What’s the difference between Hemp and CBD?

With so many people choosing hemp and CBD products for their overall health and wellbeing, it can be confusing since they seem to be used interchangeably, but there are a few key differences between Hemp and CBD.

First, it is important to know that CBD is actually a chemical found within the hemp plant and extracted from different parts of the mature hemp plant. A product that states that it uses whole plant hemp contains CBD (Cannabidiol), one of over 100 beneficial cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Cannabinoids are a diverse group of chemical compounds naturally found in the human body (endo-cannabinoids) and also in industrial hemp plants (phyto-cannabinoids). When the cannabinoids are ingested, some users can feel the effects of them. Importantly, whole plant hemp has little to no THC, so it's non-psychoactive and doesn't make you feel high or intoxicated.

Scientific studies have shown that phyto-cannabinoids found in the hemp plant and CBD interact with the human body’s own endocannabinoid system. The mammalian endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a group of cannabinoid receptors located in the brain and throughout the body’s central and peripheral nervous systems. The ECS is thought to help regulate many vital functions from sleep and immune response to inflammation and pain.

While hemp plant products contain a significant amount of CBD, there is a difference between whole plant hemp and hemp seed products. The hemp plant includes CBD, while hemp seeds do not. If one is looking for the full range of cannabinoids including CBD, whole plant hemp also called full spectrum hemp is optimal to deliver the plant’s holistic benefits.

When we created Race Point Seltzer, we decided to use whole plant hemp to access the full potential of the hemp plant. Each can of sparkling water is infused with 25 milligrams of highly bioavailable, whole plant hemp extract. Unlike other infused seltzers that use hemp isolate or simply CBD, Race Point Seltzer provides the full range of cannabinoids with each refreshing sip.