Every field of interest comes with its own terminology. In the world of CBD, it can seem like there are many terms that are being thrown out there, such as CBD oil, hemp oil, THC oil, cannabis oil, and marijuana oil. With the vast amount of information being introduced, it is easy to confuse one term from the next. We have received numerous questions in regards to the difference between all of these terms.

Reasonably, many individuals research their information on the internet; however, some of the information found online can be misleading. CBD is still a relatively new field and we’ve noticed many reported misconceptions. CBD oil, hemp oil, THC oil, cannabis oil, and marijuana oil all refer to oils coming from the cannabis plant. However, they differ in how they are grown, extracted, and used. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between these terms in hopes of educating the public and helping people gain a more beneficial understanding.

The Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana

First, it is important to explain the difference between hemp and marijuana. It is common for these two plants to be grouped as one and the same. However, hemp and marijuana are two distinct strains of the cannabis plant; they are cultivated for different purposes and react differently in the body.

Hemp pertains to a strain of Cannabis Sativa that has been bred precisely for oils and topical ointments, fiber used for clothing and construction, nutritional benefits, and a broad thriving variety of other purposes that do not involve the euphoria that is associated with marijuana. Hemp is a fast-growing plant and was one of the first plants to be spun into usable fiber more than 10,000 years ago.

Marijuana is a slang term used to characterize strains of Cannabis Sativa specifically bred for resinous glands, which are very potent and grow on the flowers and some leaves.  

Scientifically, the difference between what we refer to as hemp and marijuana comes from the intention the strain was bred for. The main difference between hemp and marijuana is the level of THC in the plant. Hemp has high levels of cannabidiol (CBD) and very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Marijuana is recognized for having high levels of THC and lower in CBD. In order to be considered hemp, the plant must have less than 0.3 percent THC. High levels of THC are responsible for the intoxicating feeling that marijuana is known for

CBD Oil

With that being said, let’s discuss the wonderful thing we call CBD oil. CBD oil is made from the specific hemp strain that is bred for fiber, topicals, nutritional benefits, and more. It is made from high-CBD, low-THC hemp. CBD oil is extracted using the whole plant or aerial parts. Aerial parts of the plant are parts which are completely exposed to air. Since hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, CBD oil products are non-psychoactive.

CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana after THC. Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of over 85 cannabinoids presently identified in the cannabis plant. Since CBD is non-psychotropic, this makes it a safer, less controversial alternative to marijuana while still offering significant wellness benefits.

Hemp Seed Oil

A lot of times people call CBD oil “hemp oil”. This is accurate because both oils are derived from hemp. However, it causes much confusion when hemp seed oil is called hemp oil. Hemp seed oil is much different than CBD oil.

You may notice hemp seed oil as an ingredient in some of your beauty products or while shopping at the grocery store. Although hemp seed oil is very beneficial, it is not the same as CBD oil. Hemp seed oil does not contain CBD. Hemp seed oil is acquired by pressing only the hemp seeds. It is important that you are buying cold pressed, unrefined hemp seed oil because it hasn’t been depleted from its beneficial constituents. Cold pressed, unrefined hemp oil is dark to light green in color, with a nutty flavor. Refined hemp seed oil is clear and colorless, with little flavor and is depleted in natural vitamins and antioxidants.

THC Oil, Marijuana Oil, and Cannabis Oil

THC oil, marijuana oil, and cannabis oil are generally associated with the same product. Essentially, they all mean the same thing. With the help of alcohol, this oil is made by extracting the resin of the female marijuana plant. Remember, the marijuana plant is the high-THC strain. The resin dissolves in alcohol and then the alcohol evaporates. The residue will consist of a thick syrup abundant in THC. This type of oil is illegal because of the high levels of THC.

What’s the Difference?

CBD oil can be interchanged with hemp oil. CBD oil comes from high-CBD, low-THC hemp and is legal in the United States.  THC oil, marijuana oil, and cannabis oil can be interchanged as well. These oils come from high-THC, low-CBD marijuana and are illegal in the United States. When you are ready to purchase CBD products it is important to not only know the difference between hemp and marijuana, but also to purchase from a reputable company that sources their hemp legally. For more information about hemp sourcing and CBD’s legality in the United States, check out this blog post: Is Hemp Oil Legal In the United States?