CBD Vs Hemp: What’s The Difference?

What’s the difference between CBD Oil and Hemp Oil Labels?

Let’s begin with this buyer beware tidbit of information. Ever notice on Amazon you won’t see CBD oil, only Hemp oil? Well, that’s because Amazon does not allow CBD oil to be sold on their site. That’s why it’s cheaper, shows strengths like 1,000,000 mg hemp oil, etc. It’s not the same as CBD oil. So if you are thinking you are buying CBD oil at a great price – guess again. Keep reading to find the difference.

That brings me to sharing with you that there are no labeling requirements for CBD oil currently. Scary huh? You are putting this in your body. I’m not joking, go to a store and look at labels. They are all over the board. I even saw one brand use a misleading certification badge on their oil certifying that theirs is the best. Labeling requirements also vary from state to state.

To further confuse consumers, due to advertising and marketing restrictions, many CBD companies are using the term “Hemp” in place of CBD. For example, products are bing labeled hemp oil, versus CBD oil, on their websites and labels to get around the advertising restrictions imposed on CBD products. As you will find out below, CBD comes from the Hemp plant, giving a nice work-around to use the word hemp oil instead.

When you see the difference between CBD oil and Hemp oil, you’ll know why being an informed consumer is important. Make sure to look at the lab results for the products you intend to purchase, and review what compounds are in those products. For example, Hemp oil will not have CBD (cannabidoil) listed on the lab test results or other cannabinoids. Choosing a reputable company and source of products such as Nature’s Gem CBD, can help avoid wasting money on products that may not be as true as what you think they are.

That being said, let’s get on with the show.

What makes CBD Oil different from Hemp Oil?

The next point of confusion starts here, so let’s dig in.

The first thing to know is CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant and extracted to make CBD oil. For example – Lavender, used to make lavender oil, is a compound extracted from the lavender plant. Same concept. CBD, used to make CBD oil, is a compound extracted from the cannabis plant. CBD is one of over 100 compounds found in the hemp plant

Hemp on the other hand, is a cannabis plant, commonly known as cannabis Sativa L.

When it comes to Hemp oil vs CBD oil, we need to look at how each compound is extracted from the plant to make the oil.

Ya with me so far?

The difference between the two is where the compounds are taken (extracted)  from the plant to produce the final product.

CBD, the compound used in CBD oil, is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the plant.

The hemp compound, used to make hemp oil, is extracted from the seeds of the plant. See the difference? HEMP SEEDS DO NOT CONTAIN ANY CBD! Yes, you heard me. So for everyone buying Hemp oil on Amazon thinking you will get the same benefits as CBD oil purchased on another site, guess again. You are buying some nice oil without the benefits associated with CBD.

This is why as we stated above – buy from a reputable source and watch out for misleading labels, and make sure you can view lab results!

Plowing on….

What is CBD?

CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants. Hemp is a cannabis plant, technically referred to as cannabis Sativa L. CBD stands for Cannabidiol, and is only one of over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (another compound found in some varieties of cannabis), CBD does not produce mind-altering effects such as intoxication or euphoria, and is non addictive. It’s for this reason many people choose CBD products versus marijuana, and it’s federally legal in all the states.

What is Hemp?

Hemp is one of the oldest domesticated cannabis plant known to humans. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and people have depended on it for a multitude of things from food, clothing, shelter, fuel, medicines; you name it. Hemp has been used medicinally for centuries in cultures across the world. Hemp was legal until the 1970’s, when it unfortunately got associated with the maraijuana plant during the political war on drugs era, and was banned. Now,40+ years later, the passing of the Farm Bill in 2019 freed the Hemp plant from it’s association as marijuana and is being grown and used in a variety of industries.

How is Hemp oil and CBD oil Made?

Hemp oil is made from hemp seeds taken from the plant. These seeds are expeller-pressed, leaving only hemp oil.

CBD, used in CBD oil, is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks using a variety of extraction methods, such as CO2 extraction.

What’s the difference between broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD oil?

Arghhh – to add more confusion to the mix, there are two main types of CBD oil on the market! Let’s clear this up for you too.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is made with the CBD cannabinoid only. It contains all the same phytonutrients as full spectrum, but does not contain other cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBN, etc. This oil tends to taste better and does not have that earthy, grassy taste associated with it.

Full-spectrum CBD oil is made with more cannabinoids found naturally in hemp plants, such as THC, CBG, CBN, etc. Basically, it contains “more stuff” in it besides CBD. You may hear people say you are getting the entourage effect. It tends to be darker, thicker, and has that grassy taste associated with it.

Broad spectrum CBD oil is what elite athletes and those people subject to drug testing use because it does not have THC or any other cannabinoids.

Whether you decide to use hemp oil or CBD oil is up to you.

Depending on your needs, you make the final call on whether to take hemp oil or CBD oil.  Key take away points are become educated, read labels, watch out for tricksters, look at lab results, purchase from a trusted and reliable source such a Nature’s Gem CBD to insure whichever oil you chose to use, you are getting the right product.

If you would like more information specific to your use case, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Feel free to visit Nature’s Gem CBD Health and Wellness store located on Longboat Key, Florida, send an email, message them on Instagram or Facebook, or call 317.478.0840!