Hemp products have recently exploded in the health and beauty markets; for many customers, this is their first introduction to hemp and its benefits. With the new prevalence of this ingredient, consumers are wondering what to expect, especially there is confusion about the difference between hemp and marijuana. To clear things up, here’s a breakdown of what hemp oil is, how it’s made, and what it can do for you.
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil is oil derived from the hemp plant. Hemp is defined as a cannabis plant grown that contains less than 0.3% THC and was grown under a qualified state hemp program. Hemp oil, when derived from just the seeds of a hemp plant are commonly referred to as hemp seed oil and, truthfully, is not much different from other seed-based oils such as sunflower and canola. However, when the hemp oil is derived from the flower of a hemp plant and that flower had high concentrations of CBD, it is commonly referred to as CBD oil or hemp extract oil. There are some misunderstandings about the origins of both of these oils.
What is Hemp Oil Made From?
Many people associate hemp with marijuana, and while they’re not technically wrong, they’re missing some key information. To be clear, hemp and marijuana both belong to the cannabis genus; however, they have very different uses. Hemp describes any cannabis plant that has a THC content of 0.3% or less and was grown under a qualified state hemp program.
Can You Get High From Hemp Seed Oil?
THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of several cannabinoids found in cannabis. THC specifically has psychoactive properties that can induce euphoria — also known as a “high.” While most hemp does have some THC present, the tiny amount isn’t usually enough to produce these “high” effects. Additionally, it’s the flowers of the hemp plant, not the seeds, that contain higher concentrations of THC or CBD, so there’s an extremely small chance you’ll accidentally get high or that you would enjoy the wellness benefits of CBD from using hemp seed oil.
What’s the Difference Between CBD Oil and Hemp Seed Oil?
CBD and hemp seeds oils are both derived from the same plant. However, CBD oil contains cannabidiol, the cannabinoid for which it is named and is derived from the flower of the hemp plant. While certain people have benefited from CBD in the form of pain and anxiety management, the compound doesn’t produce the euphoric effects of THC. Hemp seed oil contains neither CBD nor THC but relies on other naturally occurring compounds for its benefits.
What is the Manufacturing Process for CBD Oil?
Taking a flower or seed and turning it into high-quality oil is a long process. Only a few producers have their hands in every step, from planting to bottling. It’s vital that one researches the CBD or hemp oil source before buying it.
Farming
Marijuana is known to be finicky, more heavily regulated, and requires a great deal of care. It’s usually cultivated in greenhouses or other indoor areas to comply with local laws and to tightly control the environment to maximize the THC content of the flower.
By contrast, hemp is typically grown outdoors and at a larger scale. Different types of cannabis have different amounts of the various cannabinoids, so the strains chosen for hemp seed oil production are low in THC and CBD.
Harvest
During harvest, the different parts of the plant need to be carefully separated to prevent contamination. Producers of CBD extracts are more interested in the flowers, while hemp seed oil products only use the seeds.
Processing
When producing hemp seed oil, the seeds are separated and are then typically pressed to extract the oil. This process must be done carefully, as hemp oil burns easily and pressing can inadvertently generate heat. As a result, most producers use cooling to limit the risk of heat damage. In contrast, CBD oil producers use the flower material, typically dried, milled, decarboxylated (heat at a precise temperature to convert CBDa to CBD) and then either put through an ethanol or Co2 extraction method.
Filtration
Once the hemp seed oil is extracted, it’s time for filtration. This separates any debris that would lower the quality of the end product. Some manufacturers use several filtration steps to ensure the highest purity. However, CBD oil is typically refined using a distillation machine to strip out terpenes or certain cannabinoids per the producers specifications.
What are the Benefits of Hemp Oil?
So why use hemp oil? As it turns out, there are many benefits to doing so. In fact, it’s been used for thousands of years. However, the criminalization of marijuana possession led to a lot of confusion and fear around hemp, limiting its use. Now that cannabis is being legalized in more and more states, it’s been rediscovered as a helpful ingredient.
Pain Management
Pain management is a huge issue, especially with the opioid crisis ravaging the U.S. Many people are looking for a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals, and CBD oil shows some promise. Several studies indicate that it can relieve pain in mice, though more research on its effect on humans is needed.
Heart Health
Hemp seed oil contains fatty acids that can contribute to heart health. Also found in flaxseed and fish oil, these molecules can help with the following:
- Cholesterol levels
- Atherosclerosis
- High blood pressure
Brain Health
These same fatty acids in the hemp seed oil may promote brain health due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, they may facilitate brain cell communication and preserve cell membranes. Hemp oil also contains polyphenols and other compounds that may protect the brain.
Beauty Uses
CBD oil is being added to many beauty products because of its perceived skincare benefits. Its believed that its anti-inflammatory properties mean it could be a tool to fight acne.
How Can It Be Used?
Hemp oil can be used on its own or added to products. Before you use an item, make sure you read the instructions and consult with a physician if you have or suspect a preexisting condition or are pregnant, nursing or taking any medication. As with any product, you should try a small amount at first.
Oral
Many people take hemp oil orally, typically taken under the tongue or added to food and beverages to mask the taste.
Topical
While it’s possible to rub hemp oil directly into the skin, most people who use it topically choose a cream, lotion, or other product that has hemp oil as an ingredient. There are also shampoos and other hair treatments that contain hemp oil.
Are you looking for CBD and hemp oils you can trust? Here at RYTE CBD, we’re obsessed with delivering the best to our customers. For more information, email us at sales@rytecbd.com or contact us here.