By Noah Chen
Many people get confused when it comes to the difference between hemp and CBD. That’s perfectly normal. While there’s a definite link between them – it’s all part of the same plant – they are not the same thing.
To put it simply, hemp is a plant, while CBD is a compound contained within that plant. That said, it has much more to offer producers and consumers than CBD alone. In fact, its many uses has made it one of the most important plants throughout history.
It’s true that CBD oil has been all the craze recently, but did you know that hemp oil is also gaining in popularity? Not only that, but its tinctures and gummies have started selling as well.
Hemp and CBD vs marijuana
First, it’s important to understand that hemp and CBD can’t get you high. The 2018 Farm Bill, that made hemp legal to grow. It also specified that it couldn’t have more than 0.3 percent THC, the compound that gets people stoned, within it.
Some states do allow for the sale of marijuana, or plants that have more than 0.3 percent THC. But, if you see a product advertised as derived from hemp oil or CBD extract, it’s safe to consume without worry about any psychoactive side effects.
The benefits of oil
Hemp does contain CBD, but it also has many other compounds and minerals, many of which have links to certain health benefits.
For instance, the oil, which is often extracted directly from the seeds of the plant, is high in omega-3 and omega-6. These nutrients can have a positive effect on heart health, slowing the buildup of plaque on our arteries, and reducing the chance of having a stroke. In fact, it’s these same nutrients that have doctors recommending fish oil. Hemp oil actually outperforms fish oil in many ways.
On the other hand, CBD has the potential for many medicinal and therapeutic effects. It’s sometimes referred to as oil, but technically comes from a different part of the plant. CBD, with its potential for lowering anxiety levels, increasing relaxation, and fighting chronic issues like insomnia and arthritis, comes from the flower of the plant.
Hemp oil and CBD oil extraction
You make hemp oil by cold pressing hemp seeds in a manner similar to olive oil production. CBD oil, on the other hand, requires a more involved process.
Most CBD oils occur by breaking down the flower. It’s mixed with solvents that separate the CBD from the plant matter. Most CBD extractors then have to “winterize” their oil by freezing it to remove the solvents. Arbor Vita8, however, has refined the process and extracts the solvent without having to freeze the product first.
Both have many uses
The versatility of the hemp plant is amazing when you consider its potential. This includes everything from hemp grain to hemp soap. There’s even a successful route selling whole hemp seeds. Their nutritional value makes them a good choice for bodybuilders and anyone looking to consume extra protein and nutrients.
At the end of the day, the hemp plant has a lot to offer. This goes beyond what you can extract from its flower. It’s a viable product that has many benefits, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
To access a variety of industry resources, please visit Arbor Vita8’s information center and contact us today to learn how we can support your growing, processing, or manufacturing needs.
