What is Better for Pain Relief: Hemp or CBD?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between hemp seed oil and CBD oil? While both oils have their fair share of impressive benefits, hemp seed oil and CBD oil are made from different parts of the hemp plant. Hemp oil does not contain CBD, so users only benefit from the nutrients contained in the oil. On the other hand, CBD oil can offer all kinds of benefits, such as stress and anxiety relief, better sleep, effective pain control and more. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is an active compound found in the cannabis plant.

It is not intoxicating, but it can cause some drowsiness. The CBD in most products is extracted from hemp, a cannabis strain that has only traces (up to 0.3%) of THC, the active compound that causes people to get high. THC is responsible for the “high” that people get with marijuana, which may also play a role in relieving pain. Research suggests that CBD may also help ease symptoms of arthritis and other chronic pain conditions. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in hemp seeds make the oil a deeply hydrating option to be incorporated into beauty products such as body lotions and hair care products.

Since the approval of the first cannabidiol (CBD) drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consumers have become increasingly interested in the benefits of hemp seeds and CBD oils. CBD oil is most commonly extracted from the hemp plant, but it can also be extracted from the CBD-rich indica strains of the marijuana plant. Choosing a product rich in THC, CBD, or both could make a difference in the type of pain relief you experience, if any. People won't get high when using hemp seed oil, as it doesn't contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and little or no CBD. Topical CBD products, including CBD oil, have been shown to help treat acne, eczema and psoriasis, in addition to reducing the appearance of scars and reducing pain. Some nutritional supplements contain hemp seed oil because of its high content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid and a nutritious antioxidant content. Getting to know more about hemp seed oil and CBD oil can allow both doctors and consumers to choose the safest and most appropriate product.

Unfortunately, consumers' lack of knowledge about CBD and hemp seed products (as well as THC products) can lead to misinformation from both consumers and suppliers. Kevin Boehnke, PhD, researcher at the University of Michigan's Center for Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research, focuses on medical cannabis as a substitute for pain relievers and opioids in chronic pain. Dr. Daniel Clauw, professor of anesthesiology, rheumatology and psychiatry at the University of Michigan and director of the Center for Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research, leads research on arthritis and fibromyalgia pain, and the effects of cannabis, especially CBD, on pain. While typical cannabis plants are rich in the cannabinoid called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that is responsible for that euphoric feeling, hemp leaves only contain less than 1%, so there's no danger that you'll suddenly feel like it and end up in Taco Bell. Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are both natural remedies that offer many health benefits.

Knowing more about these two oils can help you decide which one is best for your needs.

Micaela de Gallardo
Micaela de Gallardo

Friendly sushi ninja. Award-winning bacon advocate. Avid food junkie. Hardcore zombieaholic. Award-winning tea expert. General coffee ninja.