What Is Better for Pain CBD Oil or Full Whole Hemp Plant Oil? - April 2024

What Is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is derived from hemp (Cannabis sativa), mainly from mature hemp plants’ flowers, leaves, stems, and stalks. CBD oil may be extracted using CO2⁽³⁾ and ethanol⁽⁴⁾ extractions. 

What Is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil, sometimes referred to as hempseed oil, is made from the pressed seeds of hemp⁽⁵⁾. Although hemp oil contains nutrients and fatty acids, it does not have CBD. 

CBD vs. Hemp: Difference Between CBD Oil and Hemp Oil

• A reputable CBD company provides COAs for every CBD oil product they have. These documents give detailed information about CBD oil, including its potency, concentration, or if there are any contaminants in the product.

• Some jurisdictions regulate the sales and manufacturing of CBD oil⁽⁶⁾. However, the regulation does not cover THC-free hemp oil.

• Hemp oil is a nutrient-dense oil that lacks cannabinoids.

• Hemp oil has been used in cosmetics for years, whereas the use of CBD for cosmetics depends on the part of the plant from which it is extracted⁽⁷⁾.

• According to US federal law, CBD oil may contain up to 0.3% THC concentration⁽⁸⁾. On the contrary, hemp oil is THC-free.

• State and local legislation may place other restrictions⁽⁹⁾.

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil and the Entourage Effect

When manufacturers harvest the whole hemp plant, they may get all the potential benefits of CBD. Full-spectrum CBD oil is known to provide the entourage effect due to the presence of all the cannabis compounds⁽¹⁰⁾.

The entourage effect refers to how the chemical compounds in a cannabis plant work to provide the most beneficial results⁽¹¹⁾.

Hence, those individuals who want the benefit of CBD and other cannabis compounds may find full-spectrum CBD oil better than other hemp extracts. 

Benefits and Side Effects of CBD

Animal studies, as well as self-reports and studies on people, indicate that CBD may also help with the following⁽¹²⁾:

• anxiety
• insomnia
• chronic pain 
• Addiction

On the other hand, minor side effects of using CBD include⁽¹³⁾:

• appetite changes
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• fatigue

Production Methods

The production process for hemp seed oil and CBD oil is different. Typically, hemp seed oil is extracted by cold pressing hemp seeds, while CBD oil is derived from the whole hemp plant using high-tech procedures.

Common extraction for CBD oil includes CO2 extraction and solvent-based extraction. 

CBD Content

Most CBD products have a label that shows the amount of CBD in them. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all organic compounds of the cannabis plant, including terpenes that give a distinct aroma to the plant.

Most premium CBD oil brands also provide detailed test results for their CBD products.

It is hard to tell whether hemp oil is as good as CBD oil. Still, hemp oil is rich in nutrients and fatty acids, although it does not contain CBD⁽¹⁴⁾.    

Monetary Value

​​ Compared to hemp seed oil, CBD oil is more expensive to produce. Make sure that the product is made with premium quality.

Where to Purchase

Most of the time, CBD oil and hemp seed oil can be found at the local grocery store, health food store, and pharmacy. However, make sure to buy from state-licensed dispensaries or reputable brands only. 

Uses and Purposes

While hemp oil and CBD oil are known for various cosmetics and health properties, they are not the same. 

Hemp seed oil is commonly used for hair and skin care⁽¹⁵⁾. Unlike hemp oil, CBD oil is used for its purported medical properties⁽¹⁶⁾, like chronic pain⁽¹⁷⁾. 

Consumers who want to manage their pain may choose CBD oil over hemp oil. 

Meanwhile, when people talk about vaping CBD oil, they generally refer to e-juices containing CBD extract or concentrate. The process is known as CBD isolate, a highly concentrated form of CBD.

Labeling

Understanding the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil is essential to grasp their various characteristics fully.

Be careful when choosing CBD products, as it is easy to mix up the two. Also, be aware of the misleading claims made by some CBD manufacturers. 

Contrary to popular belief, hemp oil is not a type of CBD oil that contains high levels of cannabidiol. It comes from the seeds of the plant.

Legality

According to research, hemp contains a trace amount of THC, but not enough to cause a psychoactive effect. It is why hemp-derived CBD is lawful to purchase⁽¹⁸⁾. However, marijuana-derived CBD is only available in states that have legalized marijuana usage⁽¹⁹⁾.

1. States with Legal Cannabidiol (CBD)
   https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/states-with-legal-cannabidiol-cbd/
2. Ibid.
3. The Evolution of Ethanol Extraction Methods in Cannabis
   https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/the-evolution-of-ethanol-extraction-methods-in-cannabis
4. The Eolution of Ethanol Extraction Methods in Cannabis
   https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/the-evolution-of-ethanol-extraction-methods-in-cannabis
5. Hemp Seed Oil Properties
   https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/hemp-seed-oil-properties.html
6. States with Legal Cannabidiol (CBD)
   https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/states-with-legal-cannabidiol-cbd/
7. How are hemp and other Cannabis sativa L. extracts used in cosmetics?
   https://www.natrue.org/how-are-hemp-and-other-cannabis-sativa-l-extracts-used-in-cosmetics/
8. States with Legal Cannabidiol (CBD)
   https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/states-with-legal-cannabidiol-cbd/
9. Ibid.
10. Quality Traits of “Cannabidiol Oils”: Cannabinoids Content, Terpene Fingerprint and Oxidation Stability of European Commercially Available Preparations
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6100014/
11. The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/
12. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
13. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
14. Hemp Seed Oil Properties
    https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/hemp-seed-oil-properties.html
15. How are hemp and other Cannabis sativa L. extracts used in cosmetics?
    https://www.natrue.org/how-are-hemp-and-other-cannabis-sativa-l-extracts-used-in-cosmetics/
16. Clinicians’ Guide to Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025619619300072
17. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
18. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
19. States with Legal Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/states-with-legal-cannabidiol-cbd/