There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the hemp industry, but sites like Naturally Pressed are here to answer all your burning questions. For instance, what is the difference between hemp oil and hemp seed oil? You’ve had to have wondered about that, right?
So we don’t beat around the bush or anything: yes, there is a difference between the two. We’ll tackle that and discuss a bit about CBD oil to enlighten you further on the world of alternative therapy.
The Differences Between Hemp Seed Oil and Hemp Oil
Pressing the cold seeds of the hemp plant gives you hemp seed oil. This extract is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. It does not contain cannabinoids, the chemical agents in a hemp plant that have been proven to affect the body “differently.”
Cannabinoids come in over a hundred known types, the most popular of which is THC. THC gives that “high” feeling that sometimes detaches one from reality. CBD is another cannabinoid that practically everyone can take, though it heals instead of inducing the “high” effect. Hemp seed oil does not contain these recognized cannabinoids and can be bought at the health store as a supplement.
On the other hand, hemp oil introduces a completely different set of health benefits. To produce it, the flower of the hemp plant is utilized instead of the seed. This welcomes a vast array of cannabinoids into the picture, including CBD.
While some brands of hemp oil contain THC, others don’t. Also, most of those containing THC don’t usually have them in significant amounts. Though it goes without saying that THC-less oils are the safer choice for many.
Without THC, there is no risk of intoxicating effects; you only get therapeutic benefits. Choosing a good brand means making sure a manufacturer is certified and thoroughly tests its products. After all, customers should be provided with all the necessary disclosure regarding these therapeutic methods.
With hemp’s fast-growing demand, you can find more and more companies producing reliable products. While still challenging at times, a little research should pave the way towards safe and high-quality options.
How Does Hemp Seed Oil Work?
Now that we’ve covered the main differences between hemp seed oil and hemp oil, let’s go over some of the former’s health benefits.
Hemp seed oil is something used for recreation. If you’re in the market for this product, the tendency is you want it to manage some sort of ailment. As mentioned previously, they also lack CBD and THC compounds, so there isn’t much they can offer as far as the “high” feeling.
When these oils are added to food, they can enhance the nutrient levels considerably. In particular, they can enrich your consumption with essential amino acids and fatty acids, which could lead to the following additional benefits:
- Constipation relief
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Improved skin condition
- Improved digestive health
Hemp seed oil may also have anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-aging benefits. Thus, they can be found in health supplements and skincare products alike.
What Does CBD Oil Do?
CBD is often found in hemp oil, but let’s discuss its benefits apart from its association with the said oil. What does CBD, on its own, bring to the table?
There are three types of CBD: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. The first one houses the complete set of compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC at low levels. The second is much like the first, except it doesn’t contain THC. The third is oil made using CBD isolate, so it only has the CBD compound.
Manufacturers don’t often get into the finer details of CBD, so it’s important to be aware of these differences and know what to expect from each type.
Allegedly, CBD oil has a host of medicinal benefits, which include but are not limited to the following:
- Relief from anxiety and depression
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Treat neurodegenerative conditions
- Manage addiction
- Treat epilepsy
Also, since full-spectrum CBD contains THC, it is marketed for its psychoactive effects as much as its therapeutic benefits. That “floating in the air” feeling is also known to prevent nausea and vomiting. So, yes, the compound is not all bad when managed well.
Some compounds in these oils that require further investigation are terpenoids and phytocannabinoids. Given that CBD may also have adverse effects in the form of fatigue, decreased appetite, and elevated liver function, careful thought is recommended before taking them.
Hemp Seed Oil: The Safer Choice
If you do find yourself choosing between hemp seed oil and hemp oil, know that the more-researched former is the safer choice in general. While it’s true that hemp oil offers an entirely different set of benefits, the fact that it’s plagued by uncertainty could make it too much of a risk for some to take orally. Stick to what is known and save yourself the headache that comes from too much unknown.
