Is Hemp Oil for Dogs the Same as CBD Oil?

Hemp oil for dogs is a pretty new product, so you may not fully understand its use. After all, if you’ve heard that CBD for dogs can help your pet, you may want to give it a try. But now you’re wondering, is hemp oil the same as CBD oil? Well, the answer isn’t straightforward. Which is why we’ll break it all down for you in today’s read. And we’ll start by understand hemp, the plant source for hemp oil and CBD oil.

What is cannabis?

Hemp is a variety of cannabis (more on that in a moment.) So let’s start at the top and explain that cannabis refers to a group of flowering plants that belong to the Cannabaceae family.  While that family includes many species, the . best-known are Cannabis sativa L., Cannabis ruderalis, and Cannabis indica. Now, cannabis, hemp, and marijuana are sometimes used interchangeably. But hemp and marijuana are actually different varieties of the same species, Cannabis sativa.

Still confused? Don’t worry, we’re not done yet. But here’s this moment’s key takeaway: hemp and marijuana aren’t different species. In fact, they aren’t even two cannabis strains. Instead, they’re cannabis plant classifications. And they’re defined by their THC content.

What is hemp?

Hemp, also known as industrial hemp, refers to Cannabis sativa L. varieties that contain 0.3% or less THC. That’s important, since THC is the plant’s main psychoactive ingredient. We’ve cultivated hemp for thousands of years, but in the past, that was mainly for its fiber and edible seeds.

There’s lots of CBD throughout the hemp plant. (But that’s not the case with its seeds. So hemp oil for dogs may contain CBD, but hemp seed oil won’t.) Today, CBD (cannabidiol) is an important supplement in the health and wellness industry, since it may help humans and pets fight inflammation, as well as other conditions. Which is why many hemp farmers now focus on growing high-CBD strains.

What is marijuana?

In the U.S. marijuana legally refers to Cannabis varieties with THC concentrations greater than 0.3%. But that legal definition varies around the world. Because, in countries such as the UK, that limit is 0.2%. So, hemp vs marijuana  definitions will vary by location.

Now, medical marijuana refers to Cannabis sativa L. and indica varities containing three major active compounds: THC, CBD, and CBN.  Then, patients with prescription cards can address conditions including pain, nausea, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, and a wide range of other conditions.

How is hemp different from marijuana?

While both plants look and smell similar, hemp leaves are much skinnier than marijuana leaves. Heights are different, too: marijuana plants resemble short bushes, while hemp plants are tall and skinny. And that’s just the beginning of their differences.

Composition

Marijuana typically contains 5% or more THC. In contrast, hemp’s THC concentrations fall below 0.3%.

Cultivation

Farmers grow hemp to maximize size and yield. For that reason, it grows outside, without specialized care. On the other hand, marijuana farmers hope to enhance the plant’s characteristics, breeding for flower-producing female plants, which are rich in THC. Because of these goals, they must carefully control temperature, light, and humidity.

Uses

People use marijuana recreationally and medicinally. In contrast, hemp’s main uses target industrial purposes such as making ropes, clothes, paper and even construction material.

What are hemp seeds?

These are brown edible seeds from hemp plants. They’ve got high nutritional value, and are rich in essential amino acids, proteins, Vitamin E, and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, sulfur, iron, phosphorous, and potassium.

Hemp seed benefits

The seeds are very nutritious and so versatile! Humans can eat them, or transform them into products such as hemp seed oil, hemp milk, ground hemp flour, hemp ice cream, and hemp protein powder.

What is hemp seed oil?

Here we’ve got to separate hemp oil for dogs and hemp seed oil.  We sometimes refer to hemp seed oil as hemp oil, but they’re very different. We derive hemp seed oil by cold-pressing hemp seeds, so it doesn’t  contain THC, CBD or other cannabinoids.

Benefits of hemp seed oil

Hemp seed oil is rich in nutrients, fatty acids, and beneficial minerals.  As a result, it may help with skin conditions such as eczema,  thanks to its polyunsaturated fats. It may also help cradle cap and acne. And applying hemp seed oil to minor cuts could speed up your healing.

Researchers link hemp seed benefits with improved cardiovascular health, thanks to the amino acid arginine.
It may lower your blood pressure, because research suggests that using omega-3 fatty acids with blood pressure medicine can boost your results. .

Is Hemp Oil for Dogs really CBD oil?

Remember hemp oil  derived from hemp seeds won’t contain CBD. That’s because we get CBD oil from the plant’s leaves, flowers, and stalks. But if your hemp oil comes from those parts of the plant, it could be rich with CBD. You just have to look for that tell-tale ingredient listing–seeds–to determine which product you’re purchasing.

Benefits of hemp oil for dogs with CBD

CBD works in pet and human bodies by interacting with endocannabinoid system (ECS). As a result, CBD-rich hemp oil could:

• Manage pain and inflammation
• Promote sleep
• Minimize nausea and vomiting
• Prevent seizures
• Reduce anxiety

Is hemp oil CBD oil? Are they the same?

As you may have already guessed the answer is NO! But, remember, long before we talked about CBD oil, people  called it hemp oil. And that was a different product from hemp seed.

After all, hemp seed oil has been around decades, while CBD oil is a relatively new product. Plus, since we extract both products from the Cannabis sativa L. plant, it is easy to get confused. Want to pick the right product every time? Here’s what you need to remember.

1. Hemp seeds don’t contain CBD. So seed-derived oil, whether its called hemp oil or hemp seed oil, won’t contain CBD.
2. Oils derived from hemp leaves, flowers, and stalks will contain. These products may be called hemp oil or CBD oil.
3. The best way to know what you’re buying is to ask for ingredients lists and third-party lab tests. If you notice CBD concentrations, you’ll know you’re not buying hemp seed oil. Want to know other key terms to look for? Often, hemp seed oil listings are synonymous with cannabis sativa seed oil. In contrast, CBD usually gets listed as full-spectrum hemp, cannabidiol, or PCR. (That’s short for phytocannabinoid-rich.)

Which is best? Is hemp oil with CBD better?

Each product has it’s own unique uses and benefits. So you’ll have to answer that question for yourself. But, when it comes to hemp oil for dogs, we know a bit more about giving CBD to your pets. Always talk to your vet before offering your pet a new supplement. And, once you’ve got clearance, check out our pet-friendly line of CBD-rich hemp oil products.