Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: Which is a Better?

With the legalization of hemp in the United States, hemp oil and CBD (cannabidiol) are hot topics.  The stigma surrounding the legalization of hemp in the United States is beginning to change. Keep in mind that hemp is legal on the federal level, but individual state laws vary. However, if you’re ordering hemp or CBD products, you’re not going to have any problems, as those products are legal. If you want to grow hemp in your garden, check your local laws.

The Difference Between Hemp and CBD

If you’re wondering about the differences between hemp and marijuana, they’re two different varieties of the same plant, cannabis sativa. CBD oil comes from the entire plant and hemp seed oil comes from the seeds.  Both oils offer many health benefits. Historically,  hemp was cultivated for it’s strong fibers and was often used to create ropes and make paper products. It’s oil was used in cooking, the same way that we use corn or peanut oil today. It’s seeds were also eaten raw, ground into a flour, sprouted and even into a milk-like substance. CBD oil is used in the alternative/holistic medicine arena.

The Benefits

CBD oil can provide powerful benefits:

1. Anti-inflammatory benefits. CBD oil reduces inflammation throughout the body. Many scientists believe that inflammation is the cause of all diseases.  The anti-inflammatory action of CBD oil is being studied in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s.
2. Reduce pain. No one is certain why CBD oil reduces pain, but it is speculated that it may be due to the anti-inflammatory benefits.
3. Help to reduce anxiety. Researchers have found that CBD oil is helpful in treating anxiety. Although research is ongoing, it seems that CBD oil affects the sensitivity of serotonin receptors in the brain.
4. Effective in treating acne. Ingesting CBD oil has been shown to be helpful in treating acne. Acne is believed to be at least partially caused by inflammation which stimulates the overproduction of oil in the sebaceous glands, so reducing that inflammation may be what helps. It can also be useful in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.

Hemp Oil’s benefits include:

1. Being high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp oil is very healthy and has many of the same properties as fish oil.
2. A great moisturizer for the skin. Apply hemp oil directly to the skin. Take a look at your moisturizer. You may be surprised to see that hemp is an ingredient in commonly available skincare products.

Best of all, neither will get you “high.” While both products come from the same species of plant as marijuana, hemp products come from a variety of the plant that has minimal levels of THC, the chemical in marijuana that makes you feel “high”.

If you’re feeling really brave, consider trying hemp protein. It’s not the best tasting option, but it’s a healthy, complete protein and high in fiber.

The Fine Print

CBD oil generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects include diarrhea, dry mouth, reduced appetite, and fatigue. Treat CBD oil  as you would any other over the counter item. Be responsible and cease using it if the side effects are too unpleasant. Stay in touch with your doctor if you have any concerns. Hemp oil doesn’t have any side effects not found in other common food oils.

Consider giving CBD oil and hemp oil a try. There are many potential benefits with minimal risk.

Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128007563000971
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/