Hemp Oil vs. CBD – Differences and Benefits
Hemp and cannabis – often called weed or marijuana, are two different varieties of the plant Cannabis sativa.
Hemp oil is obtained by cold pressing mature seeds of industrial hemp plants. These plants contain almost no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound associated with weed. Along with essential fatty acids, hemp oil contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It can be taken orally or applied to the skin.
According to a publication in Harvard Health Publishing, CBD is cannabidiol. This is the second most predominant active ingredient of cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is a major component of medical marijuana, it is extracted directly from the hemp plant which is a cousin of marijuana. Although CBD is a component of marijuana (one of hundreds), it does not by itself cause a "high". According to a report by the World Health Organization, "In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse potential or dependence… To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD."
According to WebMD.com, cannabidiol or CBD is a chemical in the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as marijuana or hemp. Over 80 chemical substances, known as cannabinoids, have been identified in the Cannabis sativa plant. While delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main active ingredient in marijuana, cannabidiol is also derived from hemp, which contains only very small amounts of THC.
Benefits of CBD oil
The strongest scientific evidence for the major benefits of CBD oil is its effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which typically do not respond to anti-seizure medications. In 2018, the FDA approved the first-ever cannabis-derived drug for these conditions, Epidiolex, which contains CBD.
Watch the National Geographic documentary "Cannabis for Kids: The Children Behind the Debate," which reveals more and more parents turning to cannabidiol (CBD) oil — a cannabis extract with little to no psychoactive THC compound — to treat their children with cancer and epilepsy.
CBD is commonly used in fighting anxiety and for patients suffering from insomnia; studies show that CBD can help both with falling asleep and longer-lasting sleep. CBD can offer a treatment option for various types of chronic pain.
The benefits of CBD on the skin, or what we know today, are that it has been proven to be a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, full of antioxidants, similar to its cousin - hemp oil. It is known to help in the fight against:
- acne
- sensitive skin
- rashes
- eczema
- psoriasis
Benefits of hemp oil
Hemp oil, or hemp seed oil, is a well-known remedy. Its properties range from being highly antibacterial, to reducing inflammation and skin irritations, to improving acne stage and reducing PMS and menopausal symptoms.
The reason why hemp oil is beneficial in cases such as inflammation and other skin conditions is primarily due to its essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including omega-3 and omega-6. Fatty acids we get from food are vital for the normal functioning of all body systems. Hemp oil is more than 75% omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a 3:1 ratio, which is considered the optimal nutritional ratio.
Hemp oil is also a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid.
Our organic hemp oil, like all other edible organic hemp seed oils, is very dry and rough to the touch on the skin, which also absorbs easily and is ideal for use on problematic skin. It can reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, and is also delicious with salads, vegetables, and rice.