CBD Oil Guide: CBD vs THC, CBN, Hemp Oil & Hemp Seed Oil
If you’re interested in using CBD oil, this post should be your starting point to understand what CBD oil is and how it’s made. It breaks down the differences between CBD and THC, as well as CBD oil, hemp oil, hemp seed oil, and various types of extracts. Knowing what you’re getting, how it acts, and how it’s made is critical. Because we can’t talk about dosing, safety, and benefits before getting the basics down first!
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. None of the information here should be taken as medical advice. Even if a remedy is classified as safe in Herbal Doula blog posts based on the existing evidence, that doesn’t mean it’s safe for you. The classifications in the database are just a general reference point. Follow your body, keep track of your response, and consult an herbalist, holistic practitioner, traditional midwife, or anyone else you feel may help you if you need expert advice.
This post is an intro on the topic of CBD use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A CBD monograph will be in the Herbal Doula database soon as I’m working on it right now!
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant.
CBD does not cause a “high.” Blogs and even scientific papers frequently mention that CBD is not psychoactive, but this is not true. Anything that affects your mind or brain chemistry is psychoactive.
Yet, CBD has a subtle psychoactive effect on the brain. It’s not mind-altering or intoxicating like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) (Batalla et al., 2021).
THC is the main psychoactive component of marijuana, which has strong mind-altering and euphoric effects. It’s responsible for the typical marijuana “high” (Batalla et al., 2021).
CBD vs THC
In a way, CBD and THC are cousins that oppose each other. They have different mechanisms of action and affect the brain and immune system in different ways (Stella, 2023).
Both THC and CBD have promising health benefits, but THC use is associated with more mental health impairment, including psychosis and addiction. Some people are highly sensitive to THC and its psychoactive effects (Stella, 2023).
THC activates Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1R), which causes its main psychoactive effects. These include numbness and tingling of the extremities, light-headedness, “floating” feelings, and loss of concentration, which may be followed by euphoria, palpitation, sweating, and weakness (Stella, 2023).
CB1R is involved in cell division and brain development, and it’s found in many brain cells in adults (Stella, 2023).
Research shows that the daily use of cannabis-based products with high THC increases the risk and may speed the onset of developing psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia (Stella, 2023). (I highly recommend listening to episode 117 of the Mythic Medicine podcast about cannabis-induced psychosis if you are interested in this topic!)
THC does show promise for chronic pain management, sleep disorders, seizures, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease. However, using it medicinally requires careful consideration of dosage, a person’s predispositions, and alternative remedies (Stella, 2023).
CBD, on the other hand, has a milder and more calming effect. Yet, chronic high doses of CBD can also cause some side effects (Stella, 2023).
CBD has a much broader and different mechanism of action than THC. For example, CBD loosely binds to CB1R, and opposes and blocks CB1R signaling. This is the opposite of what THC does. CBD also boosts GABA signalling in the brain, which has a calming effect (Stella, 2023).
CBD has anti-seizure effects and shows promise for anxiety, sleep, pain relief, autism, psychosis, and other conditions (Stella, 2023; Bhattacharyya et al., 2009).
CBN
But wait, there’s a THIRD cannabinoid you might not have heard of. It’s called cannabinol or CBN.
CBN is a bit like the middle child. Often forgotten and left to tend for itself. Less dramatic than the oldest (think THC), less sensitive and subtle than the youngest (hello CBD) (Khouchlaa et al., 2024).
Funnily enough, CBN is the first discovered cannabinoid. It was found in Indian cannabis red oil extracts in 1896, probably due to THC degrading to CBN due to poor quality control, transportation, and storage conditions back then.
CBN is created when THC degrades, which can happen as cannabis ages or is exposed to air, heat, and light (Lavender et al., 2023).
CBN mildly and partially activates CB1R receptors, so it’s being researched for helping manage pain and sleep issues without making you “high” (Khouchlaa et al., 2024).
Anecdotally, aged cannabis is known to induce sleep (Lavender et al., 2023). CBN is mildly intoxicating—about one-tenth of the potency of THC (Duczmal et al., 2024). It’s been labeled “the sleeper cannabinoid” by many.
Similarly, CBN also activates Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2R). These receptors help balance inflammation and suppress immune overactivation in the body. This can help with autoimmunity and chronic inflammatory issues. That’s why CB2R is expressed only when there’s active inflammation in the body (Bie et al., 2018).
