What is CBD Oil, Hemp Oil, THC Oil, Cannabis Oil, and Marijuana Oil? [and How Do They Differ]
What is the difference between CBD Oil, Hemp Oil, THC Oil, Marijuana Oil, and Cannabis Oil is one of the main questions we get asked. Many people are confusing these terms with the ever-increasing amount of information [both good and bad] on CBD being put on the internet and reported through news outlets. Though CBD oil is not new, it is still a relatively new industry for people and we’ve noticed many reported misconceptions.
The various forms of oils mentioned above are all derived from the cannabis plant. However, most are shocked to hear there is a difference between hemp and marijuana. Both are cannabis plants, but their effects vary greatly.
The Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana
So, your saying hemp is not marijuana… and marijuana is not hemp? Yes… this is exactly what we are saying. Hemp and Marijuana are both cannabis plants, but each is their own cultivar or “strain” of the plant. They are also cultivated for different reasons.
Hemp
Hemp is a cultivar of cannabis that contains higher levels of CBD content and has lower amounts in THC. Thus, not causing the same “high” feeling as Marijuana does. Hemp has thousands of various uses including rope, clothing, substitute for paper, building materials, plastic, and many more.
Marijuana
Marijuana is a variety of cannabis that is high in THC and low in CBD. Marijuana is cultivated for its resinous glands, which are very potent, thus the “high” effect. It is important to note, in order for a product to be considered as hemp according to the 2018 Farm Bill, it must contain less than .3% THC to be legally sold and bought without a medical marijuana license. All of the products listed on our site contain less than .3% THC, which is how you are able to buy CBD online. We also offer lab test results on all of our product pages to prove this. Transparency is key.
Now we know the difference between the plants, let’s get back to the original question of how CBD, Hemp, THC, and Marijuana Oils differ.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is the term used to describe a supplement containing a specified milligram amount of cannabidiol (CBD). It is important to know whether your CBD oil is derived from hemp or marijuana. It is possible to derive CBD from both hemp and marijuana; though the effects will be vastly different due to the THC in marijuana. To reiterate, all CBD oil products found through the Third Coast website are derived from hemp; therefore, they are non-intoxicating.
What is also important to know is hemp seed oil does not contain any CBD, so make sure to view a lab test result before buying any CBD product, or stick to brands you know and trust. In the end, someone taking CBD is wanting to relax and de-stress, unwind, or maybe soothe sore muscles and joints. They’re looking for relief, without the space ride to the moon that the THC oil can offer.
Hemp Oil
Hemp oil is sort of the same as CBD oil of course because as you already know it contains CBD. But CBD isn’t the only beneficial thing in hemp and CBD products can be made in various ways where it may ONLY contain CBD, or CBD, plus the rest of the cannabinoids and plant compounds found in hemp. The products where both are contained are the true “hemp oil” products because they are made with the full spectrum of the hemp plant. This is why they are often referred to as “full-spectrum” and is what you should look for if you are looking to buy hemp oil specifically.
If a CBD product is made with CBD isolate, it will not contain the other cannabinoids and phytonutrients and thus should not be called hemp oil or full spectrum. There have been and still are plenty of imposters who are falsely marketing their products as hemp oil or full-spectrum CBD oil but they are not. If your “hemp oil” is clear in color, it’s not full spectrum. Having a dark-colored hemp oil supplement doesn’t necessarily signify a full spectrum product either, but a clear product will not be full-spectrum.
This is why it’s so important to get a lab test upfront and only buy from companies willing to test and stand behind their products. So, true hemp oil products are very similar in nature to CBD oil products but can vary based on the product type.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is NOT the same as hemp oil or CBD oil. Hemp seed oil does contain amino acids and many other beneficial nutrients, however, it does not contain CBD. Hemp seed oil is sold in most grocery stores nationally and is popular in cooking. Hemp seeds are also a delicious snack being added to salads, oatmeal smoothies, and a variety of other foods. One of our companies founders puts hemp seeds on foods ranging from eggs and oatmeal to banana and peanut butter waffles… he’s a bit obsessed if you ask us, but they are delicious… just don’t expect any cannabinoids.
THC Oil, Marijuana Oil, and Cannabis Oil
These oils are all referring to the same product, which is an oil extracted from the marijuana plant, containing higher levels of THC. To purchase products of this nature, a person will need to be living in a state which has a medical marijuana program [and be registered in that program] or living in a state which has legalized the adult recreational use of marijuana. The state will also have needed to have created laws for recreational marijuana for businesses as well.
As laws around medical and recreational marijuana loosen in states around the US, there will be more varieties of marijuana product types similar to the CBD products described above. Some forms will be more isolate based, meaning they are only THC, and other products will be more full-spectrum in nature like the hemp oil. States like Colorado and Washington already have products like this, and the rest are slowly catching up.
Lab Tests
We’ve mentioned this a few times throughout this article, but it’s important enough to mention one last time. If you are new to buying CBD and don’t have a trusted brand yet, be sure to ask for or check for a lab test result before purchasing your cannabis products. That goes for both THC and CBD. They both can, and required in many cases to be tested for their cannabinoid content and more. If they cannot offer this to you there are plenty of other companies out there testing their products.
We hope this information helps you select your perfect type of cannabis product, whatever that may be. Please contact us with more questions, or browse our favorite most tested and trusted CBD brands.