Hemp extract and CBD are popular wellness ingredients that provide natural, plant-based approaches to pain relief and relaxation.
But what sets them apart? This depends on their respective extraction processes as well as what cannabinoids and terpenes they contain.
Both Contain Cannabidiol
Both hemp and cannabis plants contain CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive compound that works with your endocannabinoid system to support various bodily functions. Hemp-derived CBD contains significantly less THC than marijuana and therefore legal to purchase and use in the US. Hemp-derived CBD can be found in:
- oil drops
- capsules
- topical creams.
When taken as part of a supplement regiment, your body’s endocannabinoid receptors respond by decreasing pain or inflammation while decreasing anxiety, lowering blood pressure and alleviating nausea.
Extracted from both Hemp and Marijuana But…
CBD can be extracted from hemp and cannabis plants through various extraction processes, but hemp plants usually possess higher concentrations of CBD than marijuana, making hemp-derived products the more lucrative and safer choice for manufacturers. Nonetheless, the benefits of CBD do not differ between hemp- and marijuana-derived products as long as they comply with federal regulations.
Hemp extract is produced by pressing oil from raw hemp. This produces a versatile oil which provides multiple health and beauty benefits, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Hemp seed oil can be found in cooking or smoothie ingredients; beauty/health products like soaps/lotions/tinctures may also use it.
Hemp extract can be combined with natural plant compounds to produce CBD products like tinctures. When selecting a CBD product, it’s essential that third-party lab tests (such as Certificate of Analysis [COA]), confirm actual cannabinoid levels with those advertised by its label claims. Reputable companies submit all batches of their products for testing to ensure they’re free from contaminants or potentially hazardous chemicals; this way you know you are getting what you paid for!