CBN also acts on serotonin receptors, which may help balance mood. Plus, it has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties (Bie et al., 2018).
CBN research is still in its early phases, so we might yet see some interesting benefits of this “new” cannabinoid!
Other Cannabinoids & Active Compounds in CBD Oil
Full-spectrum hemp oil and CBD oil may also contain (Duczmal et al., 2024; Christensen et al., 2023):
- CBG (cannabigerol): non-intoxicating, potentially anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancer, and neuroprotective
- CBC (cannabichromene): may be anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
- Terpenes: may increase blood-barrier permeability, helping CBD reach the brain
- Flavonoids: antioxidants, possibly also anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, and anti-viral
- Fatty acids: CBD oil often uses hemp seed oil as a carrier, and hemp seed oil is rich in various fatty acids.
These cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, in addition to CBD, are believed to enhance the benefits of CBD through the “entourage effect.” All these compounds are thought to work synergistically to help CBD have a greater effect than when it’s used in isolation ( Christensen et al., 2023).
The term “encourage” comes from French and is used to refer to a group of people who surround a central, famous person. Imagine the inner crowd that travels, works, and mingles with a high-profile celebrity or rock star. All the “secondary” cannabinoids and other active compounds are the entourage, and CBD is the celebrity.
The “entourage effect” is said to be the reason some people experience an overall better effect from full-spectrum hemp oil or broad-spectrum CBD oil than with pure CBD isolates.
What Type of Hemp is CBD Oil Made From?
Understanding Where Your CBD is Coming From
CBD is often derived from hemp, a type of cannabis plant, which is low in THC.
Most botanists and scientists agree that there was only one type or species of the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa L, or industrial hemp. Hemp is a versatile herbaceous crop that has been used for fiber, food, and medicinal purposes around the world for millennia (Andre et al., 2016).
But it gets complicated. This species has three subspecies (subsp. abbreviated) (Rupasinghe et al., 2020; Gloss et al., 2015):
- Cannabis sativa subsp. indica: high in THC
- Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa: low in THC
- Cannabis sativa subsp. ruderalis: very low in THC
These subspecies can then be further broken down into wild and domesticated varieties (var. abbreviated).
Don’t lose me here, because I believe it’s important to understand exactly where your remedies are coming from! That way, you can read the labels carefully and know what you’re actually getting.
So, let’s get down to varieties. Each cannabis subspecies can have two varieties (var. abbreviated), which brings us to (Rupasinghe et al., 2020):
- Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa, var. sativa: domesticated
- Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa, var. spontanea: wild
- Cannabis sativa subsp. indica, var. indica: domesticated
- Cannabis sativa subsp. indica, var. kafiristanica: wild
The third subspecies, Cannabis sativa subsp. ruderalis, is rarely grown by itself. It’s an uncultivated variety, native and adapted to the harsher environments of Russia, central Europe, and central Asia. Nowadays, it’s mostly used in hybrids to cause them to “autoflower,” i.e., to flower based on age, not light (Gloss et al., 2015).
This brings us to a total of over 700 strains of cannabis, many of which are distributed and sold under colorful, alluring names. Some are strains of one subspecies, but many are hybrids. Hybrids are created when two different cannabis strains are cross-bred (Gloss et al., 2015).
Also, the highest concentration of cannabinoids (including both THC and CBD) is found in the resin in unfertilized “female” plants. In case hemp is grown only for its cannabinoids and not for fiber and seeds, male plants are removed from the fields.
Hemp vs Marijuanas Difference
Now that you understand some basic cannabis botany, you can grasp the difference between hemp and various marijuana plants.
The modern industrial hemp varieties usually belong to the subspecies sativa, and most medical cannabis or “marijuana” varieties would belong to the subspecies indica. Most hemp samples have a total THC level of 0.3% or less, whereas marijuana plants may have 10% or more THC. However, there are numerous hybrids blurring the line (Rupasinghe et al., 2020).
Although most hybrids are created to have super high THC content, that’s not always the case. The increased demand for CBD products has led to new hybrid strains bred for high CBD content.
How is CBD Oil Made?
1. Harvesting
Most CBD oil on the market is made through several careful steps. This involves harvesting, extraction, and purification.
