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differences between CBD oil and cnnabis oil

CBD Oil Vs Cannabis (Hemp) Seed Oil – Things to know before you buy

Ruby Deevoy

As part of our ‘expert voices’ segment CBD and Medical Cannabis insider, Ruby Deevoy, explains everything you need to know before choosing between a CBD Oil or Hemp Seed Oil product.

Shopping for wellness products has always been a bit of a minefield. There’s an awful lot to choose from, so if you don’t know exactly what you want and why, choosing the right supplement can be quite overwhelming. This is something which many people with an interest in CBD oil, and Cannabis (Hemp) products as a whole, have come up against..

There are now a huge number of Cannabis (Hemp) and CBD products available, but before you buy, it’s vital to know the difference between Cannabis (Hemp) seed oil and CBD oil – because, unknown to many, they are very different!

What is Cannabis (Hemp) Seed Oil?

If you see ‘Cannabis/Hemp seed oil’ listed on a label, the first thing to know is this ingredient does not contain any CBD. Or any cannabinoids for that matter. It may be used as a carrier for CBD (which might be listed as CBD, Cannabidiol, Hemp Extract, Cannabis Sativa or even Hemp Oil – without the ‘seed’ bit) but on it’s own, this isn’t something that will interact with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) or have the same affect as CBD.

Cannabis/Hemp seed oil is (perhaps unsurprisingly) extracted from the seeds of the Cannabis/Hemp plant, rather than from the cannabinoid-rich flowers. As a result, it comes with it’s own unique set of remarkable wellness benefits that CBD does not offer.

Hemp seed oil:

- Hemp seed oil can be used in cooking, massage, skin care, hair care and even to make bio-fuels! The list of applications is extensive.

- It contains all 21 amino acids and what has been dubbed a ‘perfect ratio’ of omega 3 (alpha-Linolenic) and 6 (Linoleic). This is not found anywhere else in the plant kingdom!

- Hemp seed oil is laden with vitamins and minerals, including (but not limited to!) vitamins E, B, B1, B2 potassium and magnesium.

- 1-2 tablespoons of hemp seed oil contain 39% of your magnesium RDA and is believed to be one of the most bioavailable sources of this mineral available.

- Hemp seed oil is a bit of a skincare hero! Hefty levels of vitamin E, carotene, phytosterols, phospholipids, sulfur, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc all contribute to beautiful skin.

- It’s high in antioxidants, is a natural anti-inflammatory, non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores) and suitable for all skin types and ages.

What is CBD oil?

Like Cannabis/Hemp seed oil, CBD is extracted from the Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) plant – but from the cannabinoid rich flowers, not the seeds. This part of the plant contains cannabinoids and terpenes that interact with your body in a very different way, via your Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

What is your Endocannabinoid System?

A complex network of receptors which makes up one of the most important physiological systems in the human body. If works alongside other systems, such as your immune system and nervous system, and internally produced endocannabinoids (Anandamide and 2-AG) to keep everything in balance. You’ll find it just about everywhere in the human body – from the surface layers of your skin right down into your muscles, bones and even cell walls!

CBD oil:

- CBD oil is available in the form of sub-lingual oil drops, vapes, capsules, chocolate, drinks, bath bombs, moisturiser, balm, transdermal patches and more!

- CBD oil can contain a wide range of cannabinoids, depending on the spectrum you buy. ‘Full spectrum’ contains a variety (sometimes all) cannabinoids found in the cannabis flowers, including THC. ‘Broad spectrum’ is the same but without THC. ‘Isolate’ is the CBD molecule on its own.

- The cannabinoids in CBD oil interact with the receptors that make up your ECS: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are largely found in the brain, whereas CB2 receptors are most densely concentrated in the immune system.

- Legal limits of psychoactive THC in the UK means that the inclusion of this molecule does not cause a ‘stoned’ effect. In other parts of the world, where marijuana is legal, the THC levels can be higher.

- CBD oil is taken by millions of people all over the world to help maintain balance in the mind and body.

- CBD oil has been declared safe and non-toxic by WHO, even in very high doses of up to 1500mg.

Although very different, Cannabis/Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are both extracted from the same plant and as such, there are some of the key points to look out for when buying a product to ensure quality are the same.

Expert tips for buying hemp seed oil and CBD oil

Always buy organic
The Cannabis/Hemp plant has an incredible capability for sucking up everything in the soil it grows in. So much so, that Cannabis/Hemp crops are often planted in areas where there has been a toxic spill as a natural ‘clean up’ solution. Cheap, non-organic CBD and Cannabis/Hemp seed oil can be made from these plants and as you might imagine, this is not something you want to put into your body.

When you buy any Cannabis/Hemp product, it is vital for your wellbeing that you take this into account. Ensure organic growing methods have been used before you make a purchase.

Look for 3rd party testing
Third party testing reports and lab results allows you to see that your product is free from any harmful pollutants. And, when it comes to CBD oil, these also give you the chance to check which cannabinoids are present in the oil (and at what level). For new users, this is mostly to check the CBD and THC content, but as you learn more about CBD oil and what the other 100+ cannabinoids in the plant have to offer, you may start to enjoy looking out for the lesser-known molecules.

These tests are more commonly offered by CBD brands, but thankfully some Cannabis/Hemp seed oil brands, like Dermactiva, have started to provide the same information for a safe and transparent consumer experience.