I believe that the demand for CBD is only going to increase. More and more companies are selling their form of CBD products, using it in everything from greens powders to body lotions. With that comes some confusion. Some products will show CBD on the front label, and others only list hemp oil. Leaving them wondering if the two are the same or completely different. I haven’t touched on CBD in a while, so I thought I’d revisit it in today’s post. Just as a note, I am focusing solely on CBD products. These contain either zero or microscopic traces of THC, the active component of marijuana (which I’m personally not a fan of- more on that here). Let’s not delay any longer- time to discover all the ins and outs of CBD and hemp oil.

But First, a 101 on CBD

Before we talk about hemp, let’s do a 101 on CBD, since many people are still new to CBD and what it does.

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which belongs to a group of chemicals known as cannabinoids (or phytocannabinoids) that are found in cannabis plants (including hemp and marijuana). Cannabinoids work by interacting with receptors in our endocannabinoid system (named after cannabis). The endocannabinoid system has three core parts. We already covered the receptors, which are part of our nervous system. The other two include the endocannabinoids (or endogenous cannabinoids; molecules that function similarly to cannabinoids and are made by the body) and enzymes (specific ones responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids). [1] [2]

Currently, science is still learning how the endocannabinoid system works. What the current research has shown is that it helps to maintain balance, or homeostasis, in the body. This includes links to memory, cognition, mood, nerve function, sleep, inflammation response, immunity, pain management, appetite, digestion, reproductive health, bone development, and motor control. [2]

So, to sum everything up, CBD is a special chemical that acts on the endocannabinoid system in the body. It can be found both in marijuana and hemp. However, unlike THC, which is also found in marijuana, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t alter the mind or get you “high.” [3]

Is Hemp the Same as Marijuana?

What’s the difference between hemp and marijuana? The truth is that while the two are technically the same plant, they’re different species. According to the deputy director of the NC State Extension Tom Melton, “Hemp and marijuana even look and smell the same. The difference is that hemp plants contain no more than 0.3 percent (by dry weight) of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive substance found in marijuana. By comparison, marijuana typically contains 5 to 20 percent THC. You can’t get high from hemp.” [4]

 Unless the plant contains more than 0.3% THC, it’s going to be hemp. And you may already be using hemp without even knowing it. Hemp is often used to make clothes, rope, handbags, carpets, oil paints, solvents, soaps, and packaging materials. In recent years, it’s become a trendy superfood found in vegan protein powders, plant-based omega-3 supplements, and more. You can buy the seeds and eat them whole. They’re high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based omega-3 fats and go great with numerous recipes (like this one here). [5] [6]

Showdown: Hemp Oil Vs. CBD

And now the moment we’ve all been waiting for. What’s the deal with hemp oil and CBD, are the same or different, and which is best? Let’s start by breaking each one down.

CBD:

Comes from a species of marijuana and hemp. Made from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the plant. When sold as an oil-based supplement, it ideally should contain a spectrum of antioxidants and cannabinoids, including CBD, CBC, CBN, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Should contain little to no THC.

 Benefits: Pain-relief (muscles, joints), inflammation, soothes headaches and migraines, concentration, relaxation, anxiety and depression, sleep, and heart health [7]

Side Effects: Possibly diarrhea, changes in both hunger and weight, drowsiness, drug interaction (similar to grapefruit) [7]

Hemp Oil:

Oil extract made from either the stalks or seeds of hemp. Contains very little, if not zero, CBD. Do not be fooled if the label lists it as “cannabis sativa seed oil.” Actual CBD is labeled as cannabidiol, full-spectrum hemp, PCR (phytocannabinoids rich), or PCR hemp extract. [8]

Benefits: Skin (relieves dry to ultra-dry skin without clogging pores; may help to lessen acne), hair (moisturizes dry strands; may help to improve growth), nails, cooking (can be used in dressings, smoothies, soups, sauces, and low-heat recipes), and high in nutrients (plant-based omega-3 fats and GLA, or gamma-linolenic acid, an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fat used to improve a number of skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema) [9]

The Winner:

I’d say if you’re looking to jump on the bandwagon for CBD, go exactly for it and don’t fall for hemp oil. It doesn’t hold a candle to the anti-inflammatory, mood-boosting effects of CBD. The downside is that potent concentrations of CBD are not cheap. A full month’s supply can quickly go up to $90, depending on your needs. You should also do your due diligence and research companies selling CBD. Do they provide lab test results and use non-toxic supercritical extract? And are they constantly checking the consistency and potency of their product? I’m no expert on CBD, but I highly recommend you go out of your way when searching for a quality product. Otherwise, you’ll be tricked into purchasing an inferior product.

Unless you’re looking to mix up your cooking or change your beauty routine, avoid hemp oil. Many companies that sell hemp oil often use additives, GMOs, trans fats, and contaminated hemp plants. And if they don’t list the amount of CBD in their product (i.e., 5 mg, 20 mg, 50 mg), then chances are there is no CBD in their product, and you’re paying for expensive (or cheap) oil. [6] [8]

Over to You

That’s a wrap on today’s showdown! Anything you’d like to add? What’s your preferred brand of CBD or hemp, and how do you use it? Share your thoughts with me down in the comments!

Sources:

[1] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system-2
[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits
[4] https://phys.org/news/2019-02-hemp-marijuana.html
[5] https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/ncnu02/v5-284.html
[6] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308044.php
[7] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#section8
[8] https://www.healthline.com/health/hemp-vs-cbd-oil#3
[9] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308044.php