First, mature, resin-rich hemp flowers, leaves, and stems are harvested and dried or frozen.
2. Extraction
Next comes the extraction. There are several ways to extract active compounds from hemp. Most are covered below, but this list is not exhaustive (Lazarjani et al., 2021).
Ethanol Extraction
Among the simplest and most popular is ethanol extraction, sort of like making a hemp tincture.
High-grade grain alcohol (ethanol) is used to pull CBD and other cannabinoids from the plant.
Ethanol can pull both water-soluble and fat-soluble active compounds from hemp, maintaining an array of natural beneficial plant actives in the extract.
The end product is runny and waxy, so it’s often filtered again via vacuum distillation to remove the alcohol and get concentrated resin.
Oil Extraction
The oldest and simplest method that you could even try at home is oil maceration. Chopped hemp buds, stems, and leaves are added to olive oil, coconut oil, or butter and cooked over low to medium heat. Olive oil is considered to be best at extracting and preserving the active compounds from hemp (Lazarjani et al., 2021).
The hemp-infused oil is then left to cool, infuse, and is then strained. Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, so they bind readily to the oil.
However, oil extraction is typically not used commercially because it’s hard to get consistent extractions.
Supercritical CO2 Extraction
A more complex type of extraction is called supercritical CO2 extraction. Pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) is used to pull the active compounds out at very low temperatures.
The perk is getting some of the purest cannabinoid extracts when done properly.
CO2 doesn’t leave any residue and isn’t toxic. However, it’s costly and complex.
Butane Hash Oil Extraction
Another type of extraction is called butane hash oil (BHO) extraction. It involves running the chemical butane in liquid form through plant material.
This creates a concentrated extract, but butane is flammable and toxic.
Companies that use this type of extraction need to take an additional step to remove all butane residue from the extract. If not done correctly, these extracts can contain toxic butane residue.
Mechanical and Physical Extraction
CBD can also be extracted with physical force, pressure, or temperature. This avoids using any solvents whatsoever. Some examples include ice water extraction, dry ice extraction, and steam distillation.
These methods are not that common. They’re considered to be outdated and are difficult to scale. It’s also uncertain what levels of CBD and other active compounds they yield.
Extracts made through different methods can widely vary in their levels of active compounds.
Extraction Methods Summary
In all cases, the result is crude hemp oil that can be made into a full-spectrum hemp oil. This involves adding a carrier oil or mixing it with other hemp extracts to create a desired cannabinoid ratio.
When you’re buying CBD oil or hemp oil, the manufacturer should state the type of extraction they used to make the product. Pay attention to this.
3. Distillation
Next, the extract can be distilled and partially purified. If only THC is removed and other plant actives are left in the extract, we get broad-spectrum CBD oil.
4. Further Purification
If the extract is purified so that both THC and all other active compounds are removed, we get a pure CBD isolate. Pure CBD isolates should contain 99.9% pure CBD.
So, let’s recap below.
What is Hemp Oil? Is it the Same as CBD Oil?
Hemp oil refers to an unpurified extract from hemp buds, stalks, and leaves. It may contain CBD in varying amounts. Some hemp oils can be high in CBD. Hemp oil also contains other cannabinoids and active compounds found in hemp flowers and leaves.
Hemp oil is federally legal if it contains less than or equal to 0.3% THC. Although this may seem like a tiny amount, some people may be sensitive to it. Due to its THC content, hemp oil can also give positive drug tests.
Sometimes, hemp oil is called CBD oil, especially if it contains a specified amount of CBD. This will be listed on the label, usually as a percentage. Although listed, the amount of CBD on the label may not be correct.
For example, a recent US analysis found that only 36% of hemp CBD oils were correctly labeled. Another 36% had more CBD than stated, and 9% had less (Miller et al., 2022).
What is Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil?
Full-spectrum hemp oil is the same as hemp oil described above (made from hemp buds, stalks, and leaves). It just means that the extracted oil contains a full spectrum of naturally occurring active compounds. Nothing has been separated out.
Do not confuse full-spectrum hemp oil with hemp seed oil! This is an entirely different product.
Full-spectrum hemp oil should contain a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, including trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%).
Although full-spectrum hemp oil contains only traces of THC, it can lead to THC building up in the body with long-term use and higher doses.
Since the amount of CBD in these extracts may vary, they can be harder to dose.
