Cannabidiol (CBD) has grown in popularity due to its natural ability to treat anxiety, depression, menstrual cramps, insomnia, arthritis, and more. There are two ways to access CBD so many people ask, “What’s the difference between hemp CBD and Cannabis CBD?” While the two share essential similarities, their differences are key. Knowing where your CBD came from will help you make an informed purchase.

On a molecular level, the CBD extracted from cannabis, and the CBD extracted from hemp are identical and therefore provide the same benefits. The differences between the two lie in the source of the plant and legalities involved. 

But first, how CBD works

CBD is one of the primary phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike another cannabinoid called THC, CBD has no intoxicating properties. In other words, CBD won’t make you feel “high.”

To understand how CBD works, we have to take a look at the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is an intricate system in our bodies made up of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. Enzymes break down endocannabinoids and endocannabinoids bind to receptors.

There are two kinds of receptors: CB1, and CB2. CB1 receptors are predominantly in the main nervous system and responsible for regulating pain, mood, memory, coordination, movement, appetite, and other functions. The CB2 receptors are located in the peripheral nervous system, affecting inflammation and pain.

Similarities Between Hemp and Cannabis CBD

Hemp and cannabis CBD are identical on the molecular level. Both plants are the same species, producing various levels of CBD.

Whether extracted from hemp or cannabis, CBD has beneficial properties, such as reducing pain, inflammation, assisting with sleep, anxiety, depression, and nausea, as well as supporting bone and nerve growth, soothing muscle pain, and supporting healthier skin.

Both hemp and cannabis-derived CBD are available in sublinguals, such as tinctures, edibles such as gummies and capsules, inhalants like pre-rolls and vapes, as well as topicals like oils and creams.

While hemp and cannabis CBD may be identical on the molecular level, there are important differences between the plants they come from.

CBD from hemp

Hemp plants contain less than 0.3% THC, because that is the federally allowed legal limit. The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 legalized hemp with under 0.3%THC as an agricultural commodity making it nationally available.

Hemp is a specific variety of cannabis sativa. People have grown hemp for hundreds of years, using it to make rope, clothes, sails, food, and much more.

There are three types of hemp-derived CBD:

• Full-spectrum CBD containing all the compounds of the cannabis plant, including THC (up to .3%). All of these cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create unique benefits and effects. This synergistic cooperation and effects of the plant’s components is known as “the entourage effect.”
• Broad-spectrum CBD, containing several compounds, such as other cannabinoids and terpenes, but not THC
• CBD Isolate only includes CBD and no other compounds

Note that hemp and hemp seed oil are not the same thing. Hemp refers to the hemp plant itself, while hemp seed oil refers to the oil extracted from the leaves and seeds of the hemp plant. Although the terms hemp oil and CBD oil get used interchangeably, the two are very different. Hemp oil is derived from hemp seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. The seeds do not contain CBD but are rich in gamma-linolenic acid, Omega-3, and Omega-6 fatty acids, bioactive compounds, and nutrients. More on the differences are explained here.

CBD from cannabis

Cannabis-derived CBD products, on the other hand, are illegal federally but legal under some state laws. There are three standard varieties of cannabis plants: cannabis indica, cannabis sativa, and cannabis ruderalis. There is also a range of hybrid plants that are a mix of these three strains. These cannabis plants contain much higher and varying levels of THC than hemp plants.

State regulated cannabis plants can contain CBD along with THC that is not limited in potency. You can only buy CBD from cannabis plants from licensed dispensaries. Check local legislation, especially when traveling.

Visually, cannabis plants are thicker, shorter, and bushier, while hemp plants tend to be tall, skinny, and have skimpy foliage.

Benefits and Uses for CBD

CBD has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. It is currently enjoying popularity for its suspected ability to treat:

• Arthritis
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Pain and inflammation
• Neurodegenerative conditions
• Women’s health
• Chronic pain
• Anxiety and depression
• Skin issues

Although the treatment of these ailments by CBD has not been confirmed by medical science, many users attest to CBD’s efficacy.

As a food, hemp seeds provide iron, vitamin E, antioxidants, fatty acids, dietary fiber, protein, magnesium, and potassium.

On top of that, the hemp plant itself can be used to make rope, textiles, clothing, shoes, food, paper, bioplastics, insulation, and biofuel.

Importance of high-quality and sustainable CBD

Hemp is a known bioaccumulator, meaning it will drink up anything it discovers in the dirt. This is why it’s imperative that hemp be grown in clean conditions to keep plants free from heavy metals, toxins, chemicals, pesticides, and other toxins.

As a consumer, make sure you are purchasing high-quality, clean, and ethical products by reading a product’s Certificate of Analysis, or COA. It’s basically a cannabis report card.

• If a product doesn’t come with a COA, don’t buy it.
• The COA should be processed by a qualified independent lab that conducts valid analytical science. To avoid bias, make sure that the lab is a third party, not the company who is selling you the product.
• Verify the batch numbers, matching the number on your product to the COA.
• Compare cannabinoid potency levels, generally outlined in total mg, to the levels listed on the Certificate of Analysis.
• If you have purchased a full-spectrum product, a COA can also cite terpenes and a range of cannabinoids present.
• You can learn more about how to read a COA here.

Industrial agriculture, including large-scale indoor grows deplete water and energy resources. They can also require high volumes of pesticides and nutrients. This energy and resource intensive process is irresponsible in the face of climate change. At HiVi, we believe in environmentally responsible, sustainably sourced hemp and cannabis for our curation of products.