Hemp Oil Extract: Everything You Need To Know

As hemp becomes more extensively researched and widely available, we are starting to realize the true power of this special plant.* But it still generates a lot of confusion. Today, we're clearing up the murkiness surrounding hemp oil and hemp extract products and how to take them safely to reap their wide array of benefits.*

There are many varietals of the Cannabis sativa plant, all of which contain different amounts of THC (the psychoactive component), CBD (a nonpsychoactive component), and other phytocannabinoid components.

Cannabis sativa varietals that have more than 0.3% THC (much more) are commonly referred to as marijuana. Hemp is a genetically distinct plant varietal of Cannabis sativa that contains less than 0.3% THC (i.e., trace levels), and it will not get you high.

For a long time, researchers were only concerned with studying delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component that is concentrated in marijuana. However, within the past decade, they have become increasingly interested in the therapeutic benefits of the other compounds found in both varieties but especially concentrated in hemp, namely cannabidiol (CBD).*

It's important to know that although THC and CBD are the most studied components of cannabis, there are many more active compounds1 found within the plant, such as the phytocannabinoids cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), as well as terpenes and flavonoids.

Researchers believe that whole-plant hemp oils and extracts that contain these other compounds are more beneficial than isolated extracts of just CBD, for example, due to a synergy phenomenon called "the entourage effect."*

So we've established that hemp is distinct plant, genetically and in phytocannabinoid composition, and that "industrial" or "agricultural" hemp is a Cannabis sativa plant that is comprised of less than 0.3% THC. But what's the difference between all of the hemp extracts out there? Here's the gist:

Hemp oil extract has been extracted from the aerial parts (leaves, flowers, and stems) of the hemp plant, mainly for its entourage of native, beneficial compounds called phytocannabinoids.* 

The most well-known of these compounds is CBD. However, unlike isolated CBD extracts, full-spectrum hemp oil is a whole-plant extract, so it contains a blend of many different phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, all of which work together, imparting the entourage effect. Broad-spectrum hemp oil is typically full-spectrum minus the THC.

In the body, cannabinoids interact with and support the endocannabinoid system—a homeostatic physiological system that affects the brain, digestion, immunity, and more.*

As the name implies, this is oil that has been extracted from hemp seeds. Unlike hemp oil, hemp seed oil contains little-to-no phytocannabinoids and is instead extracted for its healthy fatty acid profile. It is typically used for culinary purposes, as well as to support healthy skin, nails, and hair.*

Hemp-derived CBD oil is an isolated extraction of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (aka CBD isolate). This means it contains only the phytocannabinoid CBD and does not reflect the full array of native plant compounds in hemp.

There are a few ways to extract phytocannabinoid-rich oils from the hemp plant, all of which have their own benefits and drawbacks:

In this extraction method, the hemp is exposed to high-pressure, low-temperature CO2 gas, which helps isolate and preserve the cannabinoids in the oil. This technology is considered the cleanest (i.e., no solvents) and most premium. Thus, a hemp oil that's 100% CO2 extracted is considered to be the most high-quality format. The only drawbacks are slow extraction time and high production costs, meaning these products can be on the expensive side.

Ethanol extraction is considered safe and nontoxic in small amounts. The main drawback is that ethanol extraction can destroy the plant waxes, which can have health benefits.

Olive oil itself comes with a slew of its own health benefits, thanks to its high level of anti-inflammatory omega-9 fat oleic acid. In this method, plant materials are heated with olive oil to extract the cannabinoids, but all that heat can affect their stability and potency.

These solvents do a great job of extracting the cannabinoids from the hemp plant, but some residues of these solvent chemicals remain after the extraction process, which can be potentially harmful to your health.

Hemp oil extracts can be consumed orally or sublingually (under the tongue). Sublingual application of hemp oil is a common delivery route for tinctures and is thought to facilitate a fast onset of action of the CBD and its partner cannabinoids.

Capsules are a convenient way to deliver hemp oil, and they allow for more controlled and consistent doses over time. They also allow for other botanicals to be included (i.e., multi-ingredient formulas).

Topical hemp oil products are different than oral supplements, and they can be applied directly onto the surface of the skin.

Hemp-derived CBD has been shown to reduce anxiousness in clinical research2.* Hemp oil extracts containing CBD3 have also been shown to improve resilience to stress and perceived life pleasure.*

You might think about supporting your immune or cardiovascular systems on the daily, but what about the endocannabinoid system? Science indicates that nurture of this unique (and comprehensive) physiological system is important for its care, optimal function, and to support a healthy endocannabinoid tone in our body. Phytocannabinoids from hemp oil4 are one practical and reliable way to do that.*

Hemp CBD has also been shown to help us snooze, with sleep scores significantly improved2 in clinical research.* Of course, this benefit is dependent on timing (i.e., during wind down before bedtime) and dose (typically 40 mg or higher of CBD), which currently lacks clinical consensus and can be quite individualized.

When deciding which hemp oil extract to use, these are the criteria you should look for:

There are currently no standard hemp oil dosing guidelines or defined upper limits. However, hemp has been safely consumed for millennia. In scientific studies, long-term use of 1,500 mg of CBD per day5 (and even and doses as high as 6,000 mg of CBD per day6) have been well tolerated in humans.

But each person has a different genetic and biochemical makeup. This means individuals will respond differently to the same dose of hemp oil, so you will have to experiment to see which dose is best for you.

Hemp oil extract is generally considered safe. Feeling tired is a common "side effect"6 (or benefit, depending on your goals) at higher potencies of hemp CBD.* And though quite rare, some less pleasant side effects have been reported 7with CBD including decreased appetite, nausea, and loose stools.