Is CBD oil the same or different than hemp oil? While both CBD oil and hemp oil can contain cannabidiol, the active ingredient in CBD oil, hemp oil typically does not contain the same high concentrations or medicinal dosages of this chemical compound. Understanding the differences between CBD oil and hemp oil can help patients make the most appropriate choice for their health and their unique set of needs. Here are some of the most important distinctions between these two types of products.
Labeling and Regulation
Some of the most important differences between hemp oil and CBD oil have to do with the way these products are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). CBD products typically list the specific concentration of cannabidiol in their active ingredients. The FDA issued eight warning letters in February 2016 regarding products that failed to deliver the amount of CBD claimed on their labels. While some types of hemp oil do claim a specific concentration of CBD, most are marketed as nutritional supplements rather than as treatments for specific ailments.
THC Content
Many varieties of hemp oil are not intended as primary sources of CBD and may contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that can have psychoactive effects at higher doses. Because CBD and THC are both derivatives of the cannabis plant, it can be difficult to find hemp oil that has been purified sufficiently to remove THC to the required legal levels. Additionally, hemp oil may contain other compounds that could interact with or interfere with other medications. CBD oil obtained from a reliable and established source, by contrast, typically contains only trace amounts of THC. Some formulations may not contain any THC at all.
Intended Uses
Hemp oil is also used for cooking, moisturizing and formulating plastic, paints and fuel products. It has numerous industrial applications that make it a valuable cash crop in many areas of the world. CBD oil, by contrast, is generally intended only to be taken internally or applied topically and is almost exclusively used for medical purposes.
Medical Value
According to a 2010 article published in the scholarly journal Nutrition & Metabolism, hempseed oil is useful in its own right as an outstanding source for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients have been shown to have a positive effect on the symptoms and progress of heart disease and other circulatory disorders. CBD, however, has a much more varied list of conditions for which it is a safe and effective treatment. Seizure disorders, severe pain, generalized anxiety, loss of appetite and certain types of cancer have all responded well to treatment with CBD oil. While most patients can treat hemp oil as a nutritional supplement, CBD oil treatments are generally regarded as medicine and used in that way.
Concentration
CBD oils typically feature a much higher concentration of this active ingredient than hemp oils do. Even hemp oil that is advertised to have a high level of CBD cannot typically match the concentrations available from reputable manufacturers of CBD oil. By selecting a company that specializes in CBD oil products, patients and their caregivers can ensure the highest concentration and the most effective treatments for their ongoing medical conditions.
Hemp oil can be a good addition to a balanced diet and offers a number of other uses for industrial and nutritional use. Its benefits cannot compare, however, to the numerous ways in which CBD can improve health and reduce pain and anxiety for patients. We hope this article has provided useful information for those wondering, “Is CBD oil the same or different than hemp oil?”
Additional Resources on CBD Differences
What is the Difference Between CBD Oil and Marijuana?
