CBD and hemp are two cannabis-derived products that have both become exceptionally popular in recent years for their numerous health benefits and relative ease of consumption. Nevertheless, a lot of ignorance remains regarding cannabis-derived substances, usually on account of general ignorance of cannabis in general. One example is that many people do not know the difference between hemp and CBD oil and, even if they did, many are at a total loss as to what is the preferable substance for their particular needs.
Of course, both CBD and hemp oils are oils. But what does this mean? Oils are essentially a concentrated essence of the substance which they contain. Both hemp and CBD are derived from the cannabis plant, which is a plant that contains many diverse compounds. You can think of the cannabis plant as a huge warehouse of substances, of which hemp and CBD are just two examples.
What is Hemp Oil?
So, what actually is hemp oil? Hemp oil is the concentrated essence of the substance derived from hemp seeds. Hemp is itself a particular kind of cannabis. And, within that type, there are two further species – cannabis Sativa and cannabis Indica. Moreover, within each of these distinct species there are many more different strains, sometimes naturally occurring and other times specially bred for their hemp products.
Of course, not all cannabis plants are classified as hemp. So, what is hemp? Simply put, hemp is a cannabis plant that contains no more than 0.3% THC (which is the psychoactive substance that will be familiar to anybody who has consumed cannabis as a recreational drug). Accordingly, plants with more than 0.3% THC are known as marijuana.
What is CBD Oil?
It might sound a little confusing, but CBD (the essential concentrated substance in CBD oil) also comes from the hemp plant. However, it is extracted from the leaves and buds of the plant, not the seeds. CBD stands for cannabidiol, which occurs naturally in both hemp and marijuana plants. Yammy CBD, experts in CBD products, advise that you need not worry about any psychoactive effect if you do not want it. Even if it comes from a marijuana plant, it is a distinct substance from THC.
Which Should I use?
That very much depends on you. The reason why both CBD and hemp oil are so popular today is that every person will prefer one or the other, depending on their particular needs. Here follows their main health benefits to help you make an informed choice about the two:
What is Hemp Oil Used for?
Hemp oil is useful for a range of different applications, most of which are related to general health and amelioration of the symptoms of certain conditions. Hemp oil has been used to treat skin imitation, rashes, and inflammation, and it can also offer relief from fatigue.
What is CBD Oil Used for?
CBD has similar applications to hemp oil, but the significant difference is that it can be derived from both hemp and marijuana plants. Sometimes it does contain an amount of THC, which will vary from product to product. For this reason, it is often touted as good for more mental conditions such as depression and anxiety and to alleviate sleep disorders. Some products also deliberately contain a little THC.
As you can tell then, the difference between hemp and CBD is a little confusing as there is a degree of overlap between the two. A little trial and error might be required at first, but you will soon figure out what works for you.