Hemp extract is an oil derived from the stalks and seeds of the industrial hemp plant. This oil can be used for a variety of purposes, the most popular being consumed as a wellness supplement for the cannabinoids,  phytocannabinoids, Cannabidiol (CBD) and more. Before we talk about what it can be used for though, lets talk about some common misconceptions.

There are some common misconceptions when it comes to hemp, especially due to the relation to its psychoactive cousin.

Absolutely not. In order to be legally considered hemp, the hemp plant must contain less than 0.3% THC. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive chemical compound found in cannabis. The 0.3% amount of THC is negligible and cannot produce a high. In fact, CBD is known to counteract the psychoactive properties of THC.

You can buy hemp seeds and hemp seed oil in stores, but it is not the same as hemp oil extract. Oil extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant is extremely nutritious but does not contain phytocannabinoids, which are a part of a diverse class of chemical compounds. Hemp oil extract contains many phytocannabinoids including cannabidiol (CBD), which is being studied extensively for its beneficial properties. Hemp seed oil does not contain CBD. 

If sourced properly, hemp oil extract is legal to sell and purchase in all 50 states. Again, to be considered hemp, the cannabis plant must have less than 0.3% THC.

We’ve heard hemp described as good and bad tasting. The honest truth is…it depends on your personal preferences, just like any other food. If you don’t like earthy flavors, we suggest using a flavored product.

Hemp extract is a high-CBD, low-THC product which does not have intoxicating or psychoactive effects. CBD and THC are both phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant; it can sometimes be confusing to differentiate the two. The following infographic gives a better look at the differences between THC and CBD, as well as the differences between hemp and marijuana.

We’ve mentioned phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids derived from plants), but did you know that our body naturally produces cannabinoids? Endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by the body) support our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is composed of a series of receptors located throughout the body. These receptors are labeled CB1 and CB2.

The ECS helps regulate various biological processes, including homeostatic functions. Phytocannabinoids are very similar to endocannabinoids and it has been discovered that they also interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. With this discovery, it has been acknowledged that phytocannabinoids are an all-natural way to support the ECS.

Hemp Extract
Oil extracted from hemp’s aerial plant parts, containing a natural blend of phytocannabinoids.

Hemp Oil
Hemp oil is used interchangeably with hemp extract, but be cautious: some companies use this term when they really mean hemp seed oil.

Hemp Seed Oil
Oil extracted from hemp seeds (nutritious, but doesn’t contain phytocannabinoids).

Phytocannabinoids
Natural chemical compounds found in hemp extract that have been studied for various potential effects.

Endocannabinoids
Natural chemical compounds, similar to phytocannabinoids, that are produced by our own bodies.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Series of receptors that interact with phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids to maintain homeostatic functions.

Humans first started using the hemp plant as early as 2800 BCE. Today, the hemp plant is a popular, environmentally friendly crop; it helps detoxify the soil, absorbs CO2, and doesn’t require as much water as traditional crops.

The versatility of the hemp plant is practically unmatched. Each part of the plant, the seeds, leaves, stalks, and roots are used for a variety of unique purposes and products. One of those products is hemp extract.

The main difference between hemp extract and hemp seed oil is the part of the cannabis plant the oil is extracted from. Both products usually come from industrial hemp plants, which are varieties of the cannabis plant that contain below .03% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In other words, these products come from plants that can’t get you high.

Hemp oil extract comes from the plant’s flowers, leaves, stems, and stalks which are full of cannabinoid-rich resin. This means hemp extract contains high quality phytocannabinoids, such as CBD.

As the name suggests, hemp seed oil is extracted from hemp seeds. Hemp seeds are rich sources of nutrients such as fiber, protein, vitamin E, and omega fatty acids. Ingesting hemp oil results in positive side effects. However, the seeds of the cannabis plant don’t contain any phytocannabinoids, and the hemp seed oil they produce is devoid of CBD.

Typically, yes. The terms CBD oil and hemp extract are often used interchangeably because the many benefits of using hemp extract come from the CBD it contains.

CBD interacts with a system in your body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is sometimes referred to as a “control panel” for your body because it acts as a communication network between the nervous system and the immune system.

According to the UCLA health department, the endocannabinoid system is a complex network of signaling molecules that reach every corner of the body. These signaling molecules are involved in a myriad of systems, from pain to memory and beyond.

CBD products (such as the CBD in hemp extract) interact with these signal molecules by mimicking them. Hemp extract is such a versatile product because the ECS is spread all throughout our bodies.

In addition to CBD, hemp extract contains a variety of nutrients that your body needs. These nutrients include plant terpenes, flavonoids, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Omega-6 fatty acids. Hemp extract also contains phytocannabinoids other than CBD.

The nutrients and CBD in hemp extract make for a powerful solution designed to elevate your wellness.

We are not doctors, so we can’t diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any ailment. However, there is a world of information at your fingertips. We encourage you to do research on hemp extract and determine the best fit for your wellbeing.