It wasn’t until recently that the federal government allowed farmers to grow industrial hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation and sale of hemp-derived products, including CBD oil and hemp oil. Here comes the confusion for many people. Hemp vs CBD, which is more effective? Which one is right? People cultivate hemp for a vast number of reasons. Some of these reasons are for making food products, skincare, natural remedies for diseases, and much more. The seeds of the hemp plant are nutritious and contain healthy fatty acids.
The legality of industrial hemp for commercial use brought about growth in the industry. There are hundreds of brands producing hemp products. People are often confused about the differences between these products. There’s no better time to discuss these things than now. If you’re wondering which you should go for between hemp and CBD products, this guide is also for you.
Hemp vs. CBD: The Basic Info
First things first, let’s go over some of the necessary info and definitions about CBD, marijuana, and hemp. Many persons do not know there’s a difference between hemp and marijuana. What is the variance between them? Hemp and marijuana are two different plants from the Cannabis family. The cannabis plant has a variety of species, and they contain different compounds called cannabinoids. The two most-researched and well-known of these cannabinoids are CBD and THC.
THC is the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. That means it has the ability to get you high or give euphoric effects. This cannabinoid is present in high amounts in marijuana plants. CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. People often take it for pain or stress management and other conditions.
Having said that, what is hemp oil?
The hemp oil extract is from the stalk and/or flowers of the hemp plant. It is rich in healthy, beneficial cannabinoids. Hemp oil is sometimes confused with hemp seed oil. These two are very different extracts. Hemp seed oil is a culinary oil rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s made from pressed hemp seeds and doesn’t contain any cannabinoids.
CBD isolate oil, on the other hand, is an isolated extraction of the cannabinoid CBD. So, the hemp vs CBD difference comes from the presence of cannabinoids in them. While CBD oil contains only one cannabinoid, hemp oil has a number of them. The body has an endocannabinoid system that produces its own chemicals, called endocannabinoids.
What’s the Difference Between Them?
Here is more on hemp oil vs. CBD oil and the difference between them. Primarily, hemp oil will not make you feel high or euphoric. It contains over a hundred cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. Additionally, it has terpenes, which are the compounds that give the plant its flavor and taste. Terpenes also have health benefits.
As for CBD oil, it can either be in an isolated form or have other cannabinoids present. The CBD oil isolate has only the cannabidiol, CBD. Whereas there are broad-spectrum and full-spectrum types of CBD. These types have other cannabinoids present in the CBD oil. Ultimately, the difference between them is the cannabinoid content.
Hemp and CBD: What the 2018 Farm Bill Meant for Them
The Farm Bill came at a time farmers and ranchers had their income dropping by about fifty percent. The Bill sought to help these families and also restore different farming measures. It took care of the supply, pricing system, amongst others. Remarkably, The Farm Bill incorporates the farming of industrial hemp. Because of that, the production and sales of hemp and hemp-derived products are on the increase.
The former president, Donald Trump, signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law. This Bill regulates multiple food and agricultural programs. It’s the most recent and covers everything, from research, farm commodity support to local nutrition assistance.
Typically, the Farm Bill is renewed after about five few years. It gives lawmakers a predictable opportunity to address agricultural and food matters. With the recent Farm Bill, we saw federal legalization of hemp. This legalization isn’t, however, without any rules. Though hemp is legal to cultivate and sell, it must need the requirements. For instance, it must not contain more than 0.3 percent THC. Anything higher than that amount will be considered a non-hemp cannabis plant.
Also, the legalization doesn’t authorize anyone to cultivate and grow hemp freely. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will have to approve of a state’s plan to license and regulate hemp. There are states with no interest in setting up a regulatory system. Since some states may not have a hemp regulatory program. A cultivator or farmer in such a state will have to apply under a federally-run program.
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What is the Entourage Effect?
Next, let’s discuss hemp vs CBD and the entourage effect. We said earlier that the chief difference between CBD and hemp products is the presence of cannabinoids. While one contains a host of beneficial compounds present in the hemp plant, the other doesn’t. The presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes in a product is what leads to the entourage effect.
The entourage effect is a theory that suggests that the whole is stronger than one. What this means is using a hemp product that contains various cannabinoids is more efficient. The potential effects of the compounds in a hemp plant are increased when they all work together. When considering CBD oil vs hemp oil, you may want to go for the full hemp effect. Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products deliver this.
How Safe & Effective are Hemp and CBD Products?
This section discusses Hemp vs CBD products, their safety, and effectiveness. There is so much to learn about these products and if they are either safe or helpful.
Hemp Products Safe and Effective
Hemp products are used in treating many health conditions. However, there is not enough scientific research information to prove its safety and effectiveness. Some of the ailments where people use hemp products include heart diseases, cough, arthritis, asthma. Others are urinary conditions, syphilis, pneumonia, bloating, and skin condition like warts.
