There is a lot of confusion surrounding CBD oil, partly because it is often mistaken for hemp oil or THC oil. These are products that are frequently mixed up, yet they are very different!

What is CBD Oil?

As you may have read earlier, CBD oil is sometimes confused with hemp oil or THC oil. However, CBD oil is something entirely different! So, what exactly is the difference? Firstly, it is important to know that there is a difference between the hemp plant and the cannabis plant. Both plants are derived from Cannabis Sativa Linnaeus, but the hemp plant is legally cultivated for industrial use, while the cannabis plant is grown illegally for recreational use due to its mind-altering effects. The hemp plant is a crop with long sturdy stalks, primarily cultivated by farmers for its strong fibres, which are used in the clothing and construction industries. Additionally, hemp is also used for personal care products like face cream and body lotion, and the seeds of the hemp plant are used for consumption. The cannabis plant, on the other hand, is a short bushy plant that can induce a “high” feeling due to its high content of psychoactive substances when, for example, smoked.

Firstly, it is important to know that there is a difference between the hemp plant and the cannabis plant.

Cannabinoids

Both the hemp and cannabis plants contain over 100 types of cannabinoids. The two most well-known are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC. The main difference between the two is that CBD does not have a mind-altering effect, whereas THC does; it can make you high. The hemp plant contains only a small percentage of THC, namely 0.3 to 1.5%, which is further reduced when hemp is processed for industrial use. This is why hemp is legally cultivated in the Netherlands and many other European countries. The cannabis plant contains 5 to 25% THC, depending on the type, which is quite a difference. Cannabis is mainly used for its psychoactive effects, while the hemp plant is used for the active substance CBD. The reason CBD and THC have an effect on your body is because the human body also has a cannabinoid system and produces these substances itself.

CBD Oil

CBD oil for industrial use is obtained from the hemp plant because it contains a relatively high amount of CBD and, as mentioned earlier, a negligible amount of THC. It therefore does not have a mind-altering effect. It is also important to note that hemp is legally cultivated, and the production of CBD oil through this route does not cause any issues. The oil is pressed from the entire plant or just the tops.

Hemp Oil

Hemp oil or hemp seed oil is obtained by pressing the seeds of the hemp plant. This oil contains no CBD or THC but is rich in fatty acids such as omega 3, 6, and 9, and is delicious in your dishes, much like olive oil. It is best not to heat this oil (like extra virgin olive oil) and to mix it cold into your food or sprinkle it over your salad.

Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oil, also known as THC oil, is made from the resin of the cannabis plant and contains a high level of THC. This oil therefore has a psychoactive effect, meaning it can make you high. This is also why it is illegal in the Netherlands. In exceptional cases, it can be obtained on prescription from your treating physician, but the application must meet strict requirements. Cannabis oil also contains some CBD, but the percentage is much lower than in pure CBD oil.

Personal Care Products

The previously mentioned cannabinoid system is present in various parts of the body, including the skin. Skin care products based on CBD oil are therefore a good addition to your daily care routine. You can choose to buy products that already contain CBD oil, or you can purchase a high-quality CBD oil and add it to your night cream, for example. There are also products based on hemp seed oil, which provide excellent care for the skin because they are rich in various fatty acids (omega 3, 6, 9).

CBD Oil Supplementation

CBD oil is available in drops, capsules, and soft gels. The advantage of capsules and soft gels is that you do not taste the pronounced flavour of CBD oil, but the downside is that it is more challenging to dose. When you start taking CBD oil, it is best to start slowly and gradually increase the dosage. This is much easier with drops than with capsules. You can mix the drops with yoghurt or some juice to mask the herbal taste. Always choose a reliable brand when purchasing CBD oil to ensure that you are consuming pure CBD oil with a THC value of less than 0.2%.

The advantage of capsules and soft gels is that you do not taste the pronounced flavour of CBD oil

Travelling with CBD Oil

In the Netherlands, CBD is not classified under the Opium Act and can therefore be taken across borders without issues. The rules for other European countries are less clear, so always check with the customs of the respective country to see if it can be taken on a trip without problems. Taking CBD oil to other continents is not recommended because the regulations are much stricter there.

Author: Noëlle van Seggelen