Explaining CBD vs hemp oil for pain to patients

A flood of products on the market make it crucial to explain CBD vs hemp oil for pain for patients seeking relief

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 legalized industrial hemp farming for the sale of products derived from the cannabis compound cannabidiol (CBD).¹ This compound is derived from a variety of the Cannabis savita plant cultivated for a number of uses, including beauty and health care products.^1,2

The legalization of CBD has led to a flood of products on the market, including hemp seed oil and CBD oil. Unfortunately, a lack of consumer knowledge about CBD and hemp seed products (as well as THC products) can lead to misinformation on the part of both consumers and suppliers. What is the difference between CBD vs help oil for pain and other maladies? What are the benefits of each? How do CBD and THC products differ?

CBD and THC

The Cannabis savita plant has two major compounds, one of which is CBD. The other main compound is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.² While THC does have some of the same healing properties as CBD, it is at much lower levels.

Because marijuana is considered a controlled, illegal substance at the federal level, the Agriculture Improvement Act strictly defines which variety of Cannabis savita can be used for CBD products.^1,2 Such plants must contain no more than 0.3% THC. Those varieties with a higher percentage of the THC compound can only be used to cultivate marijuana.

Although THC is banned at the federal level, individual states may allow for its cultivation. Likewise, CBD may be banned at the state level, despite being legal at the federal level.^1,2

CBD vs hemp oil

Over the last several years, leading up to the legalization of industrial hemp, there has been a growing body of research showing the benefits of topical CBD products as an anti-inflammatory for a number of skin conditions. Topical CBD products, including CBD oil, have been shown to help treat acne, eczema and psoriasis, in addition to reducing the appearance of scars and pain reduction.^3-5

Unlike CBD oil, which contains cannaboids, hemp seed oil only comes from the seeds of Cannabis sativa, which do not contain CBD. However, as part of topical moisturizing products, hempseed oil does contain valuable moisturizing properties that can sooth dry, irritated skin without clogging the pores. One 2005 study found that adding hemp seed oil supplements to the diet helped improve atopic dermatitis.⁶

Check the label

The easiest way to distinguish when comparing CBD vs hemp oil is to look at the ingredient label on the product. If it contains CBD, it will often be listed as cannabidiol, full-spectrum hemp, hemp oil, PCR (phytocannabinoid-rich), or PCR hemp extracts. On the other hand, a product just containing hemp seed oil may be listed as cannabis sativa seed oil.

Given the recent surge of interest in CBD products in the wake of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, you are no doubt be fielding many questions from your patients regarding the potential benefits and legal status of CBD, hemp, and THC products. This is why it is vital to understand both their benefits, as well as any regulatory guidelines governing their use. Given federal and state constraints on the use of CBD products, it is important for both DCs and patients to verify applicable regulations in their state of residence before recommending or using any CBD products.

To learn more go to the CBD/hemp resource center at www.chiroeco.com/guide-hemp-oil-benefits.

References

1. H.R. 2 (115^th): Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.
2. Congressional Research Service. Defining hemp: A fact sheet. fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44742.pdf Updated March 22, 2019. Accessed Dec. 28, 2019.
3. Oláh A, Tóth B, Borbíró I, et al. Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and anti-inflammatory effects on human sebocytes. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 2014;124(9):3713-3724.
4. Palmieri B, Laurino C, Vadalà M1. A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. La Clinica Terapeutica. 2019 Mar-Apr;170(2):e93-e99.
5. Ramot Y, Sugawara K, Zákány N, et al. A novel control of human keratin expression: cannabinoid receptor 1-mediated signaling down-regulates the expression of keratins K6 and K16 in human keratinocytes in vitro and in situ. PeerJ Life & Environment. 2013;1:e40. Published 2013 Feb 19.
6. Callaway J, Schwab U, Harvima I, et al. Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2005;16(2):87-94.