The terminology relating to CBD is vast. Cannabis, CBD, THC, hemp, and cannabinoids are just some of the phrases you need to understand in order to know what you are talking about with CBD and to know what you are purchasing or using.
This article will clear up all this terminology while explaining the difference between the various oils available on the market.
Is CBD Oil the same as Cannabis Oil and Hemp Oil? No, they are not the same. CBD oil, cannabis oil, and hemp oil are three different products with different uses and they also have different legal rules to be aware of too.
In summary, cannabis oil is illegal and used only recreationally to get high.
CBD oil is legal and can be used as a nutritional supplement and to help certain conditions like anxiety or depression.
Hemp oil contains no THC or CBD and is labeled as a superfood because along with high Omega content it also contains Vitamins A, C, and E along with B complex vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin. Not just these but also it contains minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron and phosphorous.
Many variables have to be considered with CBD because it depends on the product, the quality of it and how some people metabolize CBD differently, just as with any biohacking supplement.
Table of Contents
CBD Oil
CBD (cannabidiol) oil is extracted from the leaves, stalks, and flowers of industrial hemp plants which are rich in the substance.
CBD is one of many non-psychoactive cannabinoids, which are compounds found in the cannabis plant species.
As it is non-psychoactive it does not produce a ‘high’, rather, it has been proven to help with many different ailments including anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
As CBD comes from industrial hemp plants, it contains less than 0.2 – 0.3% THC content, so long as the product abides by this content level, it is legal in the US, UK, and Canada. THC is the main psychoactive compound (cannabinoid) found in the cannabis plant species, it is responsible for the ‘high’ that cannabis can give you. Legal levels of 0.2 – 0.3% found in CBD oil cannot provide any ‘high’.
But be careful as some brands of CBD have been shown to contain too much THC.
There are three different types of CBD:
- Full-spectrum
- Broad-spectrum
- CBD isolate
Full-spectrum
Full-spectrum has a good amount of the compounds that are found in the hemp plant, these include CBD as well as THC, flavonoids, and terpenes. It is the most commonly found and sold type of CBD.
Broad-spectrum
Broad-spectrum contains the same compounds as a full spectrum – without the THC. This is seen as a positive as there have been cases where people have failed drug tests from taking CBD due to the minuscule amount of THC.
However, research has shown that THC helps CBD to work better in what is called ‘the entourage effect’, meaning that this type of CBD may be less effective in treatment.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is just that, it is pure CBD. It does not contain any additional compounds like flavonoids or THC. Less commonly found, it can be bought as a block that can be broken up and eaten. The lack of potential ‘entourage effect’ can again be brought up, therefore this type may not be as useful in treating ailments.
How does CBD work?
All mammals have an endocannabinoid system, meaning that they produce their own and have receptors for cannabinoids.
There are two receptors for cannabinoids: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors relate to body functions such as coordination, movement, emotions, mood, appetite, memories and pain. CB2 receptors relate to and affect pain and inflammation.
CBD helps the body to use more of its own cannabinoids. Cannabinoids have an anti-inflammatory effect, they can block pain signals from getting to the brain. Which explains some of the supposed ailments that CBD is linked to (anxiety, depression and chronic pain for example).
Cannabis Oil
Cannabis oil is an illegal product in the UK, in many states in the US (other than those that have legalized cannabis usage recreationally), but legal in Canada just as cannabis is. It does not come from legal plants as the THC content is so high.
It can be used in vapes or eaten to get high. Some products can contain over 90% THC content, compare this to the legal limits of 0.2 – 0.3% and you see why the product is illegal. It is not classed as a medicinal product and is widely illegal to possess and use.
It’s main usage is recreationally to get high. Unlike both CBD and hemp oil it cannot be purchased from drug stores or on the high street.
Hemp Oils
There are two different types of hemp extract products these are:
- Full-spectrum Hemp extract
- Hemp seed oil
Hemp is often referred to as a ‘superfood’ because of its high Omega, Vitamins A, C and E along with B complex vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamine and niacin content.
On top of these, full-spectrum hemp extract contains minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron and phosphorous.
Hemp products can range from water, oils, topicals to protein shakes. Its benefits are mainly nutritional and not medical like CBD oil is touted as being.
Hemp (Seed) Oil
Commonly, Hemp seed oil is what most people confuse with CBD oil. The production of Cannabidiol (CBD) oil utilizes the stalks, flowers, and leaves of the Hemp plant, which contain the CBD.
However, Hemp seed oil is extracted by cold pressing the seeds of the Hemp plant and not the parts where CBD extract is produced.
Because of this, Hemp seed oil contains very little if any CBD or other cannabinoids. It does, however, contain most of the other nutrients that Full Spectrum Hemp Extract does.
Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract
Full Spectrum Hemp Extract has, not just the benefits and nutrients of the hemp plant, but also contains cannabinoids like CBD and terpenes.
Because of its THC content, it is legally required to contain less than 0.2 – 0.3%. No ‘high’ will come from consumption, but as real-life cases have shown, it could lead to a failed drug test.
Unlike CBD oil, Full-spectrum Hemp extract contains many naturally occurring vitamins and minerals along with CBD.
As listed above, Vitamins A, C, and E along with B complex vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin, as well as minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron and phosphorous.
Because these vitamins and minerals are not all often found in abundance in people’s diets, Full Spectrum Hemp Extract is a great health supplement to take.
These vitamins and minerals are important for many bodily functions as well as building strong bones, and improving the health of blood, skin, and hair.
Hemp oil is also a healthy source of protein. Hemp oil is a healthier alternative to red meats which contain lots of saturated fats.
It contains all 20 amino acids, including the nine essential amino acids that must be provided through the diet. Essential fatty acids, Omega 3 and Omega 6 are offered at the supposed optimal 3:1 ratio.
Conclusion
CBD oil, cannabis oil, and hemp oils are all different products containing different compounds and sometimes different amounts of the same compounds. CBD and hemp oils are legal whereas cannabis oil is not. CBD is often used medicinally even if it is labeled as a nutritional supplement.
More accurately described as a nutritional supplement are hemp oils because of the mass of good nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they contain.
Questions may arise as to whether Full Spectrum Hemp Extract is better than CBD oil because of the vast array of other things it offers alongside CBD.
Choosing the right product for you depends mainly on price, as would be expected with how good Full Spectrum Hemp Extract supposedly is for you, the price is high because of this.