What Is The Difference Between Cannabis Oil and CBD Oil?

Many people may get confused with Cannabis Oil and CBD Oil, or simply believe they are the same thing. Whilst they do have the similarity of containing the same chemicals, regardless of where they are derived from in the Cannabis family, they have different chemical makeups. Hemp and Cannabis both contain CBD – it is just that the CBD is mixed with other compounds.

Cannabis plants, including Hemp and Marijuana, are used for range of purposes but the different lies in how they are extracted, the parts of the plants used and the percentage of cannabinoids in the final substance.

The Cannabis Family

It is a common misconception that Cannabis is a particular leaf. It must be noted that Cannabis is a family of plants, that includes both Hemp and Marijuana.

The Cannabis family of plants all contain chemicals named Cannabinoids and bind to receptors in the body for multiple reactions.

Hemp contains no psychoactive chemicals and only holds 0.2% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Marijuana, on the other side, is illegal as it has a much higher percentage of THC and is psychoactive.

THC is a main Cannabinoid – but so is Cannabidiol (CBD).

What Is Cannabis Oil?

Whilst the term ‘Cannabis Oil’ can be used to refer to all kinds of Hemp and CBD oil, it typically is the name for an extract that also contains components of Marijuana, or THC.

Cannabis oil has been found to provide long-lasting effects, a precise means of dosing and discreetness. It is a thick and sticky substance that is compiled of cannabinoids.

It is obtained by separating a plants resins (a substance that is convertible into polymers) from its flowers, by means of extracting. This creates a clean and high-quality oil that can be used immediately. Cannabis oils can also be produced by decarboxylation. This is the process of extraction using carbon dioxide. 

What Is CBD Oil?

As stated above, CBD is Cannabidiol which is a cannabinoid found in Cannabis plants. CBD oil is strictly derived from Hemp and therefore, has high CBD levels and low THC levels. This would make it completely legal – whereas as Cannabis Oil has a high level of THC, it is deemed illegal.

It is made by simply pressing together hemp seeds, leaves and flowers. This provides a great yield as 50% of the seeds can be extracted into oil.

The Legality

Cannabis oil is illegal to possess, supply or use. With the higher level of THC, Cannabis oil can only be purchased where Marijuana is illegal or prescribed. In the U.S., many States only allow Medical Marijuana – like Delaware and Maryland – whereas a few States legally allow recreational and Medical Marijuana – like California. It is only legal is the UK when medically administered through the NHS or a health professional and private healthcare services to manage intake.

On the other hand, CBD is now legally recognised in the U.S, Europe and Australia as a supplement. The UK Home Office notes that CBD, in its pure form, is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. You are free to purchase CBD over the counter and it is treated simply as a food supplement as skin care, in food or as food!

It all comes back down to the levels of THC within the product. The accepted amount in products in the UK is < 1mg THC and if a product goes over this amount, it is automatically illegal.

Take a look at our wide range of CBD products including Oil Drops, Vape Liquids, Terpenes & Isolates, Edibles and Balms.

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