Things You Need To Know Before Using Hemp Oil
You’ve likely heard all about the perks of using hemp oil and are ready to try it out for yourself. But, before you do, you should know that in today’s vernacular, hemp oil may be referring to three totally distinct things. And, if you aren’t aware of what you’re shopping for, you can easily be swindled by marketing ploys and unscrupulous salespeople.
That’s why you should arm yourself with intelligence so that you can make an educated choice. So continue reading to learn everything you must know before you step foot in a CBD store.
Know the Difference: Hemp Seed Oil Vs Hemp Extract Vs CBD Oil
Although, colloquially, they are often referred to by the same name, hemp seed oil, hemp extract, and CBD aren’t the same things. Not knowing the difference is one of the top CBD oil mistakes to avoid.
It’s also important to remember that cannabis and hemp plants come from the same family but are entirely different. For one, the cannabis plant naturally contains psychoactive compounds, such as THC, that have mind/mood-altering effects.
Alternatively, hemp extract is made from the hemp plant, which contains little to no THC. Instead, this plant has CBD, which offers many therapeutic benefits without any psychotropic effects. You can often find this oil in CBD oil stores alongside CBD products.
Different still is hemp seed oil, which is an oil made from pressing hemp seeds. When a label says hemp oil, it’s referring to a hemp seed oil product that contains no CBD or THC. As a result, it’s often found in supermarkets and health food stores around the country and is less expensive than hemp extract and CBD products.
Instead, it’s prized for its astounding fatty acid content and its rich, nutty flavor.
However, marketers know that they could charge more for a CBD product. So beware of tricky language and image placements, such as a cannabis leaf, to suggest to consumers that the product contains CBD when it does not.
Using CBD oil is different still. This cannabis-derived oil is extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant. The process uses every part of the plant except for the seeds. This ensures the highest content of CBD.
The Health Benefits of Using Hemp Oil
Although hemp seed oil has none of the CBD or THC compounds sought for their mental effects, using hemp oil offers many health benefits. Hemp seed oil contains the holy trinity of polyunsaturated omega-6 (linoleic) and omega-3 (alpha-linolenic) fatty acids. And, would you know it, they naturally occur in the ratio deemed most healthy by scientists; 3:1.
Higher ratios such as 6:1 or 4:1 have many adverse health effects such as heart disease and cancer. Instead, with a 3:1 ratio, you see the opposite occur. Studies have shown that lower ratios were associated with reduced inflammation, cancer cell growth, and overall lower mortality levels.
Choosing Hemp Oil Products
Now that you know how using hemp oil can benefit you, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to the test. Using this article to guide you, make sure that you always read the list of active ingredients.
For example, suppose you desire to experience mood benefits. In that case, you should avoid products that list “Cannabis sativa seed” as an active ingredient and vice versa if you just want the heart-healthy benefits of the oil. Remember, not all products are created equally, so do your due diligence before making a purchase.
Did you enjoy this read? If so, be sure to check out the other illuminating reads in our health section.
