Nearly all the health care products derived from the Cannabis sativa/Hemp Plant Industry encompass two primary components – Hemp Oil and CBD (Cannabidiol) Oil. Though Hemp Oil and CBD Oil are used and sold as natural health remedies, they share certain similar characteristics and have some important differences, too. Many inquire exactly how does Hemp Oil differ from CBD Oil, because both are low in THC, consumers often confuse Hemp Oil with CBD Oil. But beyond that, there is a depth of information to each oil and more that each oil offers. Today, the CBD and Hemp retail market continues to increase at a phenomenal rate. Therefore, it is imperative that consumers understand the difference between CBD Oil and Hemp Oil.

HISTORY OF CBD OIL

The first documented use of cannabis-derived medicine dates back to 2737 BC when Chinese Emperor Sheng Nung used a cannabis-infused tea to aid with a variety of ailments including memory, malaria, rheumatism, and gout. Throughout history, cannabis had served as a valuable medicinal source. Yet, during the rise of modern medicine, it was generally not acknowledged by the medical community due to the lack of scientific evidence. In 1942, American chemist, Roger Adams, made history when he successfully isolated the first cannabinoid, Cannabidiol (CBD) and discovered Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Dr. Raphael Mechoulam made the first advance towards understanding the effects of individual cannabinoids in 1963 when he successfully discovered the stereochemistry (3 dimensional structure of chemicals) of CBD. Later on, Mechoulam made another finding regarding the stereochemistry of THC, which revealed the cannabinoids direct relationship to the euphoric effects associated with marijuana use, and disassociated CBD as a mind-altering compound. As research advanced, a landmark triumph occurred, when New Mexico passed the 1978 Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act, a bill which legally recognized the medicinal value of cannabis.

CBD OIL

CBD Oil (Cannabidiol) is a derivative from the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is one of 120 known chemical compounds found in marijuana plants. It differs from hemp in that it contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the key psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and medical marijuana. THC levels fluctuate from plant to plant and CBD is largely considered by scientists not to be psychoactive on its own. Health-care providers want the oil with CBD, the main component in the increasing number of CBD-based alternative health care products in the industry. CBD Oil is extracted from the industrial cannabis plant and combined with other herbs and oils. Industrial cannabis plants are specifically developed to be very low in THC so as to never qualify as medical marijuana. While it is possible to isolate CBD oil from marijuana plants, in order to be legally sold as CBD oil, it must meet the federal mandate of containing less than 0.3% THC regardless of the source of the hemp.

WHAT IS CBD OIL GOOD FOR?

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report saying that CBD is safe and non-habit forming, or non-addictive. The Critical Review Report concluded that there were no safety concerns. Because of the lack of addictive potential, they recommended delisting it in terms of being a controlled substance. According to this report, they also stated that CBD is well tolerated and has a very good safety profile and there is no evidence of any public health or safety issues related to CBD use. After reviewing toxicology studies, they cited no significant issues in the oral administration of CBD. As with starting any new dietary supplement, there is possibility of unexpected side effects. Consult with your physician before use if you are pregnant or nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.

WHO also listed that CBD can treat epilepsy or seizures. Epidiolex is the first drug that obtained FDA approval for the treatment of seizures in people two years of age and older.

BENEFITS OF CBD OIL

People taking CBD have reported the below health benefits:

Provide a sense of calm and focus

Relief from stress and frustration

Promote restful sleep during occasional periods of sleeplessness

Reduce inflammation associated with intense exercise

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CBD OIL AND HEMP OIL

First off, one of the biggest misconceptions regarding Hemp Oil and CBD Oil (Cannabidiol) is that Hemp Oil nor CBD oil can get you high. When it comes to Hemp Seed Oil there is no way that hemp seed oil could ever make you high because hemp seeds do not contain any cannabinoids, let alone enough THC to have an impact. Hemp Oil products are made from industrial hemp which is so low in THC that an individual could not consume enough hemp to make them high, and as mentioned above they must meet the federally mandated limits to be sold. CBD Oil, regardless of the source of hemp also must meet that same federal limit. In others words, regardless of the type of oil – Hemp Seed Oil, Hemp Oil or CBD Oil – it must meet the federally mandated THC limits, and in reality could not make you high.

While marijuana contains about 5 to 10-percent THC, hemp only contains about .05 to 1-percent THC. THC is concentrated in the buds of the cannabis plant. Industrial hemp is grown for its stalks and is bred to grow without the THC-containing buds.

