CBD and hemp oil are two different things, even though they both come from the same hemp plant. The difference between hemp oil and CBD is quite nuanced, though. What’s more, some brands use the terms interchangeably (usually to skirt certain CBD marketing restrictions) which is confusing for consumers. Even so, understanding the difference between hemp oil and CBD for pain is crucial for proper pain management.
Today, we’ll discuss some key differences between hemp oil and CBD oil for pain, outline what to look for when buying hemp CBD oil for pain, and provide a few tips for managing pain with CBD.
Is Hemp Oil or CBD Better for Pain?
Hemp oil and CBD come from different parts of the hemp plant and contain very different components. Though both have anti-inflammatory properties which can help with pain, CBD seems to have even more benefits like reducing stress, improving sleep, and protecting the brain. All of these benefits combine to improve overall wellness, which not only reduces pain, but also improves mood, sleep quality, and stress tolerance.
Notably, scientists are still studying CBD’s pain-relieving properties, but their initial findings (plus tons of consumer reports) suggest that the benefits of CBD are quite impressive.
Hemp Oil Versus CBD: What’s the Difference?
To better understand whether hemp oil or CBD is better for pain, we must understand the source of each component. For example, hemp oil comes from pressed hemp seeds, which contain lots of healthy stuff like vitamins B and D, plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and other nutritional antioxidants. These elements are wonderfully nutritious for both the skin and organs, which is why so many wellness products contain hemp seed oil.
However, hemp seed oil does not contain cannabinoids, which are chemicals that interact with a special balancing system in the body called the Endocannabinoid System. To boost your Endocannabinoid System, you’ll need to ingest cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, CBN, and more. These elements come from the flowers of mature hemp plants.
Extracting cannabinoids fom hemp flowers requires more advanced processing methods and usually results in one of three extract types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. As the name suggests, full-spectrum CBD oil contains a full spectrum of hemp cannabinoids, including CBD, CBG, CBC, CBN, and THC. Of all of these cannabinoids, THC is the one most likely to cause impairment, though the degree at which this occurs is generally quite small. Even so, people who are more sensitive to these slight psychoactive changes or those who may be subject to drug screenings may prefer broad-spectrum CBD extracts, which contain all of the same cannabinoids as full-spectrum extracts minus all THC.
Finally, isolated CBD extracts are extracts that only contain CBD. All other elements of the hemp plant are removed from isolated extracts, which are often re-infused into hemp seed oil, which we’ll explain later in this post.
Why Use Hemp Oil and CBD Together?
Though hemp oil and CBD are technically different, many brands (like Copoeia) use both substances in the same product. And there are a lot of great reasons to use hemp oil and CBD together, not the least of which is to help consumers get the benefit of both. To be clear, the entire hemp plant is good for the body, not just CBD. For example, hemp CBD oil combines the nutritional benefit of hemp seed oil and the balancing benefits of cannabinoids, plus additional elements like fragrant terpenes and colorful flavonoids, which also lend to its amazing wellness properties.
Infusing hemp cannabinoids into hemp seed oil also makes it easier to consume CBD. Notably, pure cannabinoids are actually crystalline or powder, which doesn’t absorb into the bloodstream very well. By infusing cannabinoids into oils like hemp seed or MCT oil, manufacturers can improve cannabinoid bioavailability, or the ability of cannabinoids to absorb into the body. Essentially, infusing cannabinoids into hemp seed oil helps ensure that CBD makes it into the bloodstream so it can go where it needs to go in the body. Accurately measuring the amount of CBD that goes into an oil can also improve consistency, which makes it easier to consume the proper amount each time.
What to Look for When Choosing Hemp CBD for Pain
There are a lot of hemp CBD oil products on the market, but not all of them can help you manage pain. To choose the best CBD pain products, you must do some research. Begin by choosing a reputable brand that proudly displays COAs, which are official documents that outline the cannabinoid profile of each product. The COAs should be unique to the product and the product’s lot number, and show consistency between the product’s label, lot number, and corresponding COA.
You should also read customer reviews to determine how effective the product is for most consumers. Refer to Copoeia’s product pages for real customer reviews and glowing product recommendations. (Seriously, read our reviews. We’re really proud of them!)
Next, consider the type of pain relief that would best suit you. For example, localized pain relief like back or joint pain could benefit from topical CBD products like our Pain Away Pain Cream or our Comfort Balm Soothing Salve. For more generalized relief, try our Serentiy Soothing Gummies or long-lasting Menstrual Relief Patches. Also, pay attention to recommended dose sizes and consumption frequency to find products that work well with your needs and schedule.
Also, consider the product’s cannabinoid profile when choosing the best CBD pain relief option for you. If you’re sensitive to THC or subject to drug screenings, avoid any products that contain THC. Likewise, avoid products with CBN if you’re more prone to sleepiness.
Finally, look at the product’s ingredient list to determine if it contains any additional ingredients. Notably, many wellness products contain additional herbs and other supplements to help manage pain. For example, some Copoeia products contain cooling menthol or warming capcaisin for fast-acting muscle pain relief. This is especially important if you’re sensitive or allergic to certain herbs and other natural remedies.
More Tips for Using CBD for Pain
Are you ready to try CBD for pain? Here are a few things you can do to improve the effectiveness of whichever CBD product you choose.
- Use Consistently: The best way to reap the benefits of CBD for pain is to find a product you like and use it consistently. In fact, research shows that more than half of people who regularly consume CBD experienced results impressive enough to slow or cease opioid use.
- Track Your Symptoms: The best way to find a product that works well for you is to track your symptoms and treatment plans in a wellness journal. This will help you determine how effective a product is, what your ideal dose is, and what side-effects (if any) you may have to accommodate.
- Try Different Products or Doses: If a product or dose size isn’t cutting it for you, adjust your treatment plan and continue tracking your results until you find the best product and regime for using CBD for pain.
- Make Lifestyle Adjustments: CBD is not a cure-all. Though it may help reduce pain in some people, adjusting your lifestyle to promote overall wellness will have longer-lasting results. Remember to focus on different areas of wellness like sleep quality and stress levels for optimal results.
- Follow Reliable Wellness Advice: Copoeia proudly offers wellness tips and advice to improve pain levels and overall life quality. You can read more wellness tips on our blog, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media for lots of great advice from Copoeia wellness advocates.
Final Thoughts About Hemp Oil Versus CBD for Pain
You deserve a pain-free life and Copoeia wants to help. We offer a variety of herbal wellness products including CBD-infused pain relief lotions and patches, and calming ingestibles. We've spent years creating the perfect blends of herbs, oils, and cannabinoids to bring you some of the best hemp CBD pain products on the market.
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