Just when you’ve figured out the perfect dosage of CBD, the right CBD product for your lifestyle, another term pops up in the marketplace: hemp extract. But what does it mean? Is hemp extract the same as CBD? Is it even legal? Let’s take a look at the differences between these terms.


What is hemp extract and is it CBD?


CBD oil comes from all parts of the hemp plant, with the exception of the seeds.


Hemp extract just refers to the extracted oils and compounds of the hemp plant. Hemp contains significantly less THC than the marijuana plant, so it is often used when only CBD or other compounds are desired. Some CBD products, known as 'full spectrum' CBD, contain THC. THC is the compound that produces psychoactive effects. These CBD products will be extracted from marijuana plants, rather than hemp. To understand the relationship between hemp extract and CBD, we first have to answer the question: what is CBD exactly?


What is CBD?


CBD oil, short for cannabidiol, doesn't contain enough THC to create a psychoactive effect.


CBD, short for cannabidiol, is derived from the hemp plant. It’s one of more than 90 chemical compounds found in the plant. CBD oil is extracted with high pressure from the flower, stem, and leaves of the hemp plant. Hemp extract contains a higher amount of CBD in it than other CBD products. Hemp extract also has phytocannabinoids, flavonoids, and fatty acids, which create what’s known in the industry as an “entourage effect.” The entourage effect allows all of the phytocannabinoids to work together and provide a greater benefit than pure CBD on its own.

Will CBD or hemp extract get you high?


CBD oil and hemp extract can be used interchangeably.


While the hemp and marijuana plants are both considered cannabis, there isn’t enough THC in CBD or hemp extract to get you high. The differences between CBD and THC are often confused. Many people assume that CBD will get you high because there is THC in it.

However, most CBD, unless it is labeled as “pure CBD” in the certificate of analysis, is made with trace amounts of THC. The amount of THC in CBD is usually less than 3% (depends on what you’re buying). Because the amount of THC is so minimal in CBD, it won’t make you high. In comparison, the part of the marijuana flower used to get high contains 15-20% THC. The trace amount of THC in CBD is small, but it does serve a good purpose. It helps with the absorption of CBD in your bloodstream. 

Hemp plants are not considered marijuana plants until they’re pollinated with a marijuana plant, which can be as simple as marijuana pollination blowing into the wind onto a hemp plant. That’s why marijuana plants are often kept in a separate greenhouse. 

You always want to check the third-party certificate of analysis of a product when making a purchase online to ensure it contains the amount of THC it does on the label. That’s because cross-pollination of hemp plants and marijuana plants happens more often and less obviously than farmers and manufacturers realize.


What about other hemp products, like hemp seed oil?


Hemp seed oil doesn't contain CBD.


Unlike hemp extract, hemp seed oil won’t contain CBD. It’s the only part of the hemp plant that doesn’t contain CBD oil. Hemp seeds are dehulled and pressed for their oil. It has different properties than hemp extract, including omega fatty acids, which are beneficial to skin and hair. You’ll likely find hemp seed oil in lotions and topical products.


Should I use hemp extract products or CBD products?


Hemp extract products are similar to CBD products, but they contain more CBD.


You can use hemp extract products for a higher dose of CBD, and you can use CBD products for a moderate dose of CBD. CBD hemp extract oils can come in different flavors, such as mint chocolate, lemon twist, orange blossom, and olive oil.

Benefits of CBD hemp extract


Hemp extract, like CBD, helps create a relaxing effect in some.


Hemp extract, like CBD, is known for its relaxation and calming effects. CBD has an effect on your endocannabinoid system, which runs throughout your entire body. Hemp extract also has an effect on neurotransmitters which are responsible for mood regulation and sending messages throughout the brain and body. Changes in neurotransmitters can alter serotonin, the brain’s happiness chemical. Increased serotonin levels can lead to:

  • Pain relief

  • Lessened anxiety

  • Less depressive symptoms

  • More energy

  • Regulated mood

  • Regulated digestive system

However, since everyone’s cannabinoid systems are different, not everyone reacts to hemp extract and CBD the same way. If you’d like to know how CBD and hemp extract will affect you, you can take our DNA test that will be able to determine how hemp extract affects you. It makes it much easier to determine what CBD and hemp extract will work best for you, based on your genetic makeup.


Is hemp extract illegal?


Hemp extract and CBD laws are constantly changing in the U.S.


The laws of CBD and hemp extract are constantly evolving and changing. It’s important to look into your state’s laws before ordering or consuming hemp extract or CBD. Most state laws require CBD and hemp extract products to contain less than 0.3% THC. Some states still consider possession and consumption of hemp extract and CBD to be illegal. Another safe way to determine if the hemp extract you’re looking at is what you’re getting? Always check the certificate of analysis. This helps ensure that there is no more THC in the product than is listed on the bottle, and it can help you determine if the hemp extract or CBD is in coordination with your state’s laws.




There are plenty of hemp extract products you can use for your daily dose of CBD.


If you’re looking for a new CBD product and it says “hemp extract,” you’ll be able to benefit from that product just like any other CBD product. Just like any other CBD, you’ll have to first have a trial-and-error phase of which CBD dosage works best for you. Does hemp extract make you sleepy? Try a regular tincture of CBD oil in a lower dosage. Don’t feel any effects from CBD? Try products that have hemp extract in them.

When you’re looking for hemp extract products, you can benefit from flavored oils, which you can easily take under your tongue or add to your coffee, snacks, and meals. You can take hemp extract in the morning or at night, depending on the effect that CBD has on you. Our DNA test makes it a lot easier to shop around and find which hemp extract and CBD products will work best for you and your genetic makeup. It’s smooth sailing from there.

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