Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) legalized cannabidiol-derived products, people have become increasingly interested in using CBD oils and hemp flowers for various reasons. These two products overlap in the benefits they can deliver, but they are not the same thing, and it's essential to understand the distinction.

What's in a Name?

One of the first things we should clear up is the different names you will see used for cannabidiol products. One common misconception, and one that many sellers take advantage of, is the term hemp oil.

The label most commonly refers to hemp seed oil, which is sold as a food supplement and natural remedy. It's full of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, but it contains no cannabidiol (CBD).

You will often see hemp flowers referred to as hemp buds or CBD buds. Hemp flower contains high levels of cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds that can interact with the body's natural endocannabinoid system to deliver numerous health benefits.

CBD oil is a refined extract of hemp flowers and is commonly mixed with a carrier oil created from plant-based fats during formulation. The most common oil used in CBD products is coconut, but it can also be a vegetable oil or even hemp seed oil.

You will know which oil is used by checking out the ingredients list on the bottle. The oil does not affect the CBD's purity, but it does create a more efficient delivery system.

What's the Difference Between CBD Oil and Hemp Flower?

As we've already stated, CBD products are commonly created from mixing CBD extract with a carrier oil. If you want to ensure you are getting an accurate CBD dosage, homogenized CBD products are the way to go. CBD or hemp extract oils list accurate levels on the label, so you can never be in any doubt about how much you are consuming.

When it comes to dosage control with hemp flower, it can be challenging, if not impossible, to calculate how much CBD you will be absorbing. However, there are many reasons why hemp flower might be preferable.

Hemp flower is not heavily processed, which many people believe provides an undiluted experience called the 'entourage effect' when it is vaped or smoked. Because CBD in hemp flower can interact with hundreds of other compounds in the bud, you can take advantage of an entire medley of effects not possible with a CBD oil extract.

CBD oil requires continued use over time before you will notice results. On the other hand, CBD flower provides almost instant benefits, depending on the strain. Most people will feel the full impact of smoking or vaping hemp bud within 30 minutes or less.

Different strains of hemp bud can deliver different results. Indica strains are commonly used for relaxation, while sativa strains are favored for their energizing effects. Other hybrid strains offer a combination somewhere in between the two.

Why Don't You Get High with CBD Oil Or Hemp Flower?

Unlike marijuana plants, the hemp plants grown by licensed hemp farmers contain only trace amounts of THC, which is the cannabidiol responsible for the 'marijuana high.' CBD oils must have less than 0.3% of THC to be legal.