In 2018, per The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, more commonly known as the Farm Bill Act of 2018, the United States Federal government legalized CBD oil, a product derived from hemp so long as the CBD oil does not contain more than 0.3% THC. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the psychoactive ingredient commonly present in marijuana in high levels. THC is also the ingredient that is known to create the psychoactive effects many know as a “high” or “stoned.”
But what does this all mean? What is CBD oil anyway? Isn’t it marijuana, and how is that legal nationwide?
Plus, now that CBD is legal, we see it everywhere from grocery stores to gas stations. You even are finding CBD face masks. Right next to it we see Hemp Seed Oil.
So what exactly is the difference? And what’s the best product in the CBD oil vs hemp seed oil discussion?
How CBD Oil Differs From Hemp Seed Oil
Even though people lump CBD oil and hemp seed oil into one big family, they have very distinct differences.
What Part of the Cannabis Plant Do They Come From??
CBD oil and hemp seed oil both come from the Hemp Plant, a species of the Cannabis Sativa Plant. The Cannabis Sativa plant has two species, Marijuana and Hemp. Marijuana and Hemp, although they are two different plants, they are very similar, and both have medicinal value. The main difference is the levels of THC in each plant. Marijuana has high levels of THC, however, Hemp, although it also contains THC, it is at significantly lower levels.
For this reason, CBD oil is most commonly derived from the Hemp plant. As discussed earlier, per the Farm bill Act of 2018, the THC level in CBD oil is required to be below .3% in order for it to be legal. Therefore, since Hemp has inherently lower levels of THC to begin with, it is easier to reduce the Hemp plant to .3% versus using marijuana.
Hemp seed oil on the other hand also comes from the hemp plant, however Hemp seed oil is made by simply squeezing or pressing only the seeds of the Hemp plant.
This is where the problem lies for the consumer, the seeds of the Hemp plant have little to no medicinal value. The part of the Hemp Plant that is most desirable are the flowers, leaves and stems, as this is where all the Cannabinoids, Terpenes and Flavonoids are located and those are the parts of the Hemp plant that are used to make high quality CBD oil.
Therefore, as it pertains to Hemp Seed Oil, by only pressing the Hemp Seeds, the result is a product which is much like grape seed oil or olive oil. In fact, Hemp Seed Oil has been sold in grocery stores as a cooking ingredient for decades whereas CBD oil has only been federally legal since January of 2019.
How do Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil Differ?
As discussed above, CBD oil and hemp seed oil have very different properties that make them both useful, however, in very distinct ways.
Since Hemp seed oil only comes from the seeds of the hemp plant, it does not contain any Cannabinoids, CBD, Terpenes or Flavonoids. However, Hemp seed oil is rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and it is commonly used for cooking. Additionally, some individuals use it as a skin moisturizer.
Due to its rich fatty acid content many people will use Hemp seed oil to help relieve atopic dermatitis such as eczema. Furthermore, the recently discovered high levels of omega-3 with the higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids makes hemp seed oil a sort of superfood.
You can eat hemp seeds raw, and some manufacturers will make them into a liquid and use them for baking. Some manufacturers have even begun to create hemp milk. All of these things make hemp seed oil a great product for certain things, in particular cooking.
You can also find hemp seed oil in shampoo, soap, and body lotion which may help with dry skin and any stubborn dermatitis.
However, do not be fooled, and buyer beware: Hemp seed oil does not have the same traits, or supplementary properties as CBD oil.
Why is CBD Oil Different?
First, we need to understand what Hemp derived CBD oil is.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is one of over 113 cannabinoids produced by the hemp plant. CBD interacts directly with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) already present in our bodies. CBD helps the ECS to maintain a healthy internal balance and assists with regulating a number of critical bodily functions.
In addition, CBD oil that meets the Federal Guidelines of the Farm Bill Act of 2018, (less than .3% THC CBD) has no psychoactive negative side effects commonly associated with Marijuana and the “high” users experience.
So if you’re concerned that you’ll be jonesing for potato chips at 3:00am in the morning after taking a dose of either hemp seed or CBD oil, you’re sadly mistaken.
As you probably have noticed from the local drug store, grocery store, or gas station, CBD oil comes in many forms. You can eat it, smoke it, or rub it into your skin but you need to be very careful where you purchase your CBD oil products and make certain that the retailer has performed rigorous lab testing including furnishing Certificates of Quality Assurances (COA’s) and Third Party Lab Tests. Reputable CBD oil retailers will provide all this documentation which should be readily available.
Although CBD oil has become a very popular supplement in recent months, only one FDA approved form of CBD oil medication exists. Hence it is important to purchase your CBD oil from a reputable retailer as The Food and Drug Administration has only approved one CBD drug, Epidiolex, a drug derived from CBD, for treatment of certain types of epilepsy and seizures.
