There‘s a lot of confusion about the definition of hemp oil. People think that it is the same as hemp seed oil when actually it isn‘t. This isn‘t their fault; there are a lot of contradictory definitions of hemp oil, so it can be a bit confusing to know what it is, but to eliminate the confusion once and for all, we have written this blog for you.
What is hemp?
More commonly known as hemp, industrial hemp belongs to the cannabis family of plants, specifically Cannabis sativa. It is one of the fastest–growing plants and was spun for the first time around 50,000 years ago to make fiber. Many people confuse hemp with the other cannabis plants that are known as marijuana. Hemp is a bit different; it contains little to no amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and high concentrations of CBD. For this reason, hemp is the primary source for making CBD based products.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and doesn‘t intoxicate the user or make them high. Instead, it imparts a feeling of relaxation and calm. Data suggests that CBD may have many benefits; that‘s why it is becoming more popular every day.
What is hemp oil?
There is a lot of contradiction among the definition of hemp oil; some people think it‘s the same as hemp seed oil, while others say that it is hemp-derived CBD oil; we are here to tell you what it actually is. It is CBD rich oil containing less than 0.3% THC, the formal name of it is full-spectrum CBD oil. It contains all the cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, and together, they create something called the entourage effect, which means that all the cannabinoids of the cannabis plant work together to provide a more enhanced experience to the users.
How is it different from CBD or THC oil?
THC oil is different from hemp oil due to the sources they come from. THC oil can also be derived from the marijuana plant, but hemp oil is only driven from the hemp plant. CBD oils may only contain CBD and no other cannabinoids and THC oil can only contain THC. Hemp oil, however, contains all the cannabinoids of the cannabis plant in which CBD is the most abundant. The legality of CBD, THC is also different; THC oil is illegal in some states, CBD oil and it are partially legal.
What are the benefits of hemp oil?
Hemp oil may have the following health benefits:
May relieve pain
A lot of people avoid using over the counter or prescribed pain medications due to their side effects and the risk of addiction. People experiencing pain try to find alternative treatments to relieve their pain and often choose high–quality hemp and CBD oil. CBD appears to have anti-inflammatory properties and is believed to be effective for relieving pain. A review published by the Frontiers in Pharmacology suggests that CBD and several other cannabinoids of it effectively treat multiple types of pain. The research about the pain–relieving capabilities of it is mostly based on animals; that‘s why we aren‘t sure about how it works or how effective it is. Once researchers conduct human studies, we‘ll have conclusive evidence about hemp oil’s pain-relieving capabilities.
Could prevent seizures
The CBD in it is believed to have positive effects on epilepsy. A couple of years ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a CBD-based drug called Epidiolex to treat two rare and severe epilepsy forms. According to a Lancet Neurology study assessing 214 patients of epilepsy, an orally administered 2-5 mg daily dose of CBD and their existing treatment effectively reduce the seizure frequency by 36.5%. During the study, the participants received the dosage for 12 weeks and were regularly monitored by the researchers; only 12% reported side effects.
May help acne
Hemp oil is full of fatty acids that can prevent or reduce acne–causing inflammation and are beneficial for the skin. A study published by the Journal of Clinical Investigation suggests that the CBD in it may even be effective for clearing acne marks. The study suggests that CBD interacts with the sebum glands and alter sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance that our body naturally produces to moisturize itself, but overproduction of sebum leads to acne outbreaks. So, by temporarily reducing the production of sebum, it may reduce or prevent acne.
Could relieve muscle tension
The CBD in hemp oil may effectively relieve the tension and stress in the muscles due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory effects are highly effective and help the muscles to recover after exercise or other stress–inducing activities.
May reduce stress
Hemp oil may reduce stress and anxiety by altering the activity in the brain’s limbic region, a part responsible for our fight or flight response. According to a Neuropsychopharmacology study, a single hemp oil dose may be effective for reducing stress during stress–inducing scenarios.
Supports cognitive health
According to a Journal of Alzheimer’s disease study, CBD oil may be effective for eliminating the development of social recognition deficit, a common occurrence in old age. The research, however, was conducted on animals, so we can‘t be sure if it works the same way for humans too.
What are the side effects of hemp oil?
The side effects of hemp oil are very rare and don‘t appear under normal circumstances. These side effects usually occur if the person uses a low-quality product or is using more than they should. These side effects can also occur if the person using hemp oil has a sensitive metabolism that can‘t process oils.
Contains high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids
In small quantities, polyunsaturated fatty acids, or omega 3 or 6 contribute to your overall health and are great for your body. However, if you consume them in large amounts, they can cause bacterial infections and cardiac dysfunction.
May cause digestive issues
People with sensitive stomachs who experience digestive issues after using other potent oils can experience the same issues after using hemp oil. These issues can include acid reflux, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, etc.
Releases harmful peroxides under high heat
If you expose hemp oil to temperatures over 121OF or 49.4OC, its polyunsaturated fatty acids can break down into potentially toxic peroxides. Such type of hemp oil can cause digestive issues in small quantities, but it can cause serious damage to your body in large quantities. Just like other oils, it can also catch fire if you expose it to intense heat.
May interfere with other medications
If you are taking any pharmaceutical drugs with hemp oil, there‘s a chance that the medicines won‘t work as well as they would in normal circumstances. This side effect is very rare and can happen to anyone. So, if you are thinking about using it and you are taking medicines, then be sure to consult your doctor first.
May affect the clotting ability of your blood
Although this side effect is very rare, there is a chance that hemp oil may partially or completely eliminate your blood‘s clotting ability. This side effect occurs if you consume it in large quantities, but it is still a good idea to consult your doctor before using hemp oil even if you are going to it in small quantities.
What is the legality of hemp oil?
Under the Farm Bill of 2018, hemp oil containing less than 0.3% THC is federally legal. There are still a few states, however, that have reservations over the trade and use of hemp oil due to CBD. If you live in a state that doesn‘t have any reservations on the use of hemp oil, then you can easily find it online and at your local health store.
What is the dosage of hemp oil?
There is no defined dose of hemp oil because it works differently for everyone. A dosage that works for someone may be ineffective for the other, so it is best to determine the dosage yourself. If you are using the hemp oil on a doctor’s recommendation, then stick to the dosage they suggest. If not, then start with the lowest dose possible and gradually increase it weekly or bi-weekly.
Takeaway
Hemp oil is a great product and may provide multiple health benefits. Before you start using hemp oil, be sure to consult a healthcare expert to know for sure if it is right for you.