With the growing popularity of CBD oil in the UK and the various names and forms it comes in, it’s no wonder that some potential users are left confused. It’s even more frustrating when magazines and tabloids get carried away with their ‘sensationalist’ articles on CBD without even bothering to carry out any real research with regards to the difference between them. So, which one do you really need? CBD oil or Hemp oil or Cannabis oil
So which one should you be using and what should you be using it for? CBD Oil, Hemp Oil or Cannabis Oil – Which one does what, what does it contain and where does it come from? Worry not; we have made this explanation as simple as possible.
The initial confusion tends to be about the actual Cannabis plant itself. People use the words ‘Cannabis‘, ‘Hemp’, ‘Marijuana’ and others interchangeably — even when they actually mean different things.
Is Hemp the same thing as Marijuana? Is Marijuana the same thing as Cannabis? Is Cannabis the same thing as Hemp? The answer is yes, kind of!
You see the actual plant that produces all of these is known as the Cannabis plant. Although the Cannabis plant has several species the two main ones are Hemp and Marijuana as the diagram below shows.
So, you can now see that when people refer to Cannabis they are actually referring to the Marijuana species of the Cannabis plant and not the Hemp species. It has just become common language to label the Marijuana species of plant as Cannabis because to most people there is only one use of Cannabis – to get high.
In short:
- Cannabis is a plant family that includes many species, including both Hemp and Marijuana.
- Hemp (also known as Sativa) is a variety of Cannabis plant grown for its tall, sturdy stalks, high CBD levels and low THC levels.
- Marijuana (also known as Indica) is a variety of Cannabis plant grown for its high levels of THC.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp oil and CBD oil are usually the same thing unless it is Hemp Seed oil. Hemp Seed oil is produced from the Hemp species of Cannabis plant or, to be more precise, only from the seeds of the Hemp plant. While this type of oil can be extracted from all species of Cannabis plants, industrial Hemp is the only plant used for specifically producing Hemp Seed oil.
The Hemp plant seeds contain low levels of cannabinoids including the two most commonly known: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The oil is extracted from the Hemp plants by pressing the seeds, a similar method of extraction to how olive and coconut oil is obtained.
Hemp Seed Oil Uses
There are multiple uses for Hemp Seed oil, which is part of its rise in popularity. It is great for cooking and full of nutrients. It can provide a crispy and nutty taste to foods and can be a wonderful replacement for olive oil in salads
Hemp Seed oil is often used in shampoos, lotions, soaps, and other beauty or cosmetic products around the world.
It can also be found as an ingredient in plastics, paint, dressings, lubrications as well as used in the production of eco-friendly paints.
CBD Oil (also known as Hemp oil)
Unlike Hemp Seed oil which utilises the seeds of the Hemp plant CBD oil is extracted from the stalks, leaves, buds and seeds of the Hemp plant and typically, strains are chosen that are known to have higher CBD levels in order to maximize the potency of the end product.
The stalks, leaves and buds also contain low levels of THC but a higher level of CBD. The oil is produced using C02, the gentlest method of raw hemp extraction. This way the most important active molecules in the plant remain intact. By applying gentle heat under filtration, CBD is formed from its natural precursor CBDa, creating a wax-free liquid oil complete with all the main botanical constituents.
This process ensures the purity and natural genetics of the raw hemp is preserved and the most important active molecules in the plant remain intact ensuring there is minimal risk of contaminants in the finished product.
What About CBDa
CBDa is basically a raw form of CBD which is added to a CBD product giving it a purer and more effective characteristic. Any oil containing CBD and CBDa will ensure a better result for the user.
CBD Oil Uses
CBD works with the body through the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for keeping the body in a state of balance. It impacts the functions of sleep, mood, pain, appetite, hormone, and immune response. ECS also aids your body in creating natural cannabinoids.
But CBD does more than just affect cannabinoid receptors. It impacts many other receptors too such as Opioid, Dopamine and Serotonin receptors. All of which help regulate sleep, mood, anxiety, pain and pretty much everything else that goes on in our bodies long with benefits we have yet to discover!
Cannabis Oil
Cannabis oil is extracted from the Cannabis plant and is a thick, sticky, resinous substance made up of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. The level of THC is much higher than the CBD which is why it has been classed as illegal in many countries.
Cannabis oil is obtained by separating the resins from Cannabis flowers using a solvent extraction process. Cannabis oil can also be known as Marijuana oil, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), Full Extract Cannabis oil (FECO), Hash oil, Dabs, Shatter, Wax plus other slang and street names.
Cannabis oil is the most potent of three main intoxicating products, which are the actual Cannabis flower (Marijuana), resin (hashish), and oil (Cannabis oil).
Cannabis oil is the most concentrated form of the three main Cannabis oil products. That is what makes Cannabis oil more potent than CBD oil and Hemp oil.
Cannabis Oil
For years Cannabis oil has been used to treat a variety of conditions from stress and anxiety to chronic pain and depression. However much of its use has been deemed illegal in many parts of the world due to its high THC content.
The THC content is what gives the user a ‘high’ and therefore increases the perception of the benefit i.e. it numbs the pain, lifts your mood etc. That said there is huge medical discussion now for legitimising its use in extreme cases.
CBD Buying Tips
If you are considering purchasing some CBD oil to try then make sure you get one that is of genuine quality. Here’s a few little pointers:
If you are using a Hemp oil product make sure you check which type of Hemp oil it has in it. Is it CBD oil (with Hemp Seed oil) or just Hemp Seed oil. This will be of importance depending on your reason for using it.
Make sure it’s CBD gold – gold means it’s been through extensive filtration which makes it yellow/gold in colour, anything that’s green or brownish means it still has plant extract and other bits left over – not great quality!!
Always ask for certificate of analysis, this way you can see the lab results when tested!
CO2 extracted CBD is best as this is the gentlest way of extracting the compound, ensuring best quality
Organic Hemp – we all know organic is best, pesticides and preservatives can interfere with quality
Don’t just go for cheap and cheerful – when it comes to your health, don’t compromise, yes it’s a bit more pricey but it’s only because of the work that has been put into creating the purest product
So, in conclusion
- Hemp Seed oil is a great food supplement and cheaper than CBD but limited in immediate benefits.
- CBD oil is perfect for treating chronic pain, sleep disorders, skin conditions, anxiety etc., with no known side-effects and now legal in the UK!
- Cannabis oil does have benefits but will also get you high and more importantly it’s ILLEGAL in the UK
So, in conclusion
- CBD dosage guide; Click Here
- CBD uses: Click here
NOTE: All our CBD oils use CBD oil with CBDa and Hemp Seed oil to ensure it is kept as pure as possible whilst allowing for easy absorption into your system.
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Our Alpha CBD oils are produced using CO2, the gentlest method of raw hemp extraction. They are Gold Standard and contain zero THC.
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