Hemp Oil vs. Hemp Extract - Understanding the Difference Can Save You Money

The world of wellness is increasingly embracing natural remedies, and hemp products have carved a significant niche. Among these, hemp oil vs. hemp extract often causes confusion due to their similar names and shared origin. While both come from the hemp plant, they are distinct products with different compositions, uses, and potential benefits. Understanding these differences is crucial for consumers to make informed choices and experience the specific benefits they seek.

The Hemp Plant: A Source of Versatility

Before diving into the specifics of hemp oil vs. hemp extract, it's essential to understand the source: the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that contains very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana. Legally, hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. This low THC content makes hemp products non-intoxicating.

Hemp is a versatile plant with various uses. Its seeds are nutritious and used for food, while its fibers are used for textiles and industrial materials. The plant also contains a range of beneficial compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which are the focus of hemp extract products.

Hemp Oil: The Nutritional Powerhouse

Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant.6 The process involves cold-pressing the seeds, similar to how other oils like olive oil or sunflower oil are extracted. This method preserves the nutritional integrity of the oil.

Hemp oil is primarily valued for its nutritional profile. It's rich in essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6, in an ideal ratio for human health. These fatty acids are crucial for various bodily functions, including brain health, heart health, and skin health. Hemp oil also contains other beneficial nutrients, such as:

• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA): An omega-6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
• Minerals: Including magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Uses and Benefits of Hemp Oil:

Hemp oil is primarily used as a nutritional supplement and in food products. It has a nutty flavor and can be used in:

• Salad dressings: Adding a healthy and flavorful element to salads.
• Smoothies: Blending it into smoothies for a nutritional boost.
• Dips and sauces: Incorporating it into dips and sauces for added flavor and nutrients.
• Direct consumption: Some people take hemp oil directly by the spoonful.

Hemp oil is not a treatment for any specific medical condition. However, its nutrients may offer some health benefits, including:

• Better heart health: The omega-3 fatty acids in hemp oil can help lower cholesterol and improve heart function.
• Reduced inflammation: GLA and other compounds in hemp oil may have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Improved skin health: The fatty acids in hemp oil can nourish and moisturize the skin. This may help with conditions like eczema.

Example: This brand on Amazo* claims it contains 30,000mg. It does not say what the 30,000mg is. While it is true it contains 30,000mg of hemp seed oil, it contains zero CBD. The only reason they can claim 30,000mg is that there are 1000mg per gram and the bottle contains 1 oz (approximately 30 grams) This oil is made to look like CBD tincture. You get 6 x 30ml bottles for under $30, however, you can get a gallon for around $50. Price difference per ounce comes down to this:

Hemp oil per gallon (128 oz) = $50 = 0.39 per ounce.

Hemp oil 30,000mg (1oz) x 6bottles = 6oz for $28 = $4.66 per ounce. 

This is not a good “deal” It is actually overpriced vegetable oil.

This is NOT CBD oil but is labeled and advertised to look the same. Amazo* does not allow the sale of CBD so do not purchase from them if you are looking for CBD.

Hemp Extract: The Cannabinoid-Rich Product

Hemp extract, unlike hemp oil, is not derived from the seeds. Instead, it's extracted from the aerial parts of the hemp plant, including the stalks, leaves, and flowers. This is where the majority of the plant's beneficial compounds, including cannabinoids, are concentrated.

Cannabinoids: The Key Players

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that work with the body's endocannabinoid system. This system helps regulate many functions. These include mood, sleep, appetite, pain perception, and immune response. The most well-known cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD), which is non-intoxicating and has shown promise in various studies for its potential therapeutic effects.

Besides CBD, hemp extract contains other cannabinoids, such as:

• Cannabigerol (CBG): May have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
• Cannabinol (CBN): May have sedative effects and promote sleep.
• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): May have appetite-suppressing and anti-diabetic effects.

