With a growing number of CDB users, and the increasing support from users and experts alike, it is gaining a larger momentum worldwide. With many states in the US, as well as other nations legalizing its use, more and more sellers and vendors are selling CBD oil both online and offline. CBD oil has recently had its fair share in the media too, peaking the interest of many people and prospective users about the different uses of it.

But there are still a few questions.

Another commonly and widely used oil is extracted from the same plant -hemp oil. And a lot of times both are used interchangeably.

And one question in particular is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil.

Firstly, the similarities

It is important to understand why the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil is a topic of debate for the common man.

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a phytocannabinoid, and it constitutes up to forty percent extracts of the cannabis sativa plant. CBD extracts are usually diluted with some other oil, such as coconut oil, or MCT oil, which is also known as carrier oil. This forms CBD oil, and is consumed widely.

CBD oil is known for its benefits for common ailments and as a remedy for pains from arthiritis, muscle pains and spinal cord injuries, seizures and epilepsy. It is used for alleviating more complicated pains, such as those associated with cancer.

Hemp oil, on the other hand, is obtained from seeds of the hemp plant, a strain of the cannabis sativa plant, which is usually grown industrially for its derived products and extracts. Like CBD oil, this can also be ingested, and has medicinal properties.

Both Hemp oil and CBD oil are not intoxicating in nature, which means unlike marijuana, it does not give its user a high, and has no psychotic effects. This is due to the absence of THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, in bulk quantity. THC is the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis.

With so many similarities, along with being derived from the same plant, it is evident why both are sometimes used analogously. But there are some major differences between hemp oil and CBD oil, which we shall see further:

The chemical difference: Hemp oil vs. CBD oil

One of the most striking differences between hemp oil and CBD oil is the presence of THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, in them.

CBD oil contains trace amounts of THC in it. Legally, CBD oil can contain about 0.3% THC in it. Due to the fact that THC is a psychoactive element, most well known and reputed brands and firms sell CBD oil with a Certificate of Analysis, or COA. This COA contains all the information about the CBD oil, particularly the amount of THC present in it. Different companies use different methods to specify this, although a lot of them contain a QR code, that, upon scanning, takes you to the product description page.

Hemp oil, on the other hand, is different. It contains no THC at all. It is devoid of any psychotic cannabinoids, and is just a nutrient rich oil. Therefore, selling and purchasing of hemp oil does not require any COA. As such hemp oil can be seen on similar grounds to other oils like sunflower oil.

In cases where Hemp oil contains THC, it is usually in trace amounts, and much less than 0.3%. In such cases, any trace amounts of THC present in Hemp oil is clearly mentioned on the label, although most manufacturers who sell pure hemp oil decontaminate it from any THC by 99.99%.

Difference in extraction and production

A major difference between hemp oil and CBD oil is their methods of extraction and production. As such, both hemp oil as well as CBD oil is derived from the same plant, but there are some striking differences.

Hemp oil is mostly extracted by cold pressing hemp seeds. The process is similar to extraction of various other edible oils. Cold pressing his its own benefits, and yields a higher nutritional value for the oils, since they do not have to go through the process of oxidation, losing valuable nutrients in the process.

Hemp oil is usually obtained from varieties of the cannabis sativa plant that has been specifically grown for industrial uses.

CBD oil, on the other hand, has a very different method of processing and extraction. CBD oil can be derived from any part of the cannabis plant that has a high concentration of cannabinoids. Usually the entire plant can be used for the production of CBD oil.

Some of the most prevalent methods of extraction of CBD oil is supercritical fluid extraction (which is more commonly known as CO2 extraction) and solvent based extraction.

Pure hemp oil is readily available and can be used directly, whereas CBD oil requires a carrier oil, like coconut oil or MCT oil, with which it is diluted or mixed with before its use.

Due to difference in constituents and manufacturing processes, their taste and appearance vary too. Hemp oil is light greenish in color and has a distinct nutty flavor. CBD oil, on the other hand, usually has a dark golden color. Pure CBD oil tastes bitter, although those manufactured for consumption have an earthy flavor.

