For consumers looking to experience the benefits of CBD, navigating the market can be a bit of a challenge. There are so many different types of products – CBD-rich flowers, edibles, topicals, tinctures, and oils. CBD oils come in small glass bottles that can feature different names, such as full-spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolate. What makes things more confusing is that there are hemp-derived CBD oils, which you can find on shelves at pretty much any store. Then there’s “hemp oil.” Confused? We don’t blame you. We’re going to help you navigate hemp oil vs. CBD oil so you can get a better understanding of the cannabis products on the market.
Is Hemp Oil and CBD Oil the Same Thing?
The term “hemp oil” often refers to hemp-derived CBD oil, but, in reality, hemp oil and CBD oil are two very different products. The actual hemp oil is a liquid that’s cold-pressed from hemp seeds. Its main use is culinary, meaning many people use it as a cooking oil. Some people also use it as a dietary supplement. It’s rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamin D, and various antioxidants. It has no THC and little to no CBD.
CBD oil, on the other hand, is a product rich in, you guessed it, CBD. Some varieties may also contain various other cannabinoids (including THC) and terpenes. The oil is an extract that comes from cannabis (or hemp) flowers and leaves. People take CBD oil to treat a range of ailments, including inflammation, anxiety, and insomnia.
Hemp vs. Cannabis CBD Oil
Now that you know the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil, it’s time to dive into the difference between hemp-derived and cannabis-derived CBD. Hemp-derived CBD oils are the small bottles you can find pretty much anywhere. There are countless brands and types. The important thing to note here is that while hemp-derived CBD oils are legal, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, these products aren’t regulated. As such, you might not be getting the quality products that companies promise you. Additionally, no CBD oil can have more than 0.3% THC.
Cannabis-derived CBD oils aren’t federally legal, although they are legal in states that have legalized cannabis. They’re cannabis plant extracts that must undergo rigorous testing, and you can only buy them from licensed dispensaries. These products can have varying levels of THC, with some oils having as much THC as CBD. Others contain no THC at all.
Common Types of CBD Oil
When shopping for CBD oil, you’ll come across a few different types:
Isolates. These are oils that contain CBD and no other cannabinoids or terpenes.
Broad-spectrum. These are oils that contain CBD, as well as various other cannabinoids and terpenes. The noticeable absence is THC.
Full-spectrum. Many consider these the best CBD oils on the market. They contain all of the same cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds of the original plant.
Where to Find Quality Cannabis-Derived CBD Oil
If you’re looking for cannabis-derived CBD oils, you’ll have to visit your local licensed dispensary. You’ll find a vast array of high-quality products in different ratios of CBD to THC, allowing you to choose the ones that make the most sense for your needs. If you’re still not sure what to buy, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with a budtender. They’ll be more than happy to help you understand the items available and what might work best for you.