CBD and hemp are often confused to be described interchangeably with one another, but they are in fact quite different. In order to know which supplement is best suited to your needs, we’ve outlined a few primary differences.
The plant explained
There are two main types of cannabis plant, Very often the distinction is a legal one, with there being more than 0.2% THC in the marijuana species. The marijuana plant naturally contains low levels of cannabidiol (the health enhancing compound known as CBD), but very high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (the psychoactive compound that can give a ‘high’ – often referred to as THC).
Within the marijuana plant, there are several well known strains such as the sativa and indica variety. Alternatively, some hemp plants have been cultivated in recent decades to yield very high levels of CBD and only trace amounts of THC. These have been specifically grown for its use in the wellness industry to produce CBD-rich products.
As such, CBD and hemp are both extracted from the hemp plant – hence the frequent confusion! But they are still different, and here’s why…
Hemp extract
Hemp extract is typically produced from the aerial parts of the hemp plant, which includes the leaves, flowers and stems. Mainly used for it’s natural, rewarding compounds called phytocannabinoids, hemp extract is often sold as a supplement. Why? Because the phytocannabinoids seem to interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which may help to maintain a natural, healthy balance within your body.
But beware, hemp extract is not to be confused with hemp oil! Hemp oil is a totally different product in itself. Derived from the seeds of the hemp plant, the oil is packed full of health-boosting omega fatty acids and vitamins – with the primary difference being that it doesn’t contain any phytocannabinoids or CBD.
CBD
CBD oil, on the other hand, is extracted from specific hemp plants that have been cultivated to produce higher levels of CBD. It’s extraction methods also differ and focuses on the whole plant. This key difference has a large impact, as whole plant CBD contains the full spectrum of compounds, including CBD, terpenes and flavonoids. Like phytocannabinoids, these compounds seem to interact with your endocannabinoid system for an overall health boosting effect. However, unlike hemp extract, the whole plant CBD oils are rich in active and potent cannabinoids due to undergoing a more superior extraction process, with each compound able to harmonise with one another to give an all-encompassing, optimising result known as the entourage effect.