In addition to ensuring proper testing has been performed on the CBD oil, it is important to check and see what type of carrier oil the retailer has blended with the CBD oil. After the CBD oil is extracted from the Hemp Plant, with all the valuable Cannabinoids, Terpenes and Flavonoids, the Manufactures need to dilute the CBD oil. Common blending oils include olive, grape, coconut and sometimes even hemp seed oil. It is also recommended that you purchase from a retailer who uses Certified Organic carrier oils.
What Are The Most Common Reasons People Take CBD Oil?
CBD may be helpful in providing a much-needed relief from any number of ailments that can keep us from looking, functioning and feeling our best, including:
- Promoting Tranquility
- Supporting a good night’s sleep
- Supporting muscle and joint function
- Promoting healthy skin
- Support internal balance
- Supporting a relaxed mood
- Supporting Focus
- Are You Being Intentionally Tricked?
Because the terms hemp seed oil and CBD oil sit side by side on the shelf, you can easily be confused by the labels. Many times, trying to fool the consumer is the intent of the seller.
Hemp seed oil is typically much cheaper than CBD oil, so do not be fooled by hemp seed oil masquerading as CBD oil at a much better “bargain price.”
Additionally, be very careful when shopping online for CBD oil. For example, Amazon does not permit the sale of CBD oil. However, many Hemp Seed Oil sellers are putting a Hemp leaf on a bottle and masquerading their product on Amazon as a “CBD Oil Alternative.” Buyer beware as Hemp seed oil and CBD oil as outlined above are very different.
As you are doing your research, be sure to look at the label’s ingredients carefully. CBD oil should have cannabidiol, Terpenes, Flavonoids, hemp extract, and preferably contain Phytocannabinoid Rich Hemp, (PCR Hemp). PCR Hemp is considered to be the finest, purest and most potent Hemp available in the marketplace.
What is the Legality of Both CBD Oil and Hemp Seed Oil?
Let’s break this answer down into two parts. As for CBD, the Answer is Yes, CBD Oil is Federally legal so long as the CBD contains less than .3% THC per the requirements of the 2018 Farm Bill Act. However, it is recommended that you check your state’s laws, as well as the states where you travel to ensure it is legal to use CBD oil.
Hemp Seed Oil on the other hand has been legal for decades as it does not contain any cannabinoids, terpenes or flavanoids.
Understand What You Are Purchasing!
If you’re suffering from any one of the maladies that CBD oil or hemp seed oil may alleviate, you may find yourself desperate for relief. Before you lay down a chunk of cash for a cure, know what you’re getting as CBD oil is likely what you are looking for so be cautious of sellers of Hemp Seed Oil impersonating CBD oil companies.
Once you can answer the CBD oil vs hemp seed oil question, you can make an educated and informed decision based on whether you’re looking for cooking oil, shampoo, relief from dry skin, or for a dietary supplement that can help promote and support your wellness goals, you can choose the right product best suited for your needs.
For more information on the best CBD oil out there, contact us.
Want to know more about Alex of Palm Organix?
Alex Herrera is a multi-faceted, seasoned financial services professional, entrepreneur, investor, and CEO/Operator with over twenty-five years of corporate leadership and startup experience.
A visionary, creative and results-driven leader, Alex has demonstrated a strong and consistent track record of managing risk while generating high-growth returns on investments under his management. His analytical, communication and interpersonal sales skills, honed over time, have resulted in a unique reputation for identifying integrated financial and business solutions to complex business problems and marketplace opportunities both quickly and effectively.
Alex is a former member of The American Stock Exchange and The New York Stock Exchange, and served as Senior Floor Official for the NYSE. As Senior Managing Director for leading Wall Street firms such as Bear Wagner and Labranche & Co., his responsibilities included leading all trading operations, setting strategic direction, ensuring compliance and enhancing overall company profitability. In his last corporate position heading Labranche, Alex was responsible for $800 million of assets under management and led a staff of 300 professionals.
Since leaving Wall Street, Alex has built a successful consulting/Third Party Marketing business that marries early stage companies seeking funding with raising capital for multiple software startup companies, private equity and hedge funds. To date, he has raised over $200 million across numerous projects in many tech product and service segments.
Most recently, in the summer of 2018, recognizing the likely passing of the Farm Bill Act of 2018, and the enormous opportunity in the CBD industry, and not being able to find an existing CBD company to invest in that met his high standards, Alex launched Palm Organix and has grown the company to become a leader in the retail, ecommerce and wholesaling of Premium ZERO THC CBD products.
A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Alex holds FINRA licenses 4, 7, 24, 55 & 63.
Visit Alex at https://www.palmorganix.com
Alex,
Thank you so much for sharing and educating us all. I don’t sell CBD Oils and know very little about them but understand they have a huge place in people’s Health and Wellness Journey.
I get this question all the time, and this definitely isn’t my wheelhouse of expertise so thank you! I hope you keep sharing and educating with all of us here at Best Holistic Life!