We’ve become accustomed to the idea of a new wellness category emerging every few years, with how new researches are conducted almost everyday on the medicinal and nutritional value of different plants and food. Today, it is the infamous CBD oil; tomorrow, it can be CBD coffee or CBD chocolate, which most likely will be a part of the CBD or cannabinoid edibles. If you’ve been keeping up with the latest trends in health and wellness, you might think you know what these products are all about. But there’s one thing that confuses people more than anything else: What is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?
At first glance, they sound and even look like very similar products. Both are derived from cannabis plants, both have a long list of potential uses and medicinal benefits, and both contain cannabidiol (CBD). So why do we need two separate categories for this plant-based compound?
The short answer is that while CBD has had many positive effects on human health, it can also act as an intoxicant when taken in quite high or frequent dosage. As such, it’s illegal under U.S. federal law to sell any product labeled as “hemp” containing CBD without the proper regulatory approval.
Hemp seed oil may still be sold legally in some states, but this will vary depending on your state’s regulations. In fact, hemp oil is legal in all 50 U.S. states to some degree or another.
So why would a company want to produce a hemp oil product? Well, there are several reasons beyond CBD and its usual medicinal benefits. For example, hemp seeds are rich in protein, omega fatty acids, and vitamins B1, B2, D, and E. They’re also packed with antioxidants, making them ideal for use as a dietary supplement.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your overall health, then hemp oil could help. It contains compounds called phytocannabinoids which interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system. This is responsible for regulating a number of physiological processes, including inflammation, stress response, mood, appetite, and immunity.
In other words, it’s great if you have a specific ailment that CBD can treat, but it’s even better if you don’t. Because the benefits of hemp oil go far beyond its ability to treat illness.
As well as being a powerful antioxidant, hemp oil helps regulate blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. It helps reduce anxiety and depression, and it may even protect against cancer.
It’s no wonder that so many companies are jumping on the hemp bandwagon! Here are five common misconceptions about hemp oil, and how they’re not quite true.
1) Hemp Is Psychoactive
This myth was born out of the same paranoia that led lawmakers to ban marijuana decades ago. Hemp isn’t psychoactive because it doesn’t contain enough THC to get you high.
Even if the hemp in question is grown under a special permit by a licensed grower, it will never reach anywhere near the concentration of THC required to get someone stoned.
However, it does contain trace amounts of another cannabinoid called cannabinol (CBN), which is known to cause mild feelings of intoxication. CBN is also present in small quantities in hops and barley, so it’s important to note that hemp oil won’t make you drunk if you drink it straight.
2) You Have To Smoke It To Get High
The only way to get a buzz from hemp oil is through smoking or vaporizing it. When you inhale through a vaporizer, the active ingredient enters your lungs and bloodstream directly, bypassing your mouth and digestive tract.
3) You Can Only Use It With a Vape Pen
While vaping is certainly convenient, it’s not necessary. You can easily consume hemp oil in food form as a salad dressing, smoothie, or hot sauce. It’s also possible to add it to beverages such as tea or beer.
4) It Contains Lots Of Toxins
Hemp contains less protein than soybean oil, meaning it can actually be consumed in higher doses without causing digestion problems. While it does have some minor amounts of pesticides, this is nothing compared to the amount found in conventional crops.
5) It’s Illegal
While hemp is illegal at the federal level, it’s perfectly legal in most states across the country. Some states require that the oil must contain less than 0.3 percent THC, while others allow oils that contain up to 3 percent.
States with strong restrictions on cannabis tend to require more testing before selling hemp oil. However, this won’t stop you from buying hemp oil in places where it’s legal, or finding a reputable dealer to pick up your order for you.
There’s no doubt that CBD oil is here to stay, but it’s important to understand the differences between hemp oil and CBD oil. These days, many consumers are confused when they see the terms used interchangeably.
You should always buy hemp oil products from reputable retailers who sell their own brands. Don’t fall into the trap of buying cheap products online, or buying them from a shop that sells thousands of different CBD products.
