Anxiety is at an all time high in modern society. Many people are on the search for supplements that help maintain mental balance and manage stress in a natural way. Hemp based wellness products are a natural option which have been on the rise significantly. When it comes to hemp based products there are two main product categories (and overlapping names) that appear to cause some confusion for consumers. They are hemp oil and CBD oil.
Although both products are based on the hemp plant, they have different attributes and characteristics. It's very important to understand those differences if you are searching for a product that helps with anxiety.
This guide is designed to help you understand the various ways in which hemp oil and CBD oil are distinguished from each other. It will provide you insight on the methodologies of extraction and production, potential positive effects of each, and the products that may ultimately be best for anxiety and stress.
What are Hemp Oil and CBD Oil
It is very common for consumers in the wellness industry to group hemp oil and CBD oil as the same thing.
The reality is, they are both from the same plant and come from different parts of the plant. And as you may expect, have their own unique compounds.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is literally processed from the seeds of the hemp plant. The good news is, they are packed with some micronutrients, some of which are:
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
- Vitamin E
Hemp seeds may contain trace amounts of CBD, but not very much. So, hemp seed oil won't produce the cannabinoid effects that you may be expecting when you use a CBD product.
CBD Oil
On the other hand, CBD oil is derived from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant.
What’s in It?
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Cannabidiol (CBD)
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Minor Cannabinoids
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Terpenes
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Beneficial plant compounds
CBD oils are made to provide Cannabinoids to the Endocannabinoid System.
Because of this, CBD oils and Hemp oils can have different effects on one’s wellness.
How CBD and Hemp Oil Work in the Body
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is primarily a supplement. Its seed oil contains healthy fats that can improve:
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Heart Health
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Skin
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Wellness
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Nutritional Balance
Hemp seed oil doesn’t work with the Endocannabinoid System because it contains nearly 0 cannabinoids.
CBD Oil
CBD oil functions differently. CBD oil can impact the following pathways:
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Stress
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Mood
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Sleep
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Emotional Balance
Because of these, CBD is researched more for its potential effects on anxiety and wellness.
The Rise of CBD Oil
CBD has gained much more popularity in the last 10 years due to its potential effects on:
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Serotonin
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Stress Hormones
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The Nervous System
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Emotional Resilience
Many claim to feel more balanced and less stressed after using CBD in their day to day lives. While research on CBD is still in the early stages, it’s one of the top hemp compounds made for anxiety.
Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp Oil is a good nutritional oil even without the healthy addition of CBD.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seeds are beneficial as they provide a balanced source of omega fatty acids to support nutrition.
Skin
The omega fatty acids in hemp seed oil help support the functional wellbeing of skin.
Heart
Hemp seeds support heart health as omega fatty acids are beneficial for heart wellness if part of a balanced diet.
Hemp Seed Oil and General Wellness
Hemp seed oil is a common wellness supplement but is not usually a targeted wellness supplement.
Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD oil is different than hemp seed oil due to the cannabinoids in CBD oil.
CBD oil is commonly used for the following reasons:
Stress
CBD is commonly used in the daily routine for stress and wellness support.
Relaxation
CBD may support a calm and relaxed state without causing intoxication.
Sleep
CBD is often a part of a healthy routine for nighttime support.
Wellbeing
CBD may support emotional wellness when interacting with the endocannabinoid system.
Full-Spectrum CBD vs Hemp Seed Oil
When comparing hemp oil and CBD oil, the full-spectrum products should also be considered.
Full-spectrum products contain:
- CBD
- Other small cannabinoids
- Terpenes
- Trace amounts of THC (in the allowed limits)
These substances are part of the entourage effect.
Hemp seed oil has no cannabinoids.
Because of this, full-spectrum CBD products are preferred over hemp seed oil for wellness benefits from cannabinoids. An example of this is: Hebe Balance 1:1 Full Spectrum CBD Oil 4500mg (30ml)
What is Better for Anxiety?
Hemp oil and CBD oil both may help with anxiety. The answer is not as simple as which is better.
If you want to supplement nutrition:
Hemp seed oil is a good oil to add to a healthy diet for its fatty acids.
If you want to support anxiety:
CBD oil is usually the product of choice since it has Cannabidiol and other cannabinoids that will likely have a positive influence on mood and stress.
This difference is crucial since many people think they are purchasing a CBD product when they buy a hemp seed oil product.
What to look for in a Quality CBD Product
CBD products are all very different.
When purchasing CBD oil products, look for:
- Third-Party Testing
- This helps to confirm the quality of the product.
- Cannabinoids and Their Quantity
- Labels should have transparent information regarding cannabinoids.
- Hemp Sourcing
- Pick brands that let you know where their hemp comes from.
Common Errors Made by Consumers
- CBD is in Hemp Oil
- This is the main misunderstanding.
- Most hemp seed oil has no or very little CBD.
- Buying Based on Packaging
- Words like "hemp extract" can confuse many people.
- Always carefully review the product ingredient information.
- Ignoring Lab Testing
CDP lab testing shows that the product is what it says and helps to confirm quality.
FAQ
Which is more effective, CBD oil or hemp oil for anxiety?
If you are looking for support with anxiety regarding cannabinoids, then yes, CBD oil is significantly more relevant, as it contains Cannabidiol, whereas hemp seed oil does not.
Can hemp oil help with anxiety?
Hemp seed oil nourishes the body with its nutritional profile, but it does not contain significant levels of CBD.
Is cannabidiols the same thing as hemp oil?
No, Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a cannabinoid from the hemp flower leaves, while hemp oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of hemp.
Does hemp oil have CBD in it?
Hemp oil has little to no CBD in it, because hemp seeds have low levels of cannabinoids in them.
Is it ok to take CBD oil everyday?
Many people use CBD oil daily. It is believed that using it consistently helps people to evaluate how it most effectively works for them.
What is the difference between full spectrum CBD oil and hemp oil?
Full spectrum CBD is oil that has the cannabinoids and terpenes in it from the whole hemp plant, while hemp seed oil has fat and vitamin nutrition.
Conclusion
If you are trying to choose a product to help reduce symptoms of anxiety, it is important to understand the differences between Hemp oil and CBD oil. Hemp Seed oil is primarily a supplement to nutrition. It is rich in fatty acids; however, CBD oil has cannabinoids that help with the body's Endocannabinoid system.
If the desired use is help with anxiety, CBD oil is typically the best choice. The most important factor is to use a CBD oil that is high quality, third party tested and to understand the product that you are buying.