Difference in nutritional value

Due to a difference in chemical compositions of hemp oil and CBD oil, and the difference in their processes of manufacturing, nutritional values of both vastly differ from one another.

Hemp oil, in particular, has a high nutritional value. Hemp oil is a rich source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which is extremely beneficial for health and overall well being of a person. These fatty acids are scientifically proven to reduce the risk of heart ailments, specially in older ages.

Omega-3 fatty acids are rich in Docosahexaenoic Acid, commonly known as DHA. DHA has been known have numerous health benefits, like promoting eye-health as well as facilitate proper cognitive functions and brain development.

The use of hemp oil can keep cholesterol levels of the body at bay, drastically reducing risk of heart attacks and increasing rate of metabolism, facilitating a proper blood flow in the body.

CBD oil is rich in cannabinoids, and affects the endocannabinoid system of the body directly. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining balance between essential functions of the body like the immunity system of a person, metabolism, and communication and response between cells and nerve endings.

CBD stimulates the cannabinoid production in our body, and maintains a healthy nervous system and receptor functions. CBD also stimulates opoid receptors in our body, which, in turn, affect seratonin and dopamine receptors in the body. This maintains optimum cognitive and behavioral health in our body, preventing anxiety and depression.

Difference in uses and application

Given to the difference in their nutritional values, both CBD oil and hemp oil have a variety of different uses.

Hemp oil has been around us for a much longer time, and so it is no wonder that it has found application in a wide variety of fields.

Hemp oil has been around for a long time around us, specially in our cosmetic products. Creams, ointments, and other beauty products from major brands contain hemp oil in them. Hemp oil was also

Hemp oil has excellent skincare properties. Creams and concoctions containing hemp oil has been used as a remedy to ageing skin and wrinkles, and maintain the natural elasticity of skin.

Omega acids behave the same as the natural lipids found in our body. As such, Omega acid-rich hemp oil has excellent moisturizing properties, and helps in maintaining the water and moisture retentive properties of skin, avoiding it to dry quickly.

Psoriasis, a skin disorder that causes skin cells to lump up and form scaly deposits, can also be alleviated by the use of hemp oil. Gamma linolenic acid, an acid found in hemp oil, is an effective remedy for psoriasis. Gamma linolenic acid is also known to relieve inflammation caused during menopause.

Hemp oil is also used for maintaining healthy and strong hair.

Hemp oil also has abundance of vitamins like B, B1, B2 and E, and contains many other nutrients like potassium, magnesium and antioxidants. Hence, it is also used as a vitamin and nutrient supplement, and is often added in smoothies.

Due to its high nutrition effect, hemp oil has also been around cooking. Since hemp oil has low levels of saturated fats (or bad fats –the ones which should be avoided in food), and high levels of polyunsaturated fats, it is often seen as an healthier alternative to other food oils.

Although it is a healthy cooking oil, due to its low smoking point, it is not generally suitable for frying.

CBD oil, on the other hand, is relatively new to the market. But its popularity and demand has seen a steady increase, since many users and experts have associated CBD oil with numerous health benefits.

CBD oil is available in various forms for its use and consumption. Some popular ones are edibles like gummies, mints and smoothies. It can be used topically, or as an ingredient in foods and beverages. CBD oil can also be ingested directly in small quantities.

CBD oil has been associated with various health benefits. Drugs containing CBD, like Epidiolex have been FDA approved to treat seizures caused by epilepsy.

By affecting the endocannabinoid system, CBD oil can be used as an effective remedy for aches and pains caused due to arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Research has shown CBD oils to be attributed to anti-inflammatory properties, and can protect the nervous system from damage.

CBD oil has also been shown to alleviate pain caused due to cancer.

CBD oil has shown promising results in curing anxiety and depression, mainly due to the trace amounts of THC present in them.

With laws differentiating CBD from from psychoactive substances, more researches are being conducted on CBD oil and its different uses in medicine.

The entourage effect

A major difference in the uses and benefits of CBD oil and hemp oil is supposedly brought by the entourage effect.

