What is Hemp Extract?
Hemp extract comes from the Cannabis sativa plant's stalks, leaves, flowers, and stems, specifically from industrial hemp varieties that contain less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by dry weight. It's different from hemp seed oil, which manufacturers press from seeds. The extract contains beneficial compounds like cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and nutrients.
Cannabidiol (CBD) stands out as the main cannabinoid in hemp extract. It makes up to 64.56% of the volatile constituents in methanolic extracts of hemp leaves and inflorescences. The extract also contains other cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC). These compounds work with the body's endocannabinoid system to promote balance and homeostasis.
Terpenes play a key role in hemp extract's makeup. β-caryophyllene (up to 46.64%), α-pinene (up to 20.25%), and α-humulene (up to 11.48%) are the most prominent ones in hemp essential oils. These compounds give the extract its unique aroma and might improve its therapeutic properties through the "entourage effect."
Several factors affect hemp extract's composition:
- Extraction method (mechanical, chemical, or other processes)
- Plant parts used (aerial parts typically contain higher cannabinoid concentrations)
- Hemp variety cultivated (different cultivars produce varying cannabinoid profiles)
- Growth conditions and harvest timing
Hemp extract differs from hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil shines in nutritional value with its omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids but has minimal cannabinoids. People seek hemp extract specifically for its cannabinoid content, especially CBD, and its potential wellness benefits.
Many jurisdictions require hemp extract to contain less than 0.3% THC. This small amount won't cause psychoactive effects, which sets it apart from marijuana-derived products. Quality hemp extracts go through lab testing to verify cannabinoid content and ensure they're free from harmful contaminants.
People often use "hemp extract" and "CBD oil" interchangeably. Hemp extract actually covers all extracts from the hemp plant, while CBD oil focuses specifically on cannabidiol content. Most commercial hemp extracts are valuable mainly for their CBD content, though other compounds might enhance their effectiveness.
What does 'aerial parts' mean in hemp extract?
The hemp plant's aerial parts are the portions that grow above ground in open air. These parts consist of leaves, flowers (or buds), and stems. People often use "aerial parts" and "whole-plant" interchangeably when they talk about hemp extracts.
Beneficial compounds spread throughout these aerial portions in different amounts. The female flowers act as the main storage for cannabinoids, which you'll find in the glandular trichomes that cover the flower's leafy surface. These flowering buds have the highest concentration of both cannabinoids and terpenes. This makes them valuable in extract production. The leaves contain lower cannabinoid levels than flowers but still provide meaningful amounts of the same compounds.
Hemp extract makers take different approaches when they select aerial parts:
- Flower-only extracts: Some companies make extracts just from hemp buds and skip other aerial parts
- Whole-plant extracts: Others use all aerial parts to create a more complete product profile
The importance of using the whole above-ground plant becomes clear when you look at the compounds in hemp's aerial parts:
- Cannabinoids (including CBD and others)
- Terpenes (aromatic compounds)
- Flavonoids (plant pigments with antioxidant properties)
- Essential fatty acids
- Vitamins and minerals
- Other secondary metabolites including alkaloids, lignans, anthocyanins, and quinones
Many extract producers prefer using all aerial portions. They believe whole-plant extractions create a stronger "entourage effect" - a mutually beneficial interaction between cannabis compounds that might improve their collective therapeutic potential. This method helps preserve the plant's natural compound ratio and could improve absorption and overall effectiveness.
Hemp seeds and roots don't count as aerial parts. This difference matters substantially because seeds have virtually no CBD. Products made only from hemp seeds (often sold as hemp seed oil) lack the cannabinoid profile found in extracts from aerial portions. Consumers who want CBD benefits should look for products labeled as containing "hemp extract from aerial parts" to ensure the extract comes from plant sections with actual cannabinoids.
Product labels sometimes show both "Hemp Extract (aerial parts)" and specific CBD content separately. This labeling tells consumers that while the full extract comes from above-ground plant material, they also know the exact CBD amount in their purchase.
