CBD oil, hemp oil, what are the differences?

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, which is summarised as CBD, is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. Hemp and cannabis are the same thing. Once extracted, the CBD is purified to remove all the rest of it, especially the THC. THC is the most important psychotropic substance in cannabis. It is banned in France, and in countries where cannabis is banned. It is permitted in the UK for medical use, as well as in most US states and in Belgium. France is experimenting with medical cannabis. We digress. Let's get back to CBD. CBD is not classified as a psychotropic drug. Its use is legal in France, the UK, the USA, and most other countries. It is considered a dietary supplement. You can find it everywhere over the counter, in pharmacies and on many websites.

What is the difference between cannabis oil (or hemp oil) and CBD oil?

Good question! Cannabis oil or hemp oil is extracted from the seeds, like all vegetable oils: olive oil, sunflower oil and so on. So there is no CBD (or THC) in cannabis oil. This means that they also have different properties, textures and colours. So there is no risk of psychotropic effects when cooking with hemp oil. Reassure your guests, who might be scared. CBD oil will often be put in an oil, which can be a cannabis oil or another oil. In this oil base, pure CBD extract is added. When you see percentages of CBD on oil vials, this is the share of CBD isolate in the total: 5% means that there is 5% CBD and 95% oil. CBD oil is one form of CBD consumption. It exists in the form of capsules, chocolate, candies, infusions. It can also be found in cosmetics.

What are the effects of CBD oil?

The effects of CBD oil are those of CBD. In particular, it has been shown to have psychoactive effects when it interacts with the serotonin system. It is this interaction that makes CBD soothing. Serotonin is involved in the regulation of mood, sleep and pain. It is a brain neurotransmitter. Its calming effect is the one for which CBD is best known today. Scientific research is underway on the subject to verify the real level of impact of CBD on stress and anxiety.

The most recognized effect today is the anti-epileptic effect. In France, the drug Epidiolex used to reduce the number of epileptic seizures in patients with refractory epilepsy is CBD-based. It is used for adults and children aged 2 years and over and is available on prescription after consultation with a specialist neurologist or neuropediatrician. CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in a drug called Sativex, prescribed for people with multiple sclerosis. It reduces pain.

What about hemp oil, or cannabis oil?

We've done a dedicated article on the subject. It's great for moisturising the skin, regenerating it. The same goes for the hair. It's a dry oil, so it's not greasy when applied. Not at all like olive oil! It is therefore very suitable for dry, dehydrated skin. It is also great for damaged skin because it is regenerative. In fact, hemp oil has a composition close to the hydrolipidic film of the skin. Hemp oil is for the same reason very good for the hair. So your skin will be soft.

Now you know everything. You can reassure your parents the next time you tell them you're taking CBD.