If there’s one thing that has gotten the wellness world buzzing, it’s hemp oil.  As you know, when it comes to hemp oil, CBD is the main player.  You may also know that hemp oil can contain many other compounds that could be useful in certain applications.

Another thing you may know is that the world of hemp oil is constantly evolving.  While there used to be only a small variety of CBD products on the market, these days hemp oil is available in a massive range of delivery methods, and there are many different types of hemp oil that each contain their own variety of compounds, potency levels and more.

We’ll be breaking down the many applications that are out there, as well as giving you some insight into how this product is made.  All of this information will help you make better choices when purchasing hemp oil in the future.

But first…

What is Hemp Oil?

Quite plainly, hemp oil is the oily extract that is derived from the hemp plant.  The hemp plant is a member of the cannabis family, and the female hemp plant is naturally rich in a diverse and abundant array of unique compounds.

Hemp is run through an extraction process so that hemp oil can be created and blended with ingredients to create a CBD product’s formula.

Does Hemp Oil Have CBD?

Within the flowers of the hemp plant, there is a potent amount of CBD.  In fact, CBD is the leading compound within the hemp plant, meaning that there is more CBD than any other compound that naturally exists in cannabis.

This is why hemp and CBD are often used interchangeably – when you consume hemp oil, you naturally take in a lot of CBD.

What’s CBD Oil Made From?

As we said, CBD oil and hemp oil are used interchangeably.  So, how is this product made?  Well, it all starts with mature female hemp plants.  They must be picked at the right time as the compounds need to be fully developed in order for the plant to be useful for human consumption.

When the hemp plant is picked, it is put through an extraction process, and most often, the process that is used utilizes pressurized CO2.  The CO2 extraction process is by far the most popular because it’s the best at maintaining the chemical stability of the resulting extract, which means that it’s more bioavailable, potent and long-lasting.

CBD oil is basically hemp extract.  Hemp extract naturally contains all of the plant compounds found in hemp as they occur in nature, only the actual organic material has been discarded.  From there, companies can decide whether they wish to leave the hemp extract as is or isolate certain compounds for specific purposes.

CBD Hemp Oil vs. Hempseed Oil

Now, let’s quickly clarify something: hemp oil and hempseed oil are two different things.  You may come across hempseed oil in specialty food stores, as it’s a popular cooking oil.  While it does come from hemp, it doesn’t contain CBD or any of the other cannabinoids that we deem desirable.

This is because it’s derived from the seeds of the hemp plant, while all of the good stuff exists in the flower buds.  Therefore, hempseed oil will not give you the same effects as hemp oil that comes from the flowers of the plant.

Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum vs. CBD Isolate

Now, let’s talk about the three types of hemp extracts that are available.

• Full Spectrum Hemp Oil: Boasts the entire variety of compounds found in hemp, including CBD, trace amounts of THC, terpenes and flavonoids. This type of hemp oil gives you the entourage effect, which means that you can benefit from the synergistic properties of the plants.

• Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil: Contains every compound except for THC, which has been carefully removed by chemists.

• CBD Isolate: Contains just CBD, as it has been isolated from all of the other compounds. Unlike broad and full spectrum oils, CBD isolate has no flavor or aroma as the compounds that provide these attributes are not present.

Hemp Oil Uses

So, what is hemp oil good for?  Well, as you may know, the compounds in hemp, especially CBD, have been studied thoroughly for their unique effects on the body and mind.

CBD is a cannabinoid, which is a class of compounds that work directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate important bodily processes in an effort to achieve and maintain homeostasis.  This is one of the reasons why CBD is so unique from other plant derivatives.

Hemp Oil Delivery Methods

Hemp oil can be enjoyed on its own, but it’s most often found within unique product formulations.  There are many different hemp delivery methods out there, with each one offering its own interesting effects and absorption rate into the bodily system.  Therefore, hemp oil can be used in CBD edibles, vape oils, tinctures, topicals and so much more.

How to Use Hemp Oil

So, how do you use hemp oil?  Well, first, you have to decide on the right delivery method.  Like we said, each one affects the body in its own unique way, and some work faster than others, while others last longer in the system than the others.  Explore the different ways in which each delivery method affects the body and make a choice accordingly.

It’s also important to seek out quality hemp oil that comes from a company that provides third-party lab results on their website.  This way, you can know that the CBD is high in quality so that you can reap the most potential benefits from this compound.

Another thing about using hemp oil is that you need to find the ideal milligram strength for you.  Everyone’s body processes CBD differently, and it’s important to find the right potency level based on your specific body as well as your needs.

The higher the milligram strength of a product containing hemp oil, the more of the plant compounds you’re consuming per dose, which means that the more potent it is.

Get the Best Out of Your Hemp Oil Experience in this New Decade

The world of hemp oil is becoming more complex and diverse, which can be intimidating to those who are relatively new to CBD.  The good news is that this guide will help you feel like an expert the next time you go CBD shopping.  We’ve covered all of the bases so that you can better customize your unique hemp oil experience on your terms.

Always consult a trained physician prior to making the personal choice to try CBD.