Entourage Effect is a proposed mechanism of cannabidiol (CBD) that negates the ill-effects (and the psychoactive effects) of cannabis and compounds derived from it.

CBD oil is often derived from multiple parts of the cannabis sativa plant. This incorporates not only cannabidiols, but also many other useful substances like phytocannabinoids and terpenes, into the oil.

On the other hand, since the manufacture of hemp oil is different than that of CBD oil, and it is obtained from cold pressing only the seeds of the industrial cannabis sativa plant, it is devoid of all the other beneficial compounds like phytocannabinoids and terpenes, that are found in other parts of the plant.

It is believed that due to the entourage effect, cannabinoids work together with these additional compounds to negate and balance the adverse effects of cannabis, hence making it more beneficial.

Therefore, on comparison, although hemp oil is loaded with different types of nutrients, it may not give the same beneficial effects in some instances as that of CBD oil, due to the entourage effect.

Difference in price

Now this should not come as a surprise – CBD oil is relatively more expensive than hemp oil.

The reason for this price difference is a basic one -hemp oil has ben around us for much, much longer than CBD oil. In fact, CBD oil (and other CBD compounds) were recently differentiated from other cannabis sativa derivatives that have a psychoactive effect.

Why does this make hemp oil cheaper? Well, because attributed to its wide and extensive use, ranging from cosmetics to food to medicines to supplements for various nutrients, many different ways of refining and extraction of hemp oil have been found.

And since it has been around for a longer time, its production has also seen an increase, which led to a more efficient and economic approach in its demand, usage and production.

CBD oil, on the other hand, is relatively new. It takes complex processes like supercritical fluid extraction (or commonly known as CO2 extraction), which is more time consuming, and hence, more resource consuming.

Although with recent laws, research for CBD oil and related compounds are gaining speed, it still may take some time to bridge the difference between the prices of CBD oil and hemp oil.

Summary

CBD oil and hemp oil are both derived from the cannabis sativa plant. Both have their various uses and applications across a different number of fields.

Hemp oil has been around us since a long time, and has used since then in a variety of applications, ranging from cosmetics, food industry, medicine as well as domestic uses. Hemp oil is obtained by cold pressing the seeds of the hemp plant, a strain of the cannabis sativa. It is cheaper, more widely available, more widely used and does not usually contain any amounts of psychoactive compounds like THC.

CBD oil, on the other hand, is relatively new, and was recently distinguished from other cannabis extracts that are more psychoactive in nature. Hence, there is a growing popularity for the usage of CBD oil among people.

And with laws distinguishing CBD in the west, as stated above, more and more researches have shown the different beneficial properties of CBD oil, mainly in the field of medicinal use and applications.

Although CBD oil contains some amount of THC, is considered safe, and has been used as a remedy for epilepsy, seizures, aches and pains, anxiety and depression, as well as for a remedy for more serious ailments such as cancer and pain and discomfort related to it. CBD oil is not only beneficial for people, but many veterinary doctors also recommend it for common ailments for pets and animals.

It is easy to see why both hemp oil and CBD oil are not seen as different things, and are used interchangeably. Both of them are derived from the same plant, both of them are oils, and both of them have similar medicinal properties. It is easy for a user to confuse between the two.

But the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil are substantial. From chemical differences like presence of THC, to different manufacturing procedures, they vary a lot.

Hemp oil, being present around us for a longer time, has an easier extraction procedure than CBD oil, whose manufacturing is slightly complex. Both have beneficial uses for people, but they are different too, with hemp leaning towards cosmetic and topical uses, whereas CBD oil having its applications more towards relieving pains and aches, due to its distinct medicinal values.

Both are visually different too, with hemp oil being of a greenish colour, and CBD oil retaining a light to dark golden hue after refining.

Overall, a user should be careful with buying the kind of oil they want -whether it is hemp oil or CBD oil. One must remember the differences mentioned above while purchasing either of the oils, since both vary from each other on various parameters, and can have side effects, depending on the usage, if confused with one another.