To the new CBD buyer, it can be hard to understand the differences between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil, but the two are, in fact, very different. Regulations have changed since the 2018 passing of the Farm Bill, which allowed for the industrial production of Hemp to become federally legal — welcoming many CBD (cannabidiol) products into the market. So, let's break down the differences between CBD oil and Hemp seed oil. First and foremost, CBD is a compound found in the resin of specific cultivars of the hemp plant that has only recently been introduced to the broader market. As opposed to hemp seed oil, which is pressed from the hemp seed, contains no CBD, and has been present (and legal) in the market for decades. Both come from Cannabis sativa but it is the cultivars that distinguish whether the plant will produce more resin for CBD or more seed for pressed hemp seed oil.

In a previous blog post, we addressed the recent FDA response on product labeling and regulation, identifying how some product manufacturers and marketers are not clearly labeling their products and occasionally interchanging the terms Hemp oil and CBD oil. You might be wondering, “why would a company do such a thing?” Well, for a variety of reasons, whether it be their own misunderstandings, attempts to confuse consumers into purchasing hemp seed oil at an inflated price, or attempts to avoid potential regulatory risks posed by the FDA or some state departments of health. Regardless, all of these are confusing to consumers and, in some cases, unethical.

So, what is the difference between the two oils?

Hemp oil is a culinary oil, produced strictly from the seeds of a hemp plant. The seeds themselves do not produce any phytocannabinoids but rather are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty acids. CBD oil, on the other hand, is 'extracted' from the flower and leaf of hemp cultivars that are rich in resin containing CBD and hundreds of other beneficial phytocannabinoids and terpenes that produce the strong scent of the hemp plant and provide benefit in supporting the human endocannabinoid system.

When purchasing a product, it is critical that the buyer carefully review all the ingredients. If you intend to buy CBD oil, the product label should make it clear how much cannabidiol (or CBD) the product contains or some quantification that it is rich in phytocannabinoids from the hemp flower and leaf. All of Green Earth Medicinals products incorporate high-grade full-spectrum CBD oil formulated to produce the highest level of efficacy. If you are uncertain, you can always request a certificate of analysis from the distributor that shows the chemical composition and other data that shows the quality of the product. All of our products' test results can be reviewed on the test results page of our website.

If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to info@greenearthmedicinals.com. We're always happy to help you achieve your health and wellness goals!

References:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2019.00120/full

https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(19)30007-2/fulltext#sec4

L. Hilderbrand, PhD, Mo Med. 2018 Jul-Aug; 115(4): 306–309. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140266/

Table References

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3 Russo, E.B. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. 2011; 163: 1344–1364

4 Grof, C.P.L. Cannabis, from plant to pill. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2018; 84: 2463–2467