Something that can get really confusing in the world of cannabis is what all of the different oils, tinctures, extracts, and more are. You might have heard of CBD oil, and that it could have a potential myriad of health benefits for people.
You might have also heard of hemp extract, and that it could be beneficial for a variety of reasons too.
However, for people who are new to the world of cannabis, hemp extract and CBD oil might seem the same. Rest assured, however, hemp extract and CBD oil are two very different things.
Although they might both come from the same plant, they're extracted from different parts of the plant and they have different properties, different benefits, and more. So, let's get to it and figure out what exactly the difference between hemp extract and CBD oil is.
Key Takeaways
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CBD oil vs hemp extract, what’s the difference? – They come from different parts of the plant, are extracted in different ways, and have different potential benefits.
One of these contains cannabinoids whereas the other does not. Keep reading to find out which one it is!
Understanding the Cannabis Plants
When it comes to hemp extract oil vs CBD oil, you first need to know exactly where they come from. There are two main types of cannabis plants, and these are known as cannabis and hemp plants. The primary difference here is that cannabis plants generally contain elevated levels of THC, which is what you need if you are looking for a psychoactive high.
Cannabis plants may also contain CBD, although it is generally hemp plants that contain more of it. Cannabis plants contain more THC, whereas hemp plants contain more CBD.
For this reason, cannabis is often considered to be psychoactive and intoxicating, whereas hemp is not. THC may also have a variety of potential health benefits, but it's mostly sought-after due to its intoxicating properties.
CBD on the other hand is generally sought-after due to its potential medical benefits. Interesting to note however is that both hemp extract and CBD oil generally come from the hemp plant, not the cannabis plant. If you’d like to try some super tasty CBD flower to smoke, Blueberry Kush, Godfather OG, and Strawberry Banana Kush are all great strains to try.
What Is Hemp Extract?
Hemp extract is also known as hemp oil or hemp seed oil. This is very similar to many other carrier oils, somewhat like olive oil or sunflower seed oil. This is because hemp seed oil or hemp extract is cold-pressed from the seeds.
The main takeaway here is that hemp extract is pressed out of the seeds of the hemp plant. Hemp extract is very rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. This means that it can have a variety of potential health benefits.
The combination of Omega fatty acids and antioxidants could provide your physical health with a big boost, and this is true in terms of overall organ function, immunity, energy levels, and so much more. However, hemp extract does not contain any CBD or any other cannabinoid for that matter. It is completely free of all cannabinoids.
Diving Into CBD Oil
We then have CBD oil, which as you can tell, contains CBD or cannabidiol. CBD oil has become extremely popular over the last few years due to its potential medical and health benefits.
CBD oil is taken from the buds of the hemp plant, as opposed to hemp extract, which is taken from the seeds. Products of this nature always need to indicate that they contain hemp-derived CBD, and must also list the amount they contain.
CBD oil can be extracted from the buds in a number of ways, which can include solvent extraction, CO2 extraction, steam distillation, and carrier oil extraction. It is then generally diluted with a carrier oil to make it more cost-effective.
There are also different types of CBD oil. This includes full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Full spectrum CBD contains CBD as well as other minor cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, which may include very low levels of THC. Broad spectrum CBD oil may contain other minor cannabinoids, but not THC. CBD isolate contains only CBD.
Potential Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD oil has many different potential benefits. CBD oil may be able to help lessen symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and stress. CBD oil may also be able to aid in general mental relaxation.
This type of cannabinoid extract may also be able to help improve the quality of your sleep. CBD may also be able to help reduce inflammation, while simultaneously reducing pain. CBD may even have benefits related to protecting your brain from neurological disorders.
CBD Oil vs Hemp Extract: Key Differences
There are a few big differences between CBD oil and hemp extract that you need to be aware of, so let's cover them quickly right now.
