Cannabis and its elements-namely cannabinoids-have been extensively researched for a half century since the discovery of tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. THC is attributed to the psychotropic effects (the high) which is found in the leaves and flower buds of the cannabis plant.
However, there exists non-psychoactive cannabinoids with potential medicinal functions, such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBD), and cannabigerol (CBG), as well as others. In fact, more than 560 cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis.
There are basically three types of “cannabis oils” that are derived from the Cannabis sativa L. family. We have Marijuana CBD oil, Hemp CBD oil, and Hemp Seed oil. At first glance you might think they are basically the same, but that would be an incorrect assumption.
There is a lot of confusion around the names of these products. “Hemp oil” is another way that people refer to CBD oil. This is mostly a true statement if you add the caveat that Hemp oil contains less than 0.3 % THC. However, some people may also refer to hemp seed oil as hemp oil as well. This is a grave mischaracterization of hemp seed oil.
Marijuana CBD oil
Marijuana CBD oil is made from marijuana stalks, leaves and flowers that contain a relatively high CBD content and a relatively lower THC content than recreational marijuana that is used for its psychoactive effects.
Hemp CBD oil
Hemp CBD oil on the other hand contains no more than 0.3% THC. Hemp CBD oil is made from the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant in its production. These contain a higher concentration of CBD, which is a compound with numerous potential health benefits.
The 2018 farm bill specifically defines “industrial hemp” and its derivatives as containing no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight bases. The Farm Bill was refined to include hemp-sourced extracts, cannabinoids, and derivatives in the definition of hemp. As a result, Hemp oil must contain no more than 0.3% THC as well.
Hemp Seed oil
Hemp Seed oil comes from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. The seeds do not contain CBD (other than trace amounts) or THC, but still have a rich profile of nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 and, gamma-linolenic acid. It is also high in vitamin B and vitamin D and other nutritional antioxidants.