Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil - Why the Difference is So Important

Ever since a farm bill passed in 2018, legalizing the industrial made hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD), there’s been a “green rush” or “oil boom” sparked around the world about the cannabis-inspired products swarming the market — including hot favorites like beauty products.

Hemp has been around for decades in the form of oil and sold at various skin care outlets and health food stores. It is used for cooking as well. CBD became the talk of the town much more recently. Extracted from different parts of the cannabis plant, both these oils have different usages and advantages. However, when put side by side, it's very easy to trick consumers into buying the two by labeling them incorrectly.

Let’s put the differences between two oils straight:

The Facile Oil - Hemp Oil

As per the Farm Bill’s definition, there is only up to 0.3% THC present in legal hemp products, which is too little to draw out a psychoactive effect. Being the uncomplicated oil, hemp oil is extracted from the seeds, stalks and stems of a hemp plant, and its use in cooking oil, lotions, moisturizers, soaps and even in paints is extensive. Hemp oil contains virtually no CBD or other cannabinoids.

The Complex Oil - CBD Oil

Commonly extracted from the flowers of the hemp plant, cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a pretty complex formulation of oil. CBD is among one of 120 identified chemical compounds contained in cannabis plants. Looking at its uses, they are typically more medicinal and differ from hemp oil derived from seeds, stalks and stems. It’s the cannabinoids, especially CBD, that provide the medicinal benefits. The combination of cannabinoids acting in concert with one another is known as the entourage effect.

Final Word

So, where the difference lies between the two oils? If you’re looking for CBD and the benefits it can provide, it’s best to steer clear of simple hemp oil.

Remember, it’s important to be cautious about which oil you are buying because one provides nourishing benefits and is great for cooking veggies, while the other interacts with the body directly.