Terpenes and Flavonoids: Additional Benefits

• In addition to cannabinoids, hemp extract also contains terpenes and flavonoids.
• Terpenes: Aromatic compounds that contribute to the plant's smell and may have therapeutic properties.
• Flavonoids: Plant pigments with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Extraction Methods:

Various methods are used to extract hemp extract, including:

• CO2 extraction: Considered the gold standard, using supercritical carbon dioxide to extract the desired compounds.
• Ethanol extraction: Using ethanol as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and other compounds.
• Hydrocarbon extraction: Using hydrocarbons like butane or propane, although this method is less common due to potential safety concerns.

To be clear, Hemp seed oil contains no CBD, Hemp extract is CBD rich.

Uses and Benefits of Hemp Extract:

Hemp extract is primarily used for its potential therapeutic benefits, attributed mainly to its cannabinoid content. It is available in various forms, including:

• Oils: Hemp extract dissolved in a carrier oil, such as MCT oil or hemp seed oil.
• Capsules: Hemp extract in capsule form for easy consumption.
• Topicals: Creams and lotions containing hemp extract for localized application.
• Edibles: Gummies, chocolates, and other food products infused with hemp extract.
• Vapes: Hemp extract formulated for inhalation.

Research is still ongoing, but hemp extract has shown promise in studies. It may have various potential benefits, including:

• Anxiety and stress reduction: CBD may have calming effects and help reduce anxiety.
• Pain management: CBD may help alleviate pain by interacting with pain receptors.
• Sleep improvement: CBD and other cannabinoids may promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
• Neuroprotective effects: Some cannabinoids may have neuroprotective properties and protect brain cells from damage.

 

What is the difference between CBD and hemp oil?

To further clarify the distinction between hemp oil and hemp extract, here's a summarized comparison:

 

 

Choosing the Right Product:

When choosing between hemp oil and hemp extract, consider your specific needs and goals.

• If you're looking for nutritional support and a source of essential fatty acids, hemp oil is a good choice.
• If you're interested in exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids, hemp extract is the more appropriate option.

It's also crucial to choose high-quality products from reputable manufacturers. Look for products that are:

• Third-party tested: To ensure purity, potency, and safety.
• Clearly labeled: With information about the product's composition and cannabinoid content.
• Organically grown: To avoid exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

Conclusion:

Hemp oil and hemp extract are distinct products derived from different parts of the hemp plant. Hemp oil is a powerhouse valued for its fatty acid profile, while hemp extract is rich in cannabinoids that may offer therapeutic benefits. Understanding these key differences is essential for consumers to make informed choices and select the intended product.  

Now that you have a better understanding of hemp oil vs. hemp extract, let’s take a look at some questions:

FAQs

Where can I purchase hemp oil? 

   You can buy hemp oil many places online like Amazon or in larger quantities at places like Columbus Vegetable Oils. Many places sell hemp oil tincture which contains no CBD. Several sellers place labels on hemp oil tincture to mimic real CBD labels and fool the consumer into thinking it is CBD at a very reasonable price when it is actually hemp seed oil at a very high price.

Where can I buy hemp extract online?

   There are many online suppliers of hemp extract, including hempexco.com where you can purchase full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate products. They offer other CBD products like full spectrum oil, cbd tinctures, cbd lotion for pain, CBD tincture for anxiety and depression, and CBD capsules for sleep.

 

Where can I buy CBD oil online?

   Again, there are many companies competing for your business whether you are looking for CBD tinctures, CBD edibles, CBD topicals or CBD for pets. Make sure you see the COA for the product you are thinking about buying to make sure it has the potency claimed.

 

What is full spectrum hemp oil? 

   Full spectrum is a term used to describe hemp extract and should not be used with the term hemp oil, since hemp oil is a vegetable oil and contains no CBD. Full  spectrum hemp extract contains CBD, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes.

   

   When thinking about the difference in Hemp Oil vs. Hemp Extract it is important to know the only one that contains CBD is hemp extract. Hemp oil is awesome for cooking, but does not contain CBD.