CBD-based products are one of the fastest-growing segments in the health and wellness market today. As laws and regulations regarding the cultivation and sale of cannabis have relaxed in many states, there has been a “green rush,” of sorts. As manufacturers scramble to take advantage of this new frontier in the nutraceutical industry, the average consumer may find it a little challenging to make sense of what they find on the shelves.
For example, some items are marketed as hemp seed oil, while others say they’re made with CBD oil. To the uninitiated, the distinctions between the two may not be so obvious. However, knowing what makes these products different from each other is important if you want to get the most out of your purchase. What follows is a quick overview of how CBD oil and hemp seed oil differ and why it matters.
Their Origins
Both CBD oil and hemp seed oil are derived from hemp, but the methods by which they are extracted are different.
Hemp seed oil, as the name suggests, is cold pressed only from hemp seeds that don’t contain CBD, and the results are immediately bottled.
CBD oils are extracted from the leaves, stalks, and flowers of the plant. A wide variety of hemp may be used, as well as numerous extraction methods. These variables can affect the overall effects and quality of the resulting oils. You’ll also commonly see CBD oil products labeled as “full-spectrum” or “broad-spectrum”, to denote their extract type.
How They Are Used
Hemp seed oil is primarily used for skin topicals and for cooking. Shoppers commonly come across skin care products made with hemp seed oil due to its inherent moisturizing and skin-softening qualities. It has become especially popular because, when used topically, it doesn’t leave behind an oily feel.
Alternatively, you’ll see CBD oil listed as an ingredient in medicinal products because it offers numerous health benefits when applied topically or taken orally. In addition, its low THC content —the active ingredient in marijuana — makes it ideal for those looking for help to support a sense of relaxation without the “high” feeling.
What They Do for You
Hemp seed oil is derived from industrial hemp seeds that do not contain THC. Using these products should not result in a “high” feeling or any other short-term psychoactive effects. It does, however, provide nutrients such as protein, vitamin E, omega fatty acids and fiber. It also contains all 11 essential amino acids. Because of these advantages,hemp seed oil is commonly used as a nutritional supplement or for certain cooking products. Its ability to restore moisture to hair and skin means it could help support a more youthful appearance as well.
CBD oil is derived from full grown hemp plants, contains CBD, and may feature trace amounts of THC as low as 0.3%. CBD oil ingredients can help to support physical aches, a good night’s sleep,and a sense of relaxation. As a result, you’re more likely to find it in supplements intended to treat specific ailments.
How to Ensure Their Quality
To ensure you get the most out of them, it’s important to know what to look for when buying these oils in their purest forms.
For hemp seed oil, the words “organic,” “cold-pressed,” “unrefined” or “virgin” generally mean the product is free of additives and was not heavily processed. It should come in a dark green bottle bearing an expiration date. Be sure to refrigerate it and look for signs of spoilage such as cloudiness or a foul odor before using it.
For CBD oil Canada, always check the packaging to ensure that it was subjected to third-party lab testing in a trusted laboratory. Without this authentication, you cannot be entirely sure that it actually contains CBD oil. Another safeguard is to purchase these products only from the official brand websites, a cannabis dispensary, or a trusted compounding lab.
As the cannabis market explodes throughout the country, many consumers are entering uncharted territory. Getting the most value out of these health and wellness products means understanding what you’re looking for and what it could do for you. To learn more about the differences between hemp seed oil and CBD oil, take a look at the accompanying infographic.
Author bio: Glory Rae Finnegan is a content strategist and staff editor for Neurogan, a provider of CBD and superfoods with Scandinavian roots. Finnegan has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Psychology. She is passionate about human psychology, destigmatizing mental health, animal advocacy and plant-based living.