Although it took years for us to realize the true curative competence of cannabis and hemp, there is still some air that needs to be cleared at the earliest. There are still a few who consider hemp as an analog of marijuana. Today, we are about to put forward everything we know about hemp CBD for you to have a clear understanding of what you find in the markets today. Read on.
Introducing Hemp And How It Is Distinct From CBD And Marijuana
The foremost important thing to understand here is that many varieties of Cannabis Sativa plants can be cultivated. These varieties differ in terms of their concentrate of THC, CBD, and other similar compounds. All those Cannabis Sativa plant varieties contain more than 0.3% THC, we call it marijuana. Furthermore, those Cannabis Sativa plant varieties which contain less than 0.3% THC are called hemp. Please note that the level of THC is what determines the level of feeling ‘high’. Therefore, marijuana will give you a ‘high’ feeling but hemp will not.
Ever since it was first discovered, scientists mainly focussed on conducting researches about the psychoactive component THC; which is largely found in marijuana. However, in the past decades, this focus has shifted to discovering the therapeutic uses of other compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant – CBD. In addition to the already known THC and CBD, there are compounds like phytocannabinoids Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), and Cannabichromene (CBC), etc.
In addition to the curative uses of CBD, scientists have also revealed the goodness of the entourage effect. According to them, the whole hemp extracts that comprise other components are more benign than isolates that contain only THC or CBD.
Types Of Hemp Oil
As you already know, the one thing that differentiates hemp from cannabis is its THC concentrate. Let us look at a few varieties of hemp oil.
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Hemp Oil Extract
When hemp oil is extracted for the sake of phytocannabinoids from the seed or stalk of the hemp plant, it is called a hemp oil extract.
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Hemp Seed Oil
When the oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, it is referred to as hemp seed oil. The typical use of hemp seed oil is for culinary purposes or skin, nails, or hair. It has no traces of CBD.
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CBD Oil
CBD oil as the name suggests is an oil that contains only CBD. In countries that have legalized the use of CBD, the oil is made from the hemp plant or the cannabis Sativa. In other countries of the world, it is extracted from hemp.
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Cannabis Oil
It is the oil that is extracted from those Cannabis Sativa plants that could contain THC and CBD in different ratios. The prime drawback of this oil is its questionable availability; as not all states have legalized the use of cannabis.
Methods Of Extraction
Following are the extraction methods used.
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CO2 Extraction
This process makes use of CO2 gas for extraction. In this process the hemp is exposed to low–temperature high–pressure CO2 gas. This helps to preserve and isolate the cannabinoids present in the oil. Due to the process being time-consuming and expensive, CO2 extraction-based products are priced high in the market.
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Ethanol Extraction
This process makes use of ethanol for extraction. It is considered nontoxic and safe. However, it destroys the plant waxes that could potentially be beneficial.
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Olive Oil Extraction
This process makes use of olive oil for extraction. To make the extraction possible, the raw materials are heated using olive oil. In addition to olive oil has its own set of health benefits, it is considered as inexpensive and safe.
- Hexane Or Butane Extraction
This process makes use of solvents such as hexane and butane for extraction. Since these are both chemical compounds, the product’s health benefits could get compromised. Furthermore, long-term use of products extracted in this way could prove to be dangerous for your lungs.
Benefits
The most prominent CBD hemp oil benefits are discussed below.
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Stress
By positively impacting the limbic area of the human brain, the hemp oil efficiently calms stress and related symptoms. The limbic area in the human brain is held responsible for fight or flight response in humans. There are numerous researches to prove this theory.
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Cognitive health
With the use of hemp oil, the cognitive decline related to aging can be slowed down or prevented. Although not yet tested in humans, researchers are in the process of validating this benefit and are hoping for positive results.
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Epilepsy
The trend of using hemp oil for treating recalcitrant epilepsy patients has begun decades ago.
Before starting a course in any new medicine or oil, it is best to consult a doctor.