Published on: 06/01/2023
They may look like similar products, but they are profoundly different, both in terms of properties and uses
Cannabis derivatives have experienced a real boom in recent years, which has led to a considerable increase in the supply of cannabis products.
Among the most appreciated extracts surely is cannabis oil, thanks to its multiple uses and the many functional properties it offers.
Depending on the production method and the active ingredients it contains, it can be applied in the food and cosmetic sector, but also in the pharmaceutical sector.
Precisely because there are several types, it is not easy to target cannabis oils. In this article we delve into hemp oil and try to understand what distinguishes it from CBD oil, in terms of properties, benefits and uses.
Read also: Hotboxing, a curious practice you’ve probably never heard of.
What is hemp oil? And how is it produced?
Hemp oil is an organic product obtained from the seeds of the plant of the same name by cold pressing or solvent extraction.
Unlike the plant’s inflorescences, hemp seeds do not contain THC or other cannabinoids, but are excellent sources of omega fatty acids and proteins.
To produce hemp oil, a production process is followed not different from that used to produce olive oil or sunflower oil.
And in fact, several cooks consider hemp oil an excellent and healthy substitute for olive oil, due to its supposed positive health effects, especially for its omega-fatty acid content3 and omega-6, but also by the presence of oleic acid.
The appearance and texture between the two oils are also similar: the tone of hemp oil varies from light green to intense green according to different shades that accentuate or not its organoleptic characteristics (Refined hemp oil has a lighter color, but is less valuable).
However, it is distinguished from olive oil by the flavor, reminiscent of hazelnuts and by the smell, since the smell is less spicy and intense.
However, like olive oil, it is advisable to consume it raw, to keep its nutritional properties intact.
Hemp oil: properties, benefits and uses
A fairly common way to consume hemp oil is by mouth. The main (but not the only) field of application is, in fact, food.
Hemp oil is a vegetable food with a high nutritional value, especially for the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is mainly used (raw) to season salads or soups, as an alternative to olive oil, or it can be ingested in the form of capsules.
From the dietary and nutritional point of view, it is known above all for being one of the few sources of alpha linolenic acid, which is an important essential fatty acid of the omega-3 family with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to its optimal balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (in relation to 3 to 1) which, according to scientific studies, would determine beneficial effects on the body.
Hemp seeds are not only rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also sources of vitamins of group A,B,E (natural antioxidants) and fundamental microelements (phosphorus, potassium and magnesium).
As for the benefits provided by the presence of vitamins, we simply remember that: vitamins B1 and B2 are able to synthesize the energy processes of the body, while vitamin E helps balance cholesterol and protect against free radicals and cell aging.
Read also: These are the countries where most cannabis is consumed in the world
Hemp oil vs CBD oil: what are the differences?
We have seen how hemp seed oil constitutes a dietary supplement, rich in vital nutrients useful to restore the balance of the body and provide it with adequate energy.
And what about CBD oil?
The latter is not obtained from seeds like the previous one, but is produced by squeezing other parts of the plant, such as stems and flowers. This difference makes CBD oil characterized by a good content of cannabinoids (mainly cannabidiol) and terpenes.
In the UK, this product can be purchased freely, but it should be noted that it is not allowed oral administration, nor topical use (ie application on the skin). However, in other countries in the world where the legislation on cannabinoids is more permissive, CBD oil represents a cannabidiol rather sought after for its particular properties.
CBD (non-psychotropic substance derived from cannabis) is a natural anti-inflammatory that, as several studies seem to show, can bring a number of benefits to the muscle system, such as relaxation and the reduction of pain and relaxation of muscles, and fight skin problems, such as inflammation and dermatitis.
This explains why CBD oil can be particularly useful as a message oil.
In fact, it is used not only to relieve the tensions accumulated during the working day, but also to relieve the discomfort and pain caused by intense physical activity. In fact, it is athletes who most often resort to this type of product to combat contractures and traumas and experience a sensation of pain relief.
But CBD oil is also famous for its moisturizing and antioxidant action.
Due to the high content of essential fatty acids, it is used at the epidermal level to nourish the skin and keep it hydrated and protected. Not in vain, this product is especially indicated in the case of dry skin.
In addition, due to its antioxidant properties, CBD is used by some companies as an ingredient in the preparation of cosmetic products. It is mainly used in the production of anti-aging creams, as it would counteract the signs of aging, such as wrinkles.
In conclusion
In this article we talked about hemp oil and CBD oil, explaining what they are, how they are produced and what are the differences that distinguish them.
The first is used in the kitchen to season food and, having been obtained from hemp seeds, does not contain cannabinoids and is therefore considered totally safe. CBD oil, on the other hand, is characterized by a high content of cannabidiol, a molecule that, according to some studies, has particularly interesting properties, in the UK it is still disciplined quite strictly.
In any case, the purchase and sale of this product is perfectly legal, provided that it is legal articles obtained from legal hemp plants.
If you are passionate about the world of cannabis, check out the Sensory seeds store: you will find many quality products perfect for amateurs like you!