According to many schools of thought, hemp contains different chemicals. These chemicals slow the heart rate, increase the strength of the heartbeat, and lower blood pressure. They also increase urine flow. Terpenes present in hemp are also responsible for its effects and smell. Studies suggest that these terpenes have many health benefits. Some of these include anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective. Some of the side effects one may experience when you take the whole hemp orally are:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Throat irritation
- Slow heart rate
- High blood pressure
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take hemp orally or even topically. There is not enough evidence to prove that it is safe.
Furthermore, it can interact with some medications like cardiac glycosides and diuretics. Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside, makes the heartbeat strong and also slows down the heart rate. Hemp can slow down the heart rate as well, leading to bradycardia.
Examples of diuretics are Diuril, Microzide, and Thalitone. These drugs work to flush fluids and lower the potassium level in the body. Hemp also produces the same effect. It’s possible to have drastically low potassium levels when you take both together. And this may harm the heart. People who are taking cardiac glycosides and diuretics should not ingest hemp. Consult a health care provider or a physician before you do.
CBD Products Safe and Effective
The FDA approved only one CBD product, a prescription drug for treating seizures in two rare types of epilepsy. This prescription drug is Epidolex. Aside from this prescription oil, there are different other uses of CBD. And state laws also vary for their usage. Researchers are studying the effectiveness of CBD in treating several conditions. Some of these conditions are multiple sclerosis, anxiety, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
Although CBD is generally a safe substance, users may experience some side effects. These side effects are mild and well-tolerated. They include dry mouth, reduced appetite, drowsiness, diarrhea, and fatigue. Also, there can be possible drug interactions. For instance, people who are taking blood thinners should speak with a doctor before using CBD products.
Which One is Right for You: Hemp or CBD?
Hemp vs. CBD, which of them is the best for you? The choice on which of these products to use finally comes down to what is legal in your state. However, if you are in a place where both are legal, you can make decisions based on your knowledge of their differences.
It’s important to note that manufacturers use different names for their products. Sometimes, they use hemp oil and CBD oil interchangeably. The CBD vs. hemp oil differences we listed in this guide may not hold true in that scenario. You should check the label of the product before you purchase. Also, always read the Certificate of Analysis. That way, you can know what the product contains and in what percentage.
What is the Legality of Hemp and CBD?
This section answers the question, is hemp legal? Also, is CBD oil legal in all 50 states in the United States? Another misconception about hemp vs CBD is the hemp policies by the legislation.
Hemp Legality
In the United States, hemp is legal. However, this is with some earnest restrictions. First, as said earlier in this hemp vs CBD article, the definition is essential. Hemp definition by law is a cannabis plant containing no more than 0.3 percent of THC. This is according to section 10113 of the Bill. In other words, any product labeled hemp should not and cannot get you high. The federal law noting the differences between hemp and other cannabis plants didn’t exist until recently.
Before 2018, the cultivation of hemp was solely for research purposes. The 2018 Farm Bill allowed room for more. It allowed broad hemp cultivation, sales, and transfer of hemp-derived products across states. So, people can grow, sell, and market hemp and its derived products. As long as they do so, follow the laws. Ultimately, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp cultivation for personal and industrial production. However, there are regulations and restructuring to ensure people do not operate out of compliance.
CBD Legality
When Donald Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law, it legalized hemp, which contains not more than 0.3 percent THC. CBD from marijuana plants is still very much illegal since marijuana is still a Schedule I drug. Also, CBD is legal to use on a federal level only when hemp production follows all the regulations set by the Farm Bill. The grower must have a license and produce hemp to be consistent with the federal and state laws.
The Farm Bill, unfortunately, has little effect on the state hemp and cannabis programs. There are about thirty-three states that legalized cannabis for medical purposes. Also, about ten legalized it only for adults. While the Bill allows you to transport CBD across states, CBD is still illegal in a few states. To stay on the safer side, check your state laws.
That said, the regulations and restrictions on CBD are mostly on the manufacturers, not the consumers.
Conclusion
The hemp vs CBD difference boils down to their cannabinoid content. Cannabinoids are beneficial compounds, including CBD and THC. Hemp oil contains many cannabinoids, while CBD isolate has only one cannabinoid, which is CBD. Hemp seed oil, in contrast, has no cannabinoids. It should not be mistaken with hemp oil. Also, you can find CBD oil that contains some of the other cannabinoids apart from CBD. Those are called full-spectrum CBD oil and broad-spectrum CBD oil.
Go for a product that contains all the cannabinoids if you want to reap the full benefits of the hemp plant. Both hemp oil and hemp-derived CBD oil contain 0.3 percent THC or less, and they are legal. Research on hemp plant and CBD is still in its infancy. Also, keep in mind that the FDA does not regulate these products. Be sure to select hemp and CBD oil that is of the highest quality.
