Cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp are two compounds derived from the same plant family, Cannabis sativa. While CBD can come from marijuana, it can also be derived from hemp, a plant related to marijuana with 0.3% or less THC. Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are both derived from the cannabis plant, but they are extracted from different parts of the plant. Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the cannabis plant, while CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves and stems.
Hemp oil will be listed as cannabis sativa seed oil, while CBD will generally be included as cannabidiol, full-spectrum hemp, hemp oil, PCR (rich in phytocannabinoids), or PCR hemp extracts. Comparing CBD to hemp would be like comparing milk to dairy. The two compounds come from the same plant family, but each comes from different species within it. CBD is a chemical found in marijuana that does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that causes a high.
CBD is usually formulated as an oil, but it can also be sold as an extract, vaporized liquid and oil-based capsule. Hemp is the term for cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC, and marijuana is the term for cannabis that contains 0.3% or more THC. THC is the chemical that causes a person to feel drugged. Several states still regulate CBD oil as a Schedule 1 substance similar to marijuana.
All CBD products must have less than 0.3% THC, so even those made with cannabis-derived CBD should contain less than this amount. A better understanding of hemp seed oil and CBD oil can allow both doctors and consumers to choose the safest and most suitable product. It's important to note that a recent study of 84 CBD products purchased online showed that more than a quarter of products contained less CBD than labeled. Hemp seeds do not contain CBD, but they still have a profile rich in nutrients, fatty acids, and useful bioactive compounds that may also have health benefits.
Products containing hemp seeds and CBD oils don't usually cause a high, as THC levels, if any, tend to be very low. Larger studies on the effects of Epidiolex, a CBD drug for people with epilepsy, reported some side effects. With such a sudden increase in compounds such as CBD and hemp available, confusion arose about the differences between products.
