As someone who has spent years researching and writing about cannabis-derived products, I’ll help you understand the crucial differences between hemp oil and CBD oil, so you can make an informed decision for your needs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the fundamental differences between hemp oil and CBD oil, explaining how each is produced and what they contain.
Is Hemp Oil the Same Thing as CBD Oil?
No, hemp oil and CBD oil are quite different products, though they both come from the Cannabis sativa plant. Let me explain the key differences:
Hemp oil (also called hemp seed oil) is:
- Pressed from hemp seeds only
- Contains no CBD or THC
- Used mainly for cooking and skincare
- Rich in omega fatty acids and nutrients
- Similar to other cooking oils like olive oil
CBD oil is:
- Extracted from hemp flowers, leaves, and stalks
- Contains concentrated CBD
- Used primarily for potential therapeutic benefits
- Often mixed with carrier oils
- More expensive due to complex extraction process
Think of it like this: Hemp oil is more like a cooking oil (similar to olive oil), while CBD oil is more like a supplement. You wouldn’t want to cook with CBD oil (it’s too expensive and the heat could degrade the beneficial compounds), and you wouldn’t take hemp seed oil expecting CBD-like effects (since it contains no CBD).
If you’re shopping, look carefully at the labels. Hemp seed oil should be significantly less expensive than CBD oil. If someone’s selling “hemp oil” at CBD oil prices, they might be trying to mislead customers about what they’re actually getting.
Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil
One of the most common misconceptions is that hemp oil and CBD oil are the same thing. While both come from the Cannabis plant, they have the potential to be distinctly different products with unique properties and uses.
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil, also called hemp seed oil, is extracted specifically from the seeds of the hemp plant. Think of it like olive oil, but made from hemp seeds instead of olives. The seeds are cold-pressed to produce a nutrient-rich oil that has a nutty flavor and clear to light green color.
Hemp oil contains no CBD or THC, setting it apart from other cannabis-derived products. Instead, it’s rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and provides a significant source of protein and essential nutrients. Its primary applications are in culinary uses and skincare, making it more similar to common cooking oils than wellness supplements.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil, on the other hand, is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant. These parts contain high concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD) and other beneficial compounds. The extraction process typically uses CO2 or ethanol to pull out these active ingredients.
CBD oil’s defining characteristic is its concentrated CBD content, and it may include other beneficial cannabinoids (though it won’t contain significant amounts of THC). The extract is typically suspended in a carrier oil to improve absorption and stability. Unlike hemp oil, CBD oil is primarily used for its potential therapeutic benefits rather than nutritional value.
Differences in Production
Since the products hemp oil and CBD oil are different, this means that they are therefore produced in different manners. Let’s discuss these differences.
Hemp Oil Production
The production of hemp oil follows a straightforward process: Hemp seeds are carefully cleaned and sorted, then undergo cold pressing at temperatures under 120°F. The oil is filtered to remove plant particles, and final testing ensures purity and nutrient content.
When shopping for quality hemp oil, look for a clear to light green color and a mild, nutty taste. The oil should be stored in dark glass bottles to protect it from light degradation, and should include a harvest or production date to ensure freshness.
CBD Oil Production
CBD oil production is more complex and requires sophisticated equipment. Hemp plants are grown and harvested at peak CBD content, then undergo extraction (typically CO2 or ethanol). The extract is filtered and purified, and finally, CBD is combined with carrier oils and tested.
To ensure you’re getting a quality CBD oil product, look for available third-party lab testing results and clear CBD concentration listings on the label. The product should specify whether it’s full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate, and should use an organic carrier oil as its base.
Does Hemp Oil Have Benefits?
The only benefits you’ll get from hemp oil is benefits associated with healthy fats – nothing else. Hemp oil offers significant nutritional benefits through its perfect 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids and its complete protein profile. It provides abundant vitamin E and minerals, supporting both heart and brain health.
In skincare applications, hemp oil works as a non-comedogenic moisturizer that helps balance oil production while providing anti-inflammatory properties and supporting the skin’s natural barrier function.
If you are looking for benefits associated with CBD, or other cannabinoids within the cannabis plant, hemp oil will not help you.
CBD Oil Benefits
CBD oil benefits largely outweigh hemp oil benefits. CBD oil’s potential therapeutic effects span both physical and mental wellness areas. Users report that it may help manage everyday stress and support healthy sleep patterns, while potentially reducing exercise-induced inflammation and helping with occasional discomfort.
From a mental wellness perspective, CBD oil benefits might promote relaxation and emotional balance, while potentially aiding in maintaining focus and managing stress.
Is Hemp Oil or CBD Oil Better?
CBD oil is better at offering benefits related to pain, inflammation, anxiety, and sleep. Hemp oil does not have the ability to help with any of these ailments. The only benefit hemp oil has is because of the healthy fats contained in hemp seeds. Most people seek the benefits associated with CBD, not hemp seeds.
How to Avoid Purchasing Hemp Oil on Accident
When examining hemp oil labels, look for terms like “Hemp Seed Oil” or “Cannabis sativa Seed Oil,” along with information about the extraction method used and clear nutritional information. Storage recommendations should also be prominently displayed.
For CBD oil, the label should clearly indicate CBD content per serving, specify the type of CBD (full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate), identify the carrier oil used, and provide third-party testing information. A QR code or batch number for accessing lab results should be readily available, similar to the one below:
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between hemp oil and CBD oil allows you to make informed choices for your specific needs. Hemp oil excels as a nutritional supplement and skincare ingredient, while CBD oil offers potential therapeutic benefits for various wellness goals.
Remember to verify quality through proper documentation, start with conservative amounts, monitor your results, and store products properly. By following these guidelines and understanding the unique properties of each oil, you can maximize the benefits of whichever product you choose. Remember to consult with healthcare providers before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you take medications or have underlying health conditions.
