The Similarities Between CBD and Hemp
CBD oil and hemp seed oil are commonly mistaken as being the same thing, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Although they can come from the same Cannabis plant they are two completely different products. So let’s dive in together and look at some of the similarities and differences between CBD oil and hemp seed oil.
1. They are family
One of the key similarities that link these two oils together is that they are both produced from cannabis. This is normally where the confusion lays, but how can two products that are made for the same plant differ so much?!? Well, you better keep reading!
2. Same plant, different ingredients
Yes, they come from the same cannabis family but each oil is made from different parts of the plant to achieve its desired result.
Hemp seed oil, as the name suggests, is made from cold pressing the seeds of the hemp plant, a low THC variety of cannabis. CBD oil, on the other hand, is made from the flower, leaves, and stalk of the cannabis plant.
3. One contains Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol is also known as CBD, this refers to the active compound found in the plant that has therapeutic effects on the body. Unlike the compound THC found in marijuana, CBD does not produce a psychoactive response or ‘high’. CBD is only produced in the flower, leaves, and stalk of the plant, not the seeds. Therefore, hemp seed oil contains no CBD, whereas CBD oil is a cannabinoid extraction and largely or exclusively contains the active compound CBD.
4. Skincare benefits
CBD oil and hemp seed oil are commonly used ingredients in today's topical skincare products around the world. Although the biggest differing factor amongst the two is the price, CBD oil is far more expensive than hemp seed oil. But surprisingly when it comes to skincare there might be more similarities than differences between the two.
According to Healthline, there isn’t enough evidence to suggest that one is better than the other as they both provide similar skincare benefits. Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are known to not clog pores, provide anti-inflammatory properties, and offer deep moisturizing. They also may assist in healing;
- acne,
- sensitive skin,
- psoriasis,
- eczema and rashes
When it comes down to health benefits these two products work completely differently. Both contain incredibly anti-inflammatory benefits, hemp seed oil from the essential fatty acid content, and CBD oil from the cannabidiol content.
Although, CBD oil is considered a more concentrated and powerful source of anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat arthritis, joint pain, neuropathic conditions, and headaches. Whereas hemp seed oil contains a range of nourishing nutrients that assist in reducing inflammation amongst other things.
6. Differing uses
Hemp seed oil is a health food product that is considered a key dietary source of essential fatty acids. CBD oil, on the other hand, is used as a medicine to treat specific conditions.
7. Laws and availability
Hemp food products were legalized in Australia in 2017 and are available in any supermarket or health food store. CBD oil is much harder to get your hands on in Australia as it is still a Schedule 4 drug preventing most people from being able to purchase or consume these products, for more information we recommend consulting your GP.