The approval of the first CBD-based drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) a few years ago has led consumers to take an interest in the benefits of Hemp oil-based products like oils, tablets, gels, creams, and CBD oil.

While both Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are vastly different products, there is a fair degree of confusion between both product lines.

CBD oil is derived from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant have a higher concentration of CBD, and therefore, come with a number of potential health benefits. 

In contrast, hemp seed oil is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. While the seeds of the plants do not have any CBD, hemp seed oil still has a rich nutrient profile along with bioactive compounds and healthy fatty acids.

Hemp Seed Oil

As mentioned, hemp seed oil is derived from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp seed oil has a healthy dose of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, various nutritional antioxidants, gamma-linolenic acid, and vitamins B and D.

Hemp seed oil does not have any of the psychoactive properties that are otherwise associated with THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol and negligible amounts of CBD.

Uses of Hemp Seed Oil

Given the lack of THC and CBD, Hemp seed oil is not usually consumed for recreational purposes. 

A few nutritional supplements have hemp seed oil as an active ingredient because of its high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, various nutritional antioxidants, gamma-linolenic acid and vitamins B and D.

Hemp seed oil is also used in the manufacture of fibers and clothing.

Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil

When Hemp seed oil is added to edibles such as yogurt, bread, cookies, and snack bars, it provides an added healthy dose of nutrients. This is largely thanks to the high levels of essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids.

Benefits of Hemp seed oil include – 

• Cardiovascular health benefits
• Improving skin irregularities
• Relieving constipation
• Improving gastrointestinal functioning

Side Effects of Hemp Seed Oil

The consumption of Hemp seed oil is generally considered safe. However, the medical and research community casts some doubts regarding the cardiovascular health benefits it can provide. 

At the same time, some users have complained of digestive problems when consuming Hemp seed oil, however, these effects vary from person to person. 

CBD Oil

Generally speaking, three types of CBD oils are available in the market – 

• Full-spectrum CBD oil containing all compounds of the Cannabis plant. It contains a lower level of THC.
• Broad-spectrum CBD with a number of different compounds but without any THC.
• CBD isolate which contains only CBD.

Given that CBD products are not currently regulated, there are instances of mislabeling by some manufacturers.

Users should always check the COA (Certificate of Analysis) before purchasing a CBD product. Especially when trying a new product or brand. COAs are issued by independent, third-party labs and is the most reliable way to verify all of the ingredients within a CBD product.

Uses of CBD Oil

CBD oil is popularly used as a natural, holistic alternative for wellness and treatment for many ailments. CBD oil-based products are used to treat –

• Pain & inflammation
• Anxiety & depression
• Skin conditions
• Epilepsy
• Neurodegenerative conditions, etc.

Given that full-spectrum CBD also contains a certain amount of THC, some consumers also use it for recreational purposes. 

Benefits of CBD-Oil

Each component of CBD oil comes with its own specific benefits. Some of these benefits include – 

• CBD

• • • Pain relief
    • Anti-inflammatory
    • Anti-depressive
    • Anti-epileptic
    • Neuro health

• THC

• • Anti-inflammatory
  • Pain relief
  • Anti-nausea

Side Effects of CBD

Medical research has indicated that CBD-based products are generally safe to consume and side effects are rare. While complete information on the safety of different kinds of CBD oils is not conclusive, research is available on the side-effects of the individual ingredients within CBD-based products.

The study also investigated the side-effects of Epidiolex, the first drug with CBD to be approved by the FDA. Epidiolex is used to treat the symptoms of epilepsy. Some of the side-effects observed during the study included – 

• A decreased appetite
• Elevated liver function tests,
• fatigue, and
• Diarrhea

It is important CBD users check the Certificate of Analysis (COA) and have verified the source of the CBD products they consume. Given that CBD products are not regulated, sub-standard manufacturing processes and inaccurate labeling can lead to either contaminants in the product or a higher than allowed THC dose in the CBD products.

While selecting a CBD product and checking the label, users should keep an eye out for – 

• The solvents used during the extraction process
• The potency listed in the label
• The outcome of the herbicide and pesticide test
• An ‘organic’ certification by the US Department of Agriculture

It always advisable for users to check with a medical professional or a certified cannabis clinician before using CBD products because CBD products are known to interact with certain kinds of medication

Disclaimer

CBD products that are derived from Hemp and contain less than the prescribed .3 percent of THC are legal per federal law. However, certain state laws may still deem it illegal.

CBD products that are derived from Marijuana are illegal per federal law but remain legal under the laws of certain states. 

It is advisable to check the appropriate state laws in case of travel. It is important to note that over-the-counter CBD products are not approved by the FDA.