Types of Hemp Extracts
Hemp extracts come in three different forms. Each type has its own mix of compounds and effects that depend on how it's extracted and processed.
Full-spectrum hemp extract
Full-spectrum hemp extract contains everything found naturally in the Cannabis sativa plant's aerial parts. This complete extract has cannabidiol (CBD), smaller amounts of cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN), terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils. The extract contains tiny amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—which law limits to 0.3% by dry weight. This small amount of THC won't make you high but adds to the extract's healing potential.
Full-spectrum hemp extract works best through the "entourage effect"—where compounds work better together than alone. The combined elements boost each other's good properties and create stronger wellness benefits. These natural compounds work with your body's endocannabinoid system and might offer better, more complete benefits than isolated cannabinoids.
Broad-spectrum hemp extract
Broad-spectrum hemp extract sits between full-spectrum and isolate. It keeps most cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids from hemp's aerial parts but goes through extra processing to remove all THC or reduce it until it can't be detected. This method keeps most plant compounds while getting rid of THC-related concerns.
Studies show broad-spectrum extracts might help reduce anxiety and improve mood and stress levels. These extracts still create a limited entourage effect without THC, making them great if you want complete benefits but need to avoid THC. People who take drug tests or live where cannabis laws are strict often choose broad-spectrum products.
CBD isolate
CBD isolate is the purest form you can get, with 99% pure CBD and all other plant compounds removed. This crystal powder or solid goes through heavy processing that strips away all cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and plant materials except CBD. You end up with a product that has no color, smell, or taste, making it easy to measure exact doses.
CBD isolate doesn't create the entourage effect since it lacks other helpful compounds. All the same, this pure form packs maximum strength and flexibility—you can add it to food, skin products, or custom mixes. The isolate works best if you need to be absolutely sure there's no THC or want the highest CBD concentration without other plant elements.
Benefits of Hemp Extract from Aerial Parts
Hemp extract from aerial parts contains many bioactive compounds that bring various health benefits. These extracts have cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that work with the body's endocannabinoid system to maintain homeostasis.
Supports skin health
Hemp extract's remarkable properties benefit skin health through its rich essential polyunsaturated fatty acids and cannabinoids. The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in hemp extract works as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and helps skin growth and new cell generation. Studies show that hemp extract helps treat skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and lichen planus. Patients with atopic dermatitis saw a 29% reduction in eczema severity and pruritus intensity after using a 1% CBD-infused gel for two weeks. On top of that, it protects cells against UV-induced changes in fibroblasts and prevents collagen breakdown through the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Helps with stress and mood
Cannabidiol has strong anti-anxiety effects through several mechanisms. Mice under chronic unpredictable stress showed significant anxiety reduction when given repeated CBD doses of 30 mg/kg through the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. CBD helps manage mood by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system that controls emotions. A 2020 review found CBD's potential to treat anxiety disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. About 80% of people in one study reported feeling less anxious within a month of CBD use.
May reduce inflammation
Scientific literature strongly supports hemp extract's anti-inflammatory properties. CBD doses between 5 to 40 mg/kg for three days reduced edema, prostaglandin E2 plasma levels, tissue cyclooxygenase activity, and oxygen-derived free radicals in a mouse paw model of acute carrageenan-mediated inflammation. Myrcene, hemp essential oil's most abundant monoterpene, shows analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties. β-caryophyllene, the most common sesquiterpene, also demonstrates anti-inflammatory and protective effects.
Promotes better sleep
CBD-rich hemp extract formulations show promising results for better sleep quality. A 2024 study revealed that 15 mg of CBD was equally effective for improving sleep quality as 5 mg of melatonin. CBD affects endocannabinoid signaling through several receptor sites, which creates a comprehensive approach to sleep regulation. CBD's safety profile makes it a great alternative to traditional sleep medications. Studies show that CBD might extend sleep duration but change rest properties and non-REM sleep oscillations, which could affect memory consolidation.
