous regulations to guarantee that the products have minimal levels of THC, specifically 0.3 percent or lower. This dosage will not result in any psychoactive effects.

Extraction

Due to the intricate regulations related to hemp and cannabis, hemp seed processors need to be careful when dealing with this plant. For instance, it is crucial to clean hemp seeds diligently before pressing them as the oil’s chemical composition could be affected by any plant material present, possibly leading to the introduction of cannabinoids such as CBD or THC.

Typically, hemp seeds are cold pressed by drying whole raw seeds to approximately 5 percent moisture before being pressed in an expeller press that utilises mechanical force to extract the oil. Cold pressing results in the most pristine form of “virgin” hemp oil by avoiding additional heat that may compromise the fats or proteins in the seed.

Yet, as the seeds have not undergone cooking or conditioning to extract the oil prior to cold pressing, more effort is required to extract the oil solely through pressure. Certain processors utilise multiple presses or make multiple passes through a single press; however, this results in additional overhead expenses.

To boost hemp oil recovery rates, processors often heat hemp seeds before expeller pressing. This additional heat manipulation breaks the cell walls to allow the oil to flow more easily. Moreover, this process of mechanical pressing can decrease the remaining oils to around 6 percent.

Uses

Hemp oil is used in the culinary industry to boost the flavour of foods and beverages. It may also be drizzled on vegetables and salads and added to snack bars, cookies, breads, and yoghurt. A spoonful of hemp oil can also be ingested directly as a dietary supplement since it is rich in polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, it is necessary to consult a healthcare professional before including any supplement in your diet.

Hemp oil also has numerous industrial applications. It is used to manufacture varnishes, paints, and other coating materials because of its remarkable drying properties. In addition, hemp oil is in the production of plastic flooring, such as linoleum, clothing, and fabrics.

Hemp oil is not used for recreational purposes. This is because it contains less than 0.3 percent THC which is negligible for producing psychoactive effects.

Benefits

The nutritional profile of hemp oil features antioxidants, omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, carotene, and various essential minerals including iron, zinc, magnesium, and sulphur. Hence, hemp oil offers numerous health benefits such as:

• Improving gastrointestinal health
• Improving cardiovascular health
• Maintaining blood pressure
• Boosting the immune system
• Improving skin conditions
• Reducing chronic pain and inflammation
• Cancer prevention
• Anti-ageing effects

Risks and Side Effects

The high-fat content in hemp seed oil makes it prone to rancidity. A flash point that is relatively low, indicating the temperature at which a liquid will vaporise or ignite when near an open flame, also implies that it is not ideal for frying and should be eaten raw while still fresh.

Storing this oil is also challenging. Because of its composition of fatty acids, hemp seed oil is susceptible to becoming rancid (undergoing oxidative deterioration) when it comes into contact with oxygen.

To maximise effectiveness, it is recommended to use hemp seed oil at temperatures under 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) and to store it in the refrigerator or freezer once opened because of its limited shelf life.

Final Thoughts

Both hemp oil and cannabidiol (CBD) oil come from the cannabis plant. CBD oil is sourced from the flowers, leaves, and stems, whereas hemp oil is derived from the seeds of the cannabis plant.

Products that have hemp and CBD oil usually do not result in a feeling of being high since the content of THC, if present, is usually minimal. These products offer various benefits and can potentially help in managing several health conditions.

If you want to enhance your physical health and omega intake, consider using hemp oil and the proven advantages it offers. If you require pain relief or assistance with anxiety or depression, consult your healthcare provider to see if CBD oil is suitable for your health concerns.