Hemp Extract vs. CBD Oil: Key Differences and Features
| Aspect | Hemp Extract | CBD Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Extracted from hemp seeds | Extracted from the buds of the hemp plant |
| Composition | Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants | Contains high levels of CBD, may include other cannabinoids |
| Extraction Process | Cold-pressed from hemp seeds | Extracted using methods like CO2 extraction, solvent extraction |
| Benefits | Potential health benefits include improving skin health, lowering blood pressure, promoting heart health, anti-inflammatory properties | Potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, inflammation, pain, and improve sleep quality |
| Uses | Used as a nutritional supplement, in salads, and other dishes | Consumed directly, mixed into drinks, tinctures, or used in cooking |
| Regulation and Labeling | Generally viewed as a food product, less regulated | Subject to more stringent labeling and third-party testing, especially regarding THC content |
| Price and Availability | Generally less expensive, available in health food stores | More expensive due to the presence of CBD, available in dispensaries and legal cannabis shops |
Source and Composition
Hemp extract is taken specifically from hemp seeds, and it does not contain any CBD or other cannabinoids, mainly just Omega fatty acids and antioxidants. CBD oil on the other hand is extracted from the flower of the hemp plant and does contain high levels of CBD, along with other substances.
Extraction Process
Hemp extract l is cold pressed from the hemp seeds, which means that the oil is more or less squeezed out of them. CBD oil on the other hand is extracted from the flower of the hemp plant using a variety of methods, such as CO2 or solvent extraction.
Benefits and Uses
Hemp seed oil is often taken as a supplement, or may even be added to salads and other dishes. Some of the potential benefits of hemp seed oil include improving your skin health, possibly lowering blood pressure and promoting overall hard health, pain relief due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the reduction of inflammation, and more.
CBD oil, on the other hand, although it is possible to make it into salads or to cook with it, is often consumed as is. It may also be mixed into drinks, tinctures, or even used as a baking ingredient. As mentioned above, CBD oil has a wide variety of potential health benefits.
CBD oil may be able to help reduce symptoms associated with depression, stress, and anxiety. It may also help reduce inflammation and pain, and may even act as an antioxidant. It may also help you get a better night's sleep. Here’s a great CBD lip balm you can make at home!
Regulation and Labeling
Both of these products are legal. One of the biggest differences here is that CBD oil has to be labeled in terms of its THC contents, and it must be third-party tested to ensure that it does not contain elevated THC levels.
Hemp seed oil on the other hand, because it is generally considered to be free of all cannabinoids, is generally viewed more as a food product than anything else. Therefore, such third-party testing and stringent labeling are not required.
Price and Availability
Both hemp extract and CBD oil are readily available in many locations. Hemp extract can be found more often in health food stores than anywhere else, whereas CBD oil can be found in a number of dispensaries and legal cannabis shops.
Because CBD oil contains CBD, cannabinoid, it is generally substantially more expensive than hemp extract. Click here to try some premium Live Resin CBD Tincture!
Hemp Oil Extract vs. CBD: Which One is Right for You?
If you're just looking for some basic benefits from antioxidants and Omega fatty acids, then hemp extract is probably right for you.
However, if you're looking to read all of the potential benefits that CBD has to offer, then it is CBD oil that you want to go for. If you’d rather have something that will get you high, try this Live Resin Delta-8 THC Tincture!
Final Thoughts
Both hemp extract and CBD oil have some pretty major potential health benefits. Which one you choose depends on what you're looking for. If you'd like to try some plain CBD however, this Sugar Queen strain might be right for you.
CBD Hemp Extract vs CBD Oil: FAQs
Let's quickly answer some of your most frequently asked questions about CBD hemp extract and CBD oil.
Can I Use Hemp Extract and CBD Oil Interchangeably?
Hemp extract and CBD oil are two different things, and the terms cannot be used interchangeably.
Is One More Potent or Effective Than the Other?
CBD oil contains CBD, whereas hemp oil does not. It therefore serves to reason that CBD oil has more potential health benefits.
Are There Any Legal Differences Between the Two?
CBD oil is more closely regulated in terms of labeling, third-party testing, and cannabinoid contents.
How do I ensure I'm buying a quality product?
Buying a high-quality CBD or hemp product is always easy when you go to a reputable dispensary or retailer.
Can I take either product with other medications?
You should always check with the healthcare professional to see if you can mix hemp extract or CBD oil along with your other medications, as there may be potential interactions.