Supports overall wellness
Hemp extract from aerial parts enhances overall wellness in many ways. CBD helps manage autoimmune conditions through its immune-modulating properties. CBD administration reduced disease severity and slowed progression in an experimental mouse model of multiple sclerosis, showing less axonal damage and microglial activation. The extract activates antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase—in the body, adding to its wellness benefits. The extract's cannabinoids and flavonoids protect neurons and may enhance brain function.
Hemp Extract vs CBD: What's the Difference?
Many people get confused about the difference between hemp extract and CBD. CBD (cannabidiol) is just one of over 150 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Hemp extract is a broader term that includes all extracts we can get from different parts of the hemp plant.
CBD works with your body's endocannabinoid system to regulate things like digestion, mood, and how you respond to stress. The key difference is what's inside - CBD oil has CBD as its main ingredient mixed with a carrier oil like hemp oil, coconut oil, or olive oil.
While all CBD oil counts as hemp extract, not all hemp extract is CBD oil. Hemp extract is a bigger category that has products like hemp seed oil. This oil has very little CBD but is packed with omega fatty acids.
Hemp seed oil comes only from seeds and has almost no cannabinoids. People use it mainly for nutrition and skincare. Products that say "hemp extract from aerial parts" tell you they have cannabinoids because the aerial parts (flowers, leaves, stalks) have way more cannabinoids than seeds.
Experts suggest checking certificates of analysis to get the most benefit. Terms aren't strictly regulated, and manufacturers sometimes use them interchangeably. These certificates are the best way to know exactly what's in your hemp product.
Key Takeaways
Hemp extract from aerial parts offers a comprehensive wellness solution with diverse therapeutic compounds that work synergistically to support multiple aspects of health.
- Hemp extract contains CBD plus beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids from above-ground plant parts, unlike hemp seed oil which lacks cannabinoids.
- Full-spectrum extracts provide the "entourage effect" where compounds work together more effectively than isolated CBD alone.
- Clinical studies show hemp extract reduces inflammation, supports skin health, and may improve sleep quality and stress management.
- "Aerial parts" specifically refers to flowers, leaves, and stems that contain the highest concentrations of therapeutic cannabinoids.
- Always verify product certificates of analysis, as terminology varies between manufacturers and not all "hemp extract" products contain meaningful CBD levels.
The key to maximizing hemp extract benefits lies in choosing products that clearly specify aerial parts sourcing and provide transparent lab testing results to ensure you're getting the therapeutic compounds you're seeking.
FAQs
Q1. What are aerial parts in hemp extract?
Aerial parts refer to the above-ground portions of the hemp plant, including leaves, flowers, and stems. These parts contain higher concentrations of beneficial compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes, making them valuable for producing hemp extracts.
Q2. How does hemp extract differ from CBD oil?
Hemp extract is a broader term that includes all extracts from the hemp plant, while CBD oil specifically focuses on cannabidiol content. Hemp extract may contain various cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds, whereas CBD oil primarily contains cannabidiol and a carrier oil.
Q3. What are the potential benefits of using hemp extract?
Hemp extract may support skin health, help manage stress and mood, reduce inflammation, promote better sleep, and contribute to overall wellness. These benefits are attributed to the various compounds found in hemp, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
Q4. Are there different types of hemp extracts available?
Yes, there are three main types of hemp extracts: full-spectrum (contains all compounds including trace amounts of THC), broad-spectrum (contains most compounds but no THC), and CBD isolate (pure CBD with all other compounds removed).
Q5. Is hemp extract safe for everyone to use?
While hemp extract is generally considered safe, it may not be suitable for everyone. People with allergies to cannabis, children, and those taking certain medications should consult a healthcare professional before using hemp extract. It's always best to start with a low dose and monitor your body's response.