CBD Oil is one compound in about 120 chemical compounds found in the marijuana plant. Unlike THC, which is the psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, CBD is non-psychoactive. What is grown specifically for its high concentration of THC is medical marijuana, but hemp is bred and monitored to contain minimal concentrations of THC.

Oils extracted from different parts of the hemp plant may contain some amounts of THC or CBD but must be labelled as Hemp Oil since it is made from hemp plants. Regarding the difference between Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil is that even though CBD Oil may be extracted from hemp plants, it can also be extracted from other cannabis plants that contain higher levels of THC. Hemp Oil is always extracted from hemp plants but can contain no high CBD/trace THC derived from the resin glands. Cannabis sativa plants have different levels of THC and that is a major factor in defining Hemp Oil versus CBD Oil. Basically, any Cannabis sativa plant that contains more than 0.3% of THC is classified as marijuana and anything less than 0.3% THC is considered hemp.

HISTORY OF HEMP OIL

Hemp has been cultivated for over 10,000 years and has been an important source of food and fiber dating back to ancient China and Mesopotamia. Uses of hemp plants progressed from simple rope and rough woven fabric to paper and sail cloth. Hemp seed and flower tops were known for medicinal purposes for a variation of ailments during 2700 BC to Roman periods. The history of hemp in the United States dates back all the way to the 1600’s when growing hemp was encouraged for use in rope, sails, clothing, and legal tender in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland. In 1619, the Virginia Assembly passed a law requiring every farmer to grow hemp.

Later in the 1800’s, marijuana became a common ingredient in over the counter medicines. In the 1900’s, recreational marijuana use grew across the United States until 1931 where 29 states had outlawed the “Marijuana Menace”. The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 banned hemp and marijuana cultivation. This was overturned in the 1940’s, for the “Hemp for Victory” program which encouraged farmers to grow hemp to supply rope, parachutes, and other necessities for World War II.

With an issue of the seed certification, long-term prohibition made it difficult to find viable seeds having less than 0.3% THC as the seeds were not permitted to cross state lines because they were considered a controlled substance. With hemp being decriminalized and legally defined as a narcotic, growers were put at risk. Therefore, growers had to register with the DEA and some states provided an affirmative defense for registered growers.

The 2018 Farm Bill allowed for broad cultivation of hemp with numerous restrictions and removes hemp-derived products from Schedule I status under the Controlled Substances Act. It allowed there to be licenses for growing hemp and for commercial use of hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill also authorized hemp to be utilized for research by universities and state agencies, recognizing the importance, diversity, and opportunity of the plant and the products which can be derived from it.

HEMP OIL

Hemp Seed Oil is often referred to as “Hemp Oil,” which is derived by cold-pressing hemp seeds like how olive and coconut oil is attained or producing it from the full-spectrum oil of the Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp Oil is often an unrefined clear green oil and can have a nutty flavor that contains healthy natural nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Hemp oil is derived from the hemp plant which is a form of Cannabis sativa that is typically grown for industrial purposes. These plants contain low levels of cannabinoids including the two most generally known: THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol).

Hemp Seed Oil is usually manufactured from hemp seeds and generally contains low concentrations of cannabinoids to none. The extraction process is cold-pressed and mechanically separated. Therefore, Hemp Seed Oil is created from only the hemp seeds. It is used for a variety of things such as: beauty products, carrier oils, paints, and as a food.

Hemp Oil is an extraction from the agricultural hemp aerial plant parts. Hemp Oil is derived from the whole cannabis plant (flowers, stalks, leaves, and seeds). The production process is also completely different. Unlike Hemp Seed Oil, which usually is cold-pressed, Hemp Oil is typically either produce by a complicated CO 2 extraction method or with an ethanol extraction. Both have benefits and so the manufacturer chooses which is best for their particular niche in the market. CO2 extraction is considered “greener” by some and typically leads to a purer CBD fraction of the oil. However, ethanol process preserves the entirety of the plant and thus a more complete range of all the plant materials (fatty acids, proteins, cannabinoids, terpenes and so on). It also is easier to scale up to produce larger batches of materials. Regardless of the process, this oil contains higher concentrations phytocannabinoids such as CBD than those made from marijuana plants as the entire process is designed to enhance CBD production.

WHAT IS HEMP OIL GOOD FOR?

Hemp Seed Oil’s purpose is typically nutritional. It contains a variety of beneficial nutrients, including omega fatty acids, fiber, minerals, protein and vitamin E. Since Hemp Seed Oil is used for dietary purposes, it is generally mixed into different foods and condiments such as cooking oil, sauces, salad dressing, or additives for various healthy shakes. Hemp seed oil is recognized as a legal, safe food additive by the FDA and is on the Generally Recognized as Safe List (GRAS list).

