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Over the past few years, CBD oil has become one of the most popular natural remedies on the market. Those who use the cannabinoid say it offers a wide range of benefits, including pain relief, better sleep, lower stress and anxiety, and even clearer skin. The best part is that CBD is non-intoxicating and does not cause a high.
As interest in CBD continues to grow, there is also renewed interest in a similar product, hemp oil. While many people use CBD and hemp oil interchangeably, the fact is that these products are very different. Although both are derived from hemp, they have very different effects.
Here’s what you need to know about hemp oil vs. CBD oil. We will also discuss some of the best CBD hemp oil products available today.
Discover the best CBD products:
1. Penguin CBD
2. Verma Farms
3. Lot
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is obtained by cold pressing hemp seeds into oil. The seeds contain very little CBD, THC and other compounds. However, it contains a large amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fats, which are some of the healthiest unsaturated fats. The seeds also contain vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesium and B vitamins.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is obtained by extracting CBD and other plant compounds from the stems, flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. The extract is then suspended in a carrier oil such as MCT or hemp seed oil.
Benefits of hemp oil over CBD oil
As discussed above, hemp seed oil is rich in several vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. One of the biggest benefits of hemp oil is that it contains omega-3 and omega-6, which support heart health. These essential fatty acids may be effective in lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries.
But unlike CBD oil, hemp seed oil does not have any therapeutic benefits. Hemp oil does not contain CBD, so users simply benefit from the nutrients that the oil contains.
On the other hand, CBD oil can offer all kinds of benefits, including stress and anxiety relief, better sleep, effective pain management, and more. So if you’re looking for an oil that offers therapeutic benefits, you’ll want to try CBD as opposed to hemp seed oil, which has very little effect.
How hemp and CBD oil are made
Hemp and CBD oil also differ in how they are made. Hemp oil is obtained by cold pressing hemp seeds. This results in a dark, thick oil that is rich in highly concentrated nutrients.
On the other hand, CBD is extracted using various processes, including CO2 or ethanol extraction. The extract is then suspended in a carrier oil. CBD oil contains all plant compounds, including terpenes, other cannabinoids and flavonoids.
Differences in legality
Hemp seed oil is permitted and legal at all levels. This is an FDA approved compound that can be sold or bought almost anywhere. However, the same cannot be said for CBD oil, which has many legal gray areas.
CBD products are legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as the product contains less than 0.3% THC. THC is the cannabinoid that causes the high, so CBD products must contain a very small amount to prevent any psychoactive effects.
Because the Food and Drug Administration has not formally evaluated CBD products, the market is largely unregulated.
Tips for buying CBD oil
When buying CBD oil, one of the first things you need to do is make sure you are actually buying a product that contains CBD. Remember that hemp seed and CBD oil are very different and have very different side effects.
To make sure you’re buying a CBD product, check the ingredient list for CBD, cannabidiol, or some type of extract, such as full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate. If none of these ingredients are listed, then chances are you are buying hemp oil and not CBD oil.
When shopping for CBD oil, there are some things to look for. Some of the most important details to consider include:
- Type of extract. There are three different types of extracts that can be used in the production of CBD oil. These include CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD, and broad-spectrum CBD. isolate is the purest form of CBD and contains no other plant compounds. On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD contains all plant compounds, including THC. Broad spectrum CBD is very similar to full spectrum, the only difference being that all traces of THC have been removed.
- THC content. If you are buying a product that contains a full-spectrum extract, pay special attention to the THC content. Traces are unlikely to get you high, and it’s also unlikely that such a small amount will cause you to fail a drug test. However, you only want to purchase CBD oil that contains 0.3% THC or less. Otherwise, the product is illegal.
- Additional ingredients. Many CBD oils are flavored to provide a more palatable experience. By itself, CBD is very earthy and can even have a slightly bitter flavor profile. Besides flavorings, there are other ingredients that can be added to CBD oil. For example, some companies add melatonin to improve sleep, while others infuse oils with herbs and botanicals to promote overall health and well-being.
Now that you know the differences between hemp and CBD oil, here are some of the best CBD products you might want to try.
The best CBD products
1. Penguin
Penguin is known for producing high quality pure, premium CBD. All products are made from naturally grown hemp and are lab certified so consumers can buy with confidence. Penguin’s CBD oil is made with refined broad-spectrum extract from Oregon-grown hemp. Each bottle contains 0% THC and is made to order, so you can enjoy a new batch every time.
In addition to CBD extract, Penguin CBD oil is also made with hemp oil, MCT oil, terpenes and natural flavors. The brand offers delightful flavors including citrus, mint, strawberries and cookies and cream.
2. Verma Farms
Verma Farms’ Hawaiian-inspired tropical flavors prove just how delicious CBD oil can be. This brand offers a complete collection of CBD oils that are made with a wide spectrum of CBD. Enjoy pure relaxation with every aromatic drop! Choose from mouth-watering flavors like watermelon, strawberry, mango, peach, pineapple and more.
In addition to broad-spectrum CBD extract, Verma Farms oil also contains MCT oil, terpenes and hemp oil. All ingredients are gentle on your system and formulated to make you feel your best inside and out.
Not only does this brand sell high-quality CBD oil, Verma Farms also sells the best CBD-infused gummies, capsules, topicals, and even dried fruit!
3. A LOT of CBD
BATCH CBD is your one-stop shop for exclusive full-spectrum CBD products, including an assortment of specially formulated oil tinctures, gummies, balms and gel capsules. BATCH’s full-spectrum products contain all the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in hemp, including up to .3% THC, so you can experience a fuller range of benefits. All BATCH CBD products are made from high-quality organic Wisconsin hemp and tested by a third-party lab.
CBD by BATCH offers multiple CBD oil tinctures including their Original CBD Oil Tincture, Dream CBD Oil Tincture, CALM CBD Oil Tincture, CLARITY CBD Oil Tincture, and their GOLD RESERVE BLEND. These CBD oil tinctures come in a variety of concentrations, from 500mg to 3000mg, so you can further customize your CBD experience!
4. Colorado Botanicals
Colorado Botanicals has a reputation for excellence, but it’s easy to see why. Cultivated from organically grown, non-GMO, double-tested domestic hemp, the seller uses a proprietary purification technique to preserve the natural cannabinoids and other plant compounds.
Available in full and broad spectrum variants, Colorado Botanicals CBD oil ranges in potency from 10 to 100 mg/ml. Their ingredients are simple, with products containing natural hemp extract, MCT oil, and flavoring (optionally peppermint).
We also appreciate CoBo’s transparency when it comes to lab testing. Batch results are easy to find, so you can consume with confidence. But if you’re not satisfied, Colorado Botanicals offers an excellent guarantee. If you are not satisfied, return any opened or unopened product within 60 days for a full refund.
You’re more likely to come back, though. In this case, take advantage of the brand’s 15% discount for subscribers.
Final thoughts
If you’re in the market for CBD oil, it’s important to understand the difference between CBD and hemp seed oil. These two oils are often used interchangeably, but they are very different. Although both oils are made from parts of the hemp plant, they have very different chemical compositions along with different side effects.
For CBD oil you can trust, buy from one of the four brands that made our list of best products. These CBD oils are of high quality and have been thoroughly tested for safety, potency and efficacy.