HEMP OIL vs CBD OIL
Before the cannabis plant was outlawed in 1937, you could find cannabis oil derived from hemp and marijuana at your local apothecary. In fact, "There were at least 2000 cannabis medicines before 1937, produced by over 280 manufacturers." Cannabis oil was a prevalent remedy that many people relied on for wellness.
Fast forward to today, and once again you see cannabis oil available everywhere—from online stores to health food shops to wellness shops like Leanna Organics' CBD store in Westminster, CO.
Cannabis oil is once again ubiquitous. In fact, there are so many kinds of cannabis oil on the market that it can feel overwhelming to the new user. You may be confused by all the different variations of oils from the cannabis plant. Which one is right for you?
The first thing to understand about cannabis oil is that it comes from two different sources: the marijuana plant and the hemp plant. The primary difference is that cannabis oil from marijuana is intoxicating, while oil from the hemp plant is not.
From the hemp plant, there are three types of oils—or at least three different names: hemp oil, CBD oil, and hemp seed oil.
This article discusses the similarities and differences between hemp oil vs. CBD oil and the difference between these two oils and other oils from the cannabis plant.
What Is Cannabis Oil?
Cannabis oil is an oil extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa). It contains high levels of cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). There are two main types of cannabis oil: THC-dominant and CBD-dominant. THC-dominant cannabis oil is used for its psychoactive effects, while CBD-dominant cannabis oil is used for its potential skincare and wellness benefits without the "high."
Cannabis oil is typically consumed orally, either by itself or mixed with food or drinks. It can also be used topically as salves, creams, and bath bombs.
Typically, the term "cannabis oil" describes oils with high THC content. These types of intoxicating oils are sold at local government-regulated retail storefronts called dispensaries, where a person can purchase cannabis-related items for medical or recreational use. Leanna Organics does not sell any products with high THC content. Additionally, we third-party test our CBD to ensure it is not intoxicating.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a natural oil extracted from the hemp plant. This plant is a member of the cannabis family, but it contains very little of the intoxicating compound found in recreational and medical marijuana. This means that using CBD oil does not produce the "high" associated with marijuana use. Instead, people use CBD oil for its potential skincare and wellness benefits.
It is available in two primary forms: isolate-based CBD and full-spectrum CBD.
CBD oil is available in various forms, including tinctures, bath bombs, and topicals. Tinctures are oil drops taken orally, either by themselves or mixed with food or drinks. Topicals are salves, creams, lotions, or balms that are applied directly to the skin for localized relief. Similarly, bath bombs with CBD are activated through the skin, communicating with receptors just below the surface.
CBD oil is believed to work by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors that regulate various functions of the body to create homeostasis. All mammals have this system of receptors (called CB1 and CB2 receptors); therefore, people also give CBD to their pets to help them cope when overwhelmed and deal with discomfort.
What Is Hemp Oil?
The answer to that question depends on whom you ask. Technically, hemp oil is derived from hemp plant seeds. Hemp seeds do not contain any CBD—the compound from the hemp plant that is changing the wellness landscape by offering a plant-based alternative for skincare and wellness.
However, the term "hemp oil" is also used to describe CBD oil. While it is true that CBD is derived from hemp and is therefore a form of hemp oil, the term can be misleading because people may think they are purchasing an oil that contains CBD.
This confusion stems from the fact that companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon have historically restricted the word "CBD." To work around this, some companies and marketers looking to advertise or sell products have labeled their CBD oil as "hemp oil" instead.
While this may help get products into people's hands, it creates problems for consumers. Many other companies sell true hemp oil derived from hemp seeds (with no CBD) on the same platforms. This creates an environment where consumers can be misled by mislabeled products.
Leanna Organics' stance is that CBD derived from hemp is non-intoxicating and legal nationwide as of 2018 with the introduction of the farm bill. Therefore, there should be no restrictions on using the accurate term "CBD oil," as that most clearly describes the product.
CBD is a cannabinoid compound with a molecular structure similar to endocannabinoids, which are made naturally inside mammals. The reason CBD works is because of this—it can interact with compounds our bodies already produce. But you cannot get CBD from hemp seeds. CBD only comes from a fully mature cannabis plant. At the end of its life, the plant produces buds, and inside those buds cannabinoids are manufactured. The primary difference between hemp oil vs. CBD oil comes down to cannabinoids. You cannot get cannabinoids from hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil does not carry cannabinoids.
What Is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seed oil is a cold-pressed oil extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). As mentioned above, unlike CBD oil, hemp seed oil does not contain significant amounts of cannabinoids such as CBD or THC. It therefore does not have the same potential wellness benefits associated with these compounds.
However, hemp seed oil is rich in nutrients and has its own set of potential skincare and wellness benefits. It is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which support overall health. It is also high in antioxidants, which can help protect against damage from free radicals.
Hemp seed oil is commonly used as a dietary supplement, either taken by itself or added to foods such as smoothies or salad dressings. It is also used in cosmetics and personal care products because of its moisturizing and nourishing properties for the skin. For this reason, many of Leanna Organics' skincare products are made with hemp seed oil, including our hemp body scrub and body soap.
Hemp seeds are nutritious. They are great for your skin, contain all of the essential amino acids, and are an excellent source of protein—a true superfood. But they do not contain any CBD. That is the primary difference between hemp oil vs. CBD oil: hemp seed oil does not contain cannabinoids, including CBD.
Leanna Organics' Stand on Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil
At Leanna Organics, we refuse to mislabel our products simply because some platforms are uncomfortable with the word CBD. The cannabis plant has been around for more than 12,000 years, and there has never been a confirmed overdose or death from the plant. A growing body of evidence-based research supports the use of CBD for wellness and skincare. What remains is the lingering effect of a failed war on drugs that wrongly grouped the cannabis plant with more dangerous substances. Even with THC removed, the stigma persists. We work against those stigmas to provide accurate information about CBD products.
With time, the confusion around hemp oil vs. CBD oil will lessen, and more platforms will allow accurate marketing and sale of CBD oil to the public.
CBD is a plant-based remedy that originates from nature. The reason it has become so popular is that it works. Millions of people use it daily to feel calmer, rest better, address discomfort, and live a more balanced life. At Leanna Organics, we are proud to offer this natural option. We provide free samples of our products, and you can stop by our store or call anytime to discuss how to integrate CBD into your lifestyle.
Scott Mollenkopf
Read more about Scott
Scott manages technology, sales, and marketing at Leanna Organics while also raising three kids and sharing a home with 3 dogs: Rufus, Macho, and Bruno. He moves easily between the systems side of the business and conversations with customers, always keeping natural wellness in view—a subject he writes about regularly on the company blog. When he's free, you'll often find him on a Colorado trail with Rufus, Macho, and Bruno, drawn by the same connection to the outdoors that first inspired Leanna Organics.
Bestsellers