Hemp seeds have a nutty flavor and are very nutritious. They contain over 30% fat and are exceptionally rich in two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (Omega-6), Gamma-Linolenic Acid, and Alpha-Linolenic Acid (omega-3). Known for a good protein source like chia seeds and flaxseed, 25% of their total calories are from high quality protein. For at least 3,000 years, Hemp Seed Oil has been utilized as food and medicine in China.

BENEFITS OF HEMP OIL

Fatty acids present in Hemp Oil have antioxidant properties that are thought to help with skin care and anti-aging. Many skin conditions are worsened by inflammation so having a product to help fight this is important for maintaining healthy skin.

Many also claim that Hemp Oil is an emollient, forming a protective layer to help the skin retain moisture and prevent water loss. This is one of the reasons why many put Hemp Oil into skincare products.

Some evidence suggests that the fatty acids present in Hemp Oil are useful for brain development and function, as well as being important for immune system functioning. These fatty acids are needed for the neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that help send signals from the brain, to function.

SIMILAR USES OF CBD OIL and HEMP OIL

CBD Oil and Hemp Oil share similar chemical attributes and are advertised as health-care solutions to various ailments and cures. CBD Oil and Hemp Oil are often used often as a natural supplement to improve human health in the following areas:

Skin Care: CBD Oil and Hemp Oil are also known to improve a variety of skin issues. Both possess fatty acids, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and antioxidants that are absorbed from food because the body does not produce them to curb aging skin. Nutritional benefits of CBD Oil and Hemp are also accompanied by topical benefits when it is used to cleanse and moisturize the skin. It also adds a protective layer to the skin, helps prevent rashes and provides relief for acne.

Vitamin Supplement: Hemp Oil contains high doses of important vitamins, like Vitamins E, B, B1 and B2. Hemp Oil is also an invaluable source of protein and antioxidants and contains high levels of helpful body supplements like potassium, magnesium and fatty acids. Full spectrum CBD Oil also contains several other vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.

HOW TO USE CBD OIL AND HEMP OIL

Delivery mechanisms for the safest and most productive methods regarding the use of CBD Oil and Hemp Oil can vary with each individual and their condition. CBD Oil and Hemp Oil consumers can ingest the oils orally, usually by edibles such as candy, chocolate, or gummies. Many of the CBD Oils are available in a tincture form.

CBD Oil infused beverages are another way to intake the oils, but just know that anything that passes through the body’s digestive system reduces the bioavailability impact of these oils. The food industry is now becoming innovative with infusing CBD Oil in various food items, baked goods, and condiments. Hemp Oil has also been included with various food type items as well.

Whatever course you take, keep your health-care practitioner in the know and make sure to thoroughly research any CBD Oil or Hemp Oil products. CBD Oils and Hemp Oils vary in the quality of the product.

Unfortunately, there is a wide range of quality of products on the market. A study from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that there are inconsistencies in the labeling of CBD extracts, with products having both less than and more than what was stated on their label.

That is why it is imperative that an individual do their research about a company before purchasing any of their products. Make sure they list third party testing results available on their website for all of their products. Determine if their websites are legitimate and safe to use if you are ordering online. Customer reviews are also another resource to see if there are any negative comments regarding their products. Also, if you buy your CBD Oil or Hemp Oil from pharmacies or local shops, talk with the pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, or shop employees to learn what people are saying about those products.



It is always best practice to talk with a healthcare professional before starting any new drug or supplement, including CBD Oil or Hemp Oil products. They will assist you to make sure it is safe for you to administer with any other medications you might be taking. Of note, the health benefits statements about CBD Oil and Hemp Oil products have not been evaluated by the FDA. Therefore, CBD Oil and Hemp Oil should not be intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. The reason for this is that there is a lack of clinical evidence to help support these claims and the majority of claims result from small studies.

You should always talk with your healthcare professionals to use FDA approved prescription medications to treat you first and then use CBD Oil and Hemp Oil to help augment these treatments if needed to avoid any health interactions or risks.

Although evidence is still in the early stages, the promising data behind CBD Oil and Hemp Oil is exciting not only for the health-care field, but also for the industrial hemp market. It seems that we have only tapped into the beginning of the potential for CBD Oil and Hemp Oil.

As consumers are becoming more educated about their products, do their research, and work with their health-care professionals to make sure they are safe while taking it, CBD Oil and Hemp Oil can be a great addition to one’s health-care routine.