Full-spectrum hemp oil is NOT the same as broad-spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolate oil (see below).
Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil vs Isolate CBD Oil
Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains most of the compounds found in the plant but without THC. It’s made when THC is separated out from a full-spectrum hemp oil.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil is still thought to have an “entourage effect.”
However, CBD levels in broad-spectrum extracts may also vary, and these products face some of the same issues as full-spectrum hemp oil. Also, although most of the THC should be removed and levels should be lower than in full-spectrum hemp oil, some THC can still remain. This can still cause THC buildup over the long run and come up as a positive on drug tests.
Looking at the products on the market, “broad-spectrum” can mean a lot. Some companies have taken the term “broad-spectrum” into their own hands and created specialized formulas. These can vary a lot from product to product.
What is CBD Isolate Oil?
CBD isolate oil is a product with nearly 100% CBD.
It’s created by separating CBD from all other cannabis plant compounds. Therefore, CBD isolate oil doesn’t contain other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and fatty acids (Marinotti & Sarill, 2020).
CBD isolates are a good choice for people who don’t want to risk ingesting any THC (whether due to sensitivity or policies around testing).
Spagyric CBD
This is where it gets really interesting. Spagyrics are herbal preparations that use an alchemical process to recombine all parts of the plant into one, so that nothing is thrown away. This is a transformation process that creates special energetics, and spagyrics are often said to work on deeper levels of the body and mind.
In the case of CBD and hemp, this would look like saving the herbal remains after doing alcohol extraction. The leftover biomass is burned down to get its crystalline mineral remains. These mineral remains are then reintroduced into the extract. For this reason, some companies have called spagyric CBD “the fullest full spectrum extraction available.”
Hemp Oil vs Hemp Seed Oil Differences
Hemp seed oil is produced by cold-pressing hemp seeds. It’s an entirely different product from hemp oil made from hemp flowers, leaves, and stalks!
This is where it gets really confusing for some people. For example, if you look up CBD oil on Amazon, you’ll only get hemp seed oil products because it’s not legal to sell CBD products on Amazon.
Some manufacturers label hemp seed oil as “full-spectrum,” a term usually used to describe CBD oil. So, some people may fall for buying hemp seed oil when they’re in fact looking for CBD oil or full-spectrum hemp oil.
You can also find hemp seed oil in the cooking oil section of your local grocery store.
Hemp seeds don’t contain any CBD or any other cannabinoid. Hemp seed oil is free from THC and terpenes found in CBD oils. It doesn’t interact with our endocannabinoid system.
Hemp seed oil is still healthy, as are hemp seeds. But their benefits have nothing to do with CBD.
Hemp seeds are rich in digestible protein, they have a favorable polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ratio, and contain carbohydrates high in prebiotic insoluble fiber. They’re great for gut and heart health.
By cold-pressing hemp seeds, natural oils from the seeds can be extracted without any chemicals or heat. Just as extra virgin olive oil is made. Hemp seed oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, natural vitamin E (tocopherols), calcium, magnesium, and zinc (Rupasinghe et al., 2020).
Hemp seed oil is considered both a cooking oil and a health supplement. It can boost skin health, help reduce inflammation, and support cardiovascular health.
The Bottom Line
CBD oil is an extract from the hemp buds, leaves, and stems that contains cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a natural compound with calming and non-intoxicating effects, unlike its psychoactive cousin THC.
It’s important to distinguish CBD oil from hemp seed oil and other cannabis-derived products, as they differ in composition and effects. Hemp seed oil is made from hemp seeds, and it doesn’t contain CBD or affect the endocannabinoid system.
CBD can be extracted in several ways—like ethanol, oil infusion, or CO₂ extraction—and may be sold as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate, each with varying levels of other cannabinoids and THC.
Understanding where your CBD oil comes from and how it’s made is essential for choosing the right product and avoiding mislabeling or unwanted ingredients.
The founder of Herbal Doula.
Homebirthing and freebirthing mama to four, independent scientist, natural pharmacist, herbalist, doula, birthkeeper, and holistic health and birthrights advocate. Endlessly passionate about creating and sharing empowering holistic health information and birth support. Ana has written 400+ and edited 800+ articles, some of which reached over 1 million people. She is the author of the first book about homebirth in Serbia. Ana has also authored several ebooks and book chapters.
