The Cannabaceae family of plants is made up of different strains. Unlike the marijuana classification of the plant, the hemp plant is a non-intoxicating Cannabis that is harvested for the industrial use of its derived products. It was made commercially viable after the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, and hemp products in today’s society are now associated with multiple industries. It has since been recognized as the strongest natural fiber in the world. After becoming an agricultural commodity, farmers began growing it and various industries began using it for biofuel, soap, building materials, as well as medicinal products. CBD oil is an example of a medicinal product that is extracted from hemp. While CBD can come from either hemp plants or marijuana plants, the end product is not exactly the same because of the THC levels within each plant.
All mammals naturally produce endocannabinoids (endo = within) that keep their bodily systems functioning normally. It’s part of an interconnected network called the Endocannabinoid System that aids in the body’s immune response, cell communication, appetite, metabolism, and memory, among other functions. CBD is a phytocannabinoid (phyto = plant), and studies have shown that these similar receptors in CBD oil can help replenish our internal systems. Some of the conditions that CBD has been touted to improve include anxiety, PTSD, addiction, epilepsy, and arthritis, among others.
Marijuana-derived CBD products contain small amounts of THC and they may be more effective than hemp. However, even though hemp-based CBD is legalized, the same cannot be said for every state in the US. There are currently federal laws in place, but if you live in a state that hasn’t yet legalized medical marijuana or these strains are unavailable, you may still benefit from products containing industrial hemp-derived CBD.
Contrarily, the hemp extract oils that are the basis of all hemp CBD products are made from the flowers and the leaves of the hemp plant. Also known as the source of all the beneficial phytocannabinoids. On the other hand, Hemp seed oil, also sometimes known as “hemp oil”, is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant only, no phytocannabinoids are extracted. While it is true that this oil is rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and can improve skin, it doesn’t have the same benefits as marijuana-based CBD oil.