What should I buy? Hemp or CBD Oil?
This is a question that we often get asked and it’s easy to see why. Back when we first discovered CBD, options were thin on the ground and nobody was trying to explain, so it took some work for us to get our already frazzled brains around it. Those living with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia or in the middle of menopause fog will know what I mean!
What’s The Difference Between Hemp and CBD?
So, let’s set some things straight. It’s true that CBD is a compound that you find in the wonderful plant known as Cannabis Sativa L. It’s also true that Cannabis Sativa L. is often referred to as hemp, or sometimes even industrial hemp. So if it’s all from the same plant, surely both oils must be the same? Well, actually no, they’re quite different, and it’s important that you understand why. That’s so that you know you are paying a fair price and exactly what you are getting in your little bottle of CBD oil.
Although both are made from the same plant, CBD oil is made from the flowers, leaves and stalks of the plant and not from its seeds, unlike hemp oil (also known as hemp seed oil). CBD oil contains either pure CBD isolate or a CBD-rich cannabis extract, and a good quality full spectrum CBD oil will be bursting with cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids and it’s this one that your body’s endocannabinoid system really loves! Hemp oil is a wonderful product in its own right and is a great source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, but you don’t get any of these other natural components found in CBD oil that you really should be after.
What Is the Difference Between Full-Spectrum and THC-Free CBD Oil?
While both have an array of potential benefits, Full-Spectrum and THC-Free CBD Oils have slightly different compositions. As a result, you may prefer one over the other. Both are powerful hemp extracts, but here is the key difference:
Full-spectrum CBD oil allows you to experience the combined benefits of all the naturally occurring plant compounds present in hemp. That means not only do you get CBD but a whole host of other similar compounds too that are thought to have complementary effects. Moreover, full-spectrum CBD oils also contain some trace amounts of THC. This is still legal, provided the THC levels are below a certain amount and is thought to make the oil more effective. This complementary effect is known as “the entourage effect.”
THC-free CBD oil also allows you to experience the entourage effect minus the THC, provided it is a broad-spectrum CBD oil, that is. There are also products with solely CBD in them and nothing else, these are called CBD isolates as CBD is isolated from the rest of the compounds.
Think of it this way:
- Full-spectrum CBD Oil is everything left in, including THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD Oil is as much left in as possible following the removal of THC.
- CBD Isolate Oil is only CBD and nothing else, other than a carrier oil such as coconut oil.
- Hemp Seed Oil is more like other natural oils, such as coconut oil, and doesn’t have any CBD in it whatsoever. It too can be used as a carrier oil in CBD products.
Which Should I Choose?
If you have a higher sensitivity to THC, are somebody that must participate in work-related drug tests, or perhaps just don’t want to have anything to do with THC, then THC-Free Broad Spectrum CBD Oil is for you. You could also go for a CBD Isolate, but we don’t stock these oils as we personally don’t think that they are as effective.
However, if you want the most natural possible oil and want to experience the full benefits of the entourage effect, we recommend our Cold-Pressed Full-Spectrum CBD Oils that are fully compliant according to UK law.
One thing’s for sure, you probably don’t want hemp oil… unless you’re looking to use it in your cooking!
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