How is Hemp CBD Oil Different from Marijuana CBD Oil?

CBD oil is derived from the Cannabis plant, and the Cannabis genus is unique in that it’s the only genus within the Cannabaceae family that contains cannabinoids. There are many different varieties of Cannabis plants, but there are only two that CBD oil is made from — these two different varieties are known as hemp and marijuana. These two terms are often used interchangeably, even though they are not at all the same thing. There are quite a few physical and chemical differences between the two Cannabis species.  

A lot of false information about CBD oil and Cannabis products is floating around, leading to many misconceptions. So how is hemp CBD oil different from marijuana CBD oil? 

What is Hemp?

Hemp is a plant that is harvested and grown commercially for the use of its seeds and its fiber. The hemp plant is cultivated to produce a multitude of things such as:

• Shoes
• Clothing
• Accessories
• Diapers
• Hair and Skin Products
• Rope
• Paper
• Building Materials 
• Protein Powder
• A range of foods

Hemp grows quite tall (up to 20 feet) and the foliage is scarce and located at the top of the stalks. This is unlike the marijuana plant. Hemp can grow easily and with minimal care, and it’s grown in over 30 different countries for its diverse purposes. The hemp plant contains the two types of Cannabinoids known as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). The CBD content in hemp is more than the average Cannabis plant. THC is the Cannabinoid that produces that “high”, although hemp only contains a very small amount of THC, with an average content of <0.3%. Therefore, hemp and hemp CBD oil is not psychoactive. 

As it contains a high CBD content, hemp CBD oil is used for relaxation due to its calming and soothing effects. People who suffer from anxiety benefit from using hemp CBD oil because of these effects, along with suffering from physical conditions such as pain and inflammation.

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is grown and harvested for its intoxicating psychoactive and euphoric properties. Marijuana is a smaller plant, with an average height of 5 feet. Each plant has many leaves and buds, and they all need to be grown in a carefully controlled environment to produce the most potent THC buds. Marijuana is illegal in most countries due to its high THC content. Marijuana contains both CBD and THC, with the average THC content in marijuana is 10-16%, while the CBD content is less. Therefore, marijuana oil is used and purchased to experience a “high” or for medical reasons – where it has been legalized. 

The differences in CBD oils

Although they’re made from the same genus of plant, hemp CBD oil and marijuana CBD oil are different in some ways. The CBD content in hemp is higher than the content in marijuana, and the THC content is higher in marijuana than in hemp. All hemp derived products are legal, however, marijuana products are not. The only reason why marijuana products are legal are for medical purposes such as treating cancer symptoms, as it is analgesic. 

The effects produced by hemp CBD oil and marijuana CBD oil are also different. If you use hemp CBD oil, there will be no psychoactive reaction or “high”. You may feel relaxed, calm, and an ease in your physical and mental discomforts. Marijuana CBD oil can cause you to feel “high”, though this feeling may not be as intense as it would be if you were to ingest marijuana another way. Marijuana CBD oil may ease symptoms of depression, stimulate appetite and has been known to treat several serious medical conditions. Marijuana CBD oil may cause more side effects than hemp CBD oil.

In conclusion, hemp CBD oil and marijuana CBD oil have different properties and are used for different things. Hemp CBD oil and products are legal and easily accessed due to their low THC content, while marijuana is still illegal in most countries. Hemp CBD oil is used for its calming effect and to ease a range of medical conditions, while marijuana CBD oil is often chosen over hemp CBD oil to experience a “high”.