We see the terms hemp cream vs CBD cream used interchangeably all the time. So, it’s time we stepped in and cleared the air. They are NOT the same thing, even if they come from the exact same plant.
Hemp cream can actually contain zero CBD. It’s usually just an expensive lotion with some hemp seed oil in it. That’s fine if you want a moisturizer with some essential fatty acids. But don’t expect it to do what an actual CBD cream does.
CBD cream actually has CBD in it - as the name suggests. What that means is it can actually help ease discomfort wherever you apply it. They’re one of the most popular types of CBD topicals we sell here at Medterra, whether you’re struggling with sore muscles or aching joints.
Learn more about the CBD cream vs hemp cream differences below.
Key Takeaways
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Hemp cream has hemp seed oil in it, which has lots of essential fatty acids but zero CBD.
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CBD cream has CBD and may even have supporting ingredients like menthol, arnica, aloe, and more.
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The point of hemp cream is to moisturize the skin, whereas CBD cream is generally used for relief from physical discomfort.
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Medterra is the #1 place to buy CBD products, including creams, roll-ons, and other topicals.
Common Uses For CBD Cream
CBD cream is used for one of two purposes in most cases:
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Easing discomfort
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Supporting recovery
In many cases, those goals overlap. CBD can get through the skin and into the underlying tissue to stimulate a healing response. The beauty of any sort of topical product is in how you can pinpoint the problem and apply CBD right where it’s needed most.
There’s ample research showing topical CBD works, too. A 2022 clinical trial brought together participants struggling with thumb basal joint arthritis and gave them topical CBD over a 12-week span. They had lower pain scores with better grip strength and range of motion when it was all said and done - without any adverse effects!1
Joint pain aside, plenty of our customers use CBD cream for muscle soreness and other types of discomfort, too. Here are just a few reviews we grabbed quickly:
“My sister in law swears by this cream. I have tried many treatments for my back and S.I. joint pain. I finally spent the money on this product and am a true believer. It really works!” - Bess
“I use this for mild pain and it works quickly! Really helped my shoulder pain.” - Elizabeth
“I have been using this product for several years and couldn't be happier with the results!!!” - Teresa
What is Hemp Cream Used For?
Hemp cream does have its place - just not the same place as CBD cream. The hemp seeds sit outside of the plant’s resin glands where cannabinoids live, so that’s why hemp seed oil doesn’t have any CBD in it.
Instead, hemp seed oil is rich in fatty acids. We looked at an analysis of 13 commercial hemp seed oils and found omega-6 to omega-3 ratios between 1.71:1 and 2.27:1, which is said to be the sweet spot for supporting the skin barrier.2
This is why the real appeal of hemp cream is moisturization. Not pain relief. Unless, of course, you have pain from cracked skin that’s screaming for hydration.
Hemp Cream vs CBD Cream: Key Differences to Know
Let’s take a closer look at hemp cream vs CBD cream to help you make the right choice for your self-care routine, as both can bring something to your daily ritual.
What’s Actually Inside
The biggest difference between CBD cream vs hemp cream is what you’re actually getting.
As the name says, CBD cream has CBD. That’s where the therapeutic properties come from. However, a lot of relief CBD topicals also include essential oils for extra support. For example, our basic CBD cream has menthol in it. Our more sophisticated formulas have menthol, arnica, aloe, camphor, and many more essential oils.
In contrast, hemp cream just has hemp seed oil. Maybe a couple extra carrier ingredients. But nothing that actually supports physical recovery or eases discomfort.
What it Can Do
CBD cream can be your saving grace when struggling with aches and pains. In addition to the joint study we referenced earlier, we found another suggesting CBD cream can help with muscular pain as well. A 2019 trial where participants applied CBD topically (twice a day) enjoyed a 70.2% drop in pain intensity over 14 days!3
On the other hand, hemp seed oil is used to nourish and hydrate the skin. It’s surface-level. That being said, you can technically find a CBD lotion for moisturization and relief if that’s what you’re looking for!
Legality and Accessibility
Both products are legal and readily available these days, as the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived cannabis products on a federal level (as long as they have less than 0.3% THC by dry weight). You can find CBD cream and many other CBD products here at Medterra!
How to Use CBD Cream For Wellness
Whether you use a CBD roll-on or cream, it’s so easy to incorporate topical CBD into your daily routine. Just apply the product to clean skin, right where you’re dealing with discomfort. That might be your calves, or it could be your neck and shoulders.
We find it works best when you apply it liberally and massage it for 30-60 seconds. This maximizes absorption and brings more blood flow to the afflicted area.
You might consider pairing topical CBD with other types of products for internal support, such as CBD oil or CBD gummies. This gives you a two-pronged approach to managing aches and pains.
Closing Thoughts on CBD Cream vs Hemp Cream
We hope this quick hemp cream vs CBD cream comparison has left you with a clear idea of which best suits your needs. Aches and pains? You need CBD cream. Looking for more of a moisturizer? Hemp cream is probably fine.
Our blog has more resources comparing topical vs oral CBD if you’d like to learn more. Otherwise, all that’s left to do is get the relief you need at Medterra, where you’ll discover the best CBD products online - from CBD oil to gummies and everything in between!
Frequently asked questions
Is CBD cream and hemp cream the same thing?
Not at all! They come from the same plant and might even look the same, but CBD cream has CBD. Hemp cream has hemp seed oil. Totally different products for totally different uses.
Is CBD or hemp better for pain?
CBD for sure. Hemp seed oil doesn’t have any compounds that would ease discomfort. On the other hand, there is ample research supporting CBD for discomfort.
How do roll-ons compare to cream?
We prefer roll-ons for simplicity and more targeted application. However, creams and balms have their place as well. We stock both for you here at Medterra!
References
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Heineman JT, Forster GL, Stephens KL, Cottler PS, Timko MP, DeGeorge BR Jr. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Topical Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis. J Hand Surg Am. 2022;47(7):611-620. PubMed
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Izzo L, Pacifico S, Piccolella S, et al. Chemical Analysis of Minor Bioactive Components and Cannabidiolic Acid in Commercial Hemp Seed Oil. Molecules. 2020;25(16):3710. PubMed
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Nitecka-Buchta A, Nowak-Wachol A, Wachol K, et al. Myorelaxant Effect of Transdermal Cannabidiol Application in Patients with TMD: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial. J Clin Med. 2019;8(11):1886. PubMed
