CBD Vs. Hemp Oil, Which Should I Use For Pain Relief?

After decades of being regarded with suspicion, positive attention has begun to color people’s perception of the use of cannabis products – particularly CBD oil.

This change in perception is mostly fueled by the realization that a naturally occurring compound in plants of the cannabis family has beneficial health effects. This compound is called cannabidiol or CBD.

CBD as a naturally occurring compound

The first thing we need to make clear is that CBD oil for therapeutic or medical use is not taken from the marijuana plant. CBD is found in the marijuana plant, yes, but it is just one of many naturally occurring compounds in that plant.

The CBD that is used in oils, creams for pain, and CBD pills and edibles is extracted from the hemp plant. The hemp plant is a “cousin” of the marijuana plant, also part of the cannabis family of plants.

CBD is not considered an addictive or hallucinogenic substance. The World Health Organization itself, after an extensive study, published a report in 2017, where they stated that there are “effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.” So they don’t consider the use of CBD as a “public health problem”, unlike the abuse of uploads or other controlled substances. 

The difference between CBD and THC

Aside from CBD, another natural compound found in plants belonging to the cannabis family is THC. THC is basically the compound that gives cannabis plants a bad name.

THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is a psychoactive compound. It is this which gives cannabis plants their hallucinogenic and addictive properties. The marijuana plant has an average of 17% THC compounds in it, while the hemp plant can have less than 0.3%.

While THC and CBD are found together in plants from the cannabis family, CBD doesn’t have hallucinogenic properties. Thus, when it is extracted and separated from THC, CBD will not get you high or addicted.

As we mentioned, CBD oils are usually extracted from the hemp plant. This is because they have a higher concentration of CBD. There is about 12 to 18% CBD in a hemp plant, compared to the 0.15% that is found in marijuana.

CBD vs. Hemp oil

There are actually two types of oils extracted from the hemp plant this is CBD oil and Hemp oil.

CBD oils are extracted from the leaves, flowers, and even the stalk of the hemp plant. Meanwhile, hemp oil is made from hemp seeds. This is why hemp oil is also known as hemp seed oil, 

If were to compare CBD vs. Hemp oil the crucial difference, especially when we are looking at their health effects, is that there is very little CBD content in hemp oil. 

Hemp oil can be used as a cooking oil and is basically a nutritional supplement mostly, rich in fatty acids, with vitamins and minerals.

It is also a popular ingredient in skincare products, especially those for use on the face. Hemp oil has anti-inflammatory properties, is highly moisturizing, and does not clog the pores.  

Incidentally, hemp seeds have no THC and only trace amounts of CBD. This is why you can’t get high on the hemp oil, but also why you can’t get the therapeutic benefits of CBD from hemp oil.

Health benefits of CBD oil

The most common benefit of CBD oil is its ability to provide pain relief. There is also proof that you can use CBD for inflammation relief.

People who suffer from arthritis and multiple sclerosis can use CBD pills, edibles, and creams to reduce their pain and inflammation, control muscle spasms, and improve their ability to move. 

There is also considerable scientific evidence that CBD is effective in treating children with epilepsy. Epileptic children who took medication with CBD saw a reduction in the number or seizures they experienced. It proved to be effective even for children who didn’t respond to other type of ant seizure medication. 

Athletes and other people who perform a lot of heavy physical tasks can also use CBD cream for pain. A dollop of CBD oil-infused cream can be massaged into sore muscles to reduce aches and pain. 

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil is also sometimes used in skin products in place of hemp oil. It is reportedly good for sensitive skin and can soothe acne as well as rashes caused by eczema and psoriasis.

CBD is also supposed to help with depression and anxiety and insomnia. 

How to spot the difference between CBD vs. Hemp Oil products

Because CBD and hemp oil are extracted from the same plant, they are sometimes marketed similarly as “cannabis-derived” products. 

Since, as we noted above, there are differences in the benefits you can receive from CBD products and from hemp oil products it is important to check the ingredients list. After all, you don’t want to apply a moisturizing cream instead of a muscle soreness cream.

If the cannabis-derived oil in a product is hemp oil, then the ingredient list will have it listed as cannabis sativa seed oil.

If the cannabis-derived oil in a product is a CBD oil, then it will be on the ingredient list as one of the following:

• Cannabidiol
• Full-spectrum hemp
• Hemp oil
• PCR or phytocannabinoid-rich
• PCR hemp extracts

You should also probably check the percentages of the CBD that a product claims to have. CBD products are legalized in more areas of the world than marijuana, but it is still subject to some restrictions. These restrictions usually center on how much CBD a product can have and the regulations regarding its use will be different depending on where you are.

Before taking CBD, you should check its status in your area. There might be limits on how much CBD a product can contain to be considered legal. If you are going to travel and take CBD products with you, should also check on the regulations on CBD use at your destination.