No doubt you’ve heard all about it, and maybe you’ve done your own research, and have family and friends using it. CBD and Hemp oil are becoming increasingly popular, but if you’re confused on the difference between the two, you’re definitely not alone.
The two products are commonly either confused or the names used interchangeably, which can lead consumers down a rabbit hole as they try and work out the differences.
Despite both CBD and Hemp oils being made from the hemp plant, they each have very different chemical compositions, and it’s this that distinguishes them from each other.
Unfortunately, despite it being 2020, some shady advertisers, who are more interested in making money than helping people, often try to use this confusion to their advantage, leading to the selling of overpriced, ineffective, or misrepresented products to customers.
However, the most common, and important, questions asked around these products are – “Can you use CBD oil for pain? Can you use Hemp oil for pain?” To answer this, we need to take a deep dive, and look into the manufacturing, labeling, and marketing of CBD and Hemp oil.
Usually when consumers talk of using a hemp product for pain relief, they mean CBD oil, even if they’re calling it “Hemp oil” and from a legal standpoint , the matter can get only more confusing.
For example, in the United States, CBD oil is not an approved pain reliever; meaning businesses cannot legally claim CBD works to stop pain. However , there are products on the market made with CBD that also contain approved pain relievers.
One of the first differences between the two products is how they’re made, and the plants that are harvested.
CBD oils are derived from the stalks, flowers, and leaves of mature hemp plants grown for high CBD yields, while Hemp oil (AKA Hemp Seed or Hemp Seed oil) is extracted from seeds through cold press techniques.
Of course, there are a few legalities, and importantly, hemp plants must contain 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or less, otherwise it’s considered illegal marijuana.
When making CBD oil, an extraction process takes place after harvesting and the resulting mixture is then pressed, and results in crude being produced.
The crude is thick, and contains a wide range of compounds, including CBD, and small amounts of THC, along with various other cannabinoids, essential oils, plant terpenes, and amino acids.
The final step in the process sees the refining of the crude into a full or broad spectrum CBD oil that can be used in a variety of consumer products. The oil can also be further refined to make a pure CBD isolate, which is a white powdery substance.
There’s no shortage of products that full spectrum CBD oil, broad spectrum CBD oil, and CBD isolates can be used for or made into, with the most common formulas including capsules, gummies, and tinctures. There’s even CBD bubble baths and bath bombs,, skincare products, and specialized topical pain relievers on the market that contain CBD.
These oils aren’t just for human consumption either, with our furry friends looked after too. Many companies now also produce CBD products for dogs, cats, and other pets.
Hemp oil, meanwhile, contains a number of vitamins and beneficial fatty acids, which make it a nutritious food and skincare ingredient. But most importantly, Hemp oil is not a useful source of CBD or any other cannabinoid.
Cannabinoids are substances that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Scientists believe these specialized cell receptors and chemical transmitters help to regulate homeostasis.
Hemp oil can commonly be used in cooking and salad recipes, much like you’d use canola or olive oil, although it’s less ideal for frying due to its lower smoke point. Hemp oil doesn’t clog pores either, meaning you can apply it directly onto the skin, or use a skincare product that contains the oil.
Another crucial difference is the fact that CBD oil is extracted from mature plants, where the plant’s lifespan sees it produce flowers, pollen, and seeds for reproduction. The extracts are chemically complex and contain a staggering amount of compounds, including CBD and over 100 other cannabinoids. Meanwhile, Hemp seeds aren’t as complicated, and therefore hemp oil does not contain substantial cannabinoid content.
The subject of pain relief and CBD oil can be a little trickier to gain an understanding of, particularly as researchers continue to look into the subject. Although it looks promising, more clinical trials are needed to conclusively say CBD oil is a proven pain fighter.
In terms of Hemp oil as a pain reliever, there isn’t yet significant research to suggest it can be used, as it does not contain more than trace cannabinoid levels.
When looking for CBD oil, there are a few key aspects you should tick off, so you know you’re getting the best, and correct, product.
No matter where you opt to purchase from, all CBD oil products should clearly list all ingredients on labels. Inner West Hemp labels always show the exact amount of CBD in the products on the front and display specifics about CBD per serving and other ingredients elsewhere on the label.
Shady oil makers will sometimes label products with the phasing “hemp extract” and showing several milligrams (mg), but they never specifically mention CBD. These products usually do not contain any CBD despite the implication on the label.
Reputable producers and retailers will also always provide the results of tests performed by independent laboratories to consumers. The exact amount of CBD is provided in these documents, along with any further information on whether the product passed testing for contaminants.
Sometimes called certificates of analysis (COA), these documents are easily accessible through their website or a QR code on the product label, and allow consumers to compare lab results to what’s listed.
Another key to ensure you’re buying the right CBD product is to look at how the company markets the oil. It is illegal under US Federal laws to say CBD can prevent or cure medical conditions, and makers cannot claim CBD oil relieves symptoms, or call it a pain reliever. If you see this on any labels, it’s worth doing further research into the company.
Finally, there are indeed specialised formulas for pain, which contain approved pain relievers, alongside CBD. Adults are able to use CBD oil however they see fit, but as always, it’s important to consult a doctor before you start using new supplements. Advice from qualified physicians is especially important regarding any health concerns or if taking prescription medication.