Cannabis 101: Charlotte’s Web vs. Hemp Seed Oil vs. Marijuana

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jen Palmer, ND –  Naturopathic Doctor,
Director of Education for Charlotte’s Web™

The questions we get asked most often revolve around the confusion between Charlotte’s Web hemp extract oil, hemp seed oil, and marijuana. It’s natural. Unless you’re a botanist, marijuana and hemp look very similar, and people use the word “cannabis” interchangeably between the two. Also, people see hemp seed oil in the grocery store and assume that it’s the same thing as our Charlotte’s Web hemp extract. We want to clear up some of the confusion and arm you with powerful health and wellness knowledge that will ultimately help you experience the benefits of Charlotte’s Web full-spectrum phytocannabinoid hemp oil extract.

Before diving in, a key component of this conversation is a crucial vocabulary word you’ll see when researching hemp: phytocannabinoid. Phytocannabinoids are the primary chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant. The two most well-known phytocannabinoids are THC and CBD.

To get started, let’s clarify some common points of confusion between hemp and marijuana.

Some common questions about hemp vs. marijuana:

Hemp is psychoactive, right? No.

Hemp and marijuana are in the cannabis family, so that makes them the same? No.

Do I need a medical marijuana card to buy hemp extract with CBD? No.

Are the plant chemicals identical in marijuana and hemp? No.

Does Charlotte’s Web hemp extract contain more phytocannabinoids than just CBD? Yes.

Hemp vs. Marijuana Breakdown

Let’s shed some light on these incredible and controversial plants:

• Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis and contain phytocannabinoids. Phyto means “plant.” Humans and all mammals produce what are known as endocannabinoids. Endo means “within.” These compounds are key players in normal immune and central nervous system function. Hemp’s phytocannabinoids work with our Endocannabinoid System (ECS), a vast receptor system that helps support homeostasis and health.*
• Marijuana has > 0.3% THC (the only phytocannabinoid that gets you “high”).
• Hemp has < 0.3% THC and is not psychoactive.
• Marijuana is most often associated with THC and hemp extract is often associated with CBD, a health & wellness phytocannabinoid.
• Charlotte’s Web proprietary, non-GMO hemp genetics contains a unique combination of phytocannabinoids; it’s more than just CBD. Charlotte’s Web also includes naturally occurring terpenes, flavonoids, and other valuable hemp compounds that work synergistically to heighten positive effects, sometimes referred to as the “Entourage Effect,” making it more complete than single-compound CBD alternatives.

Hemp Extract Oil 7mg CBD/1mL vs. Hemp Seed Oil

Some common questions:

Are hemp seed oil and CW hemp extract oil the same thing? No.
Does hemp seed oil and hemp extract oil contain similar amounts of phytocannabinoids? No.
Are both made from the same parts of the hemp plant? No.
Is Charlotte’s Web hemp extract oil made from the entire plant? Yes.

Key takeaways:

• Hemp extract like Charlotte’s Web is rich in phytocannabinoids and used to help support calm, focus, recovery from exercise-induced inflammation, and more.
• Hemp seed oil is rich in omega fatty acids but contains low levels of CBD or none at all.
• Hemp seed oil is used in cooking, beauty products, and as a biofuel source.
• Charlotte’s Web hemp extract is made from the entire plant, while hemp seed oil is made from the seeds.

In Conclusion

Now that you know the differences between our hemp extract oil, hemp seed oil, and marijuana, we recommend that you always seek quality and consistent full-spectrum phytocannabinoids for your optimal wellbeing. While world-class genetics are the foundation of Charlotte’s Web, quality is in the details.

The production and quality of care that goes into Charlotte’s Web products are unmatched. The process is overseen entirely by the founders of Charlotte’s Web — the Stanley Brothers– beginning with cloning and hand-planting non-GMO plants on family farms, to manufacturing in an FDA-certified facility with 3rd party-verified Good Manufacturing Practices. It’s this dedication that makes us The World’s Most Trusted Hemp Extract^™.

To learn more about all things CBD, sign up for our email list, read our CBD 101 resource page, check out our CBD oils and gummies, or drop us a line.

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