What is a Cannabinoid?

There are more than one hundred unique compounds found in the Cannabis plant. These compounds are called cannabinoids. The two most famous cannabinoids are CBD and THC. THC is the cannabinoid that acts as a euphoriant and gets you “high.” CBD is the non-psychoactive, non-intoxicating cannabinoid that has recently received so much attention in the medical as well as the health and wellness space.

What is the difference between Cannabis and Hemp?
Cannabis and Hemp are actually two varieties of the same plant species – Cannabis Sativa. Because they share the same species name, there is a lot of confusion around the differences between them. Both varieties produce cannabinoids. Hemp is the variety of Cannabis Sativa that has been bred to have very low levels of THC (0.3% or less) and high levels of CBD. To be legally considered Hemp, the Cannabis plant must have no more than 0.3% THC.

What is broad spectrum?
CBD is extracted from the Hemp plant. There are different methods of extraction which yield different kinds of extracts. Another term for these extracts is “hemp oil.” Some CBD products use isolate which is 100% pure CBD with all of the other compounds of the plant stripped away. CBD extracts which contain 80-90% CBD. The remaining 10-20% include the plant’s naturally occurring terpenes and phytocannabinoids. It is believed that these compounds aid in bioavailability, so the body can absorb and make the best use of the CBD.

Is there a difference between hemp oil and hemp seed oil?
Hemp oil is CBD oil. It is pressed from the leaves, flowers, stems, and stalks of the plant and contains cannabinoids and other compounds. Hemp seed oil, on the other hand, is pressed from the seeds of the plant, which contain NO CBD. Hemp seed oil has been on the market for decades as a food and dietary supplement and is sometimes used in beauty and personal care products. Hemp seed oil does not have the same properties and benefits as Hemp oil/CBD oil.

I see beauty products on the market sometimes labeled or marketed as containing “Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil.” Do these products contain CBD?

No. Only products labeled with CBD or Hemp Oil contain CBD. The scientific name for Hemp is Cannabis Sativa and with Cannabis becoming more popular and less stigmatized, some brands are using the scientific name for Hemp Seed Oil – Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil – in their marketing. Check the ingredient list – if you only see Hemp Seed Oil or Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil listed, the product does not contain CBD!