Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil
Hemp oil and CBD oil are derived from the hemp plant and benefit the body, but the products can vary. Learn about the differences between hemp oil and CBD oil!
Is hemp oil and CBD oil the same thing? There’s a lot of confusion about these two products and whether they are the same because the names are often used interchangeably. Sometimes hemp oil actually is CBD oil, but sometimes it’s hemp seed oil, which is not the same as CBD oil. Let’s take a deep dive into hemp oil vs. CBD oil.
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What’s The Difference?
To understand the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil, we need to look at the reason for the confusion. As the CBD industry is a relatively new one, there’s no across-the-board standard followed by all the different brands creating CBD products. Some brands might label their products hemp oil which may or may not contain CBD at all. The reason for this is that it might actually be hemp seed oil — which comes from the seeds of the hemp plant — versus the flowers and stems that contain terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds. While hemp seed oil has its own uses and benefits, it’s not the same as CBD oil.
Let’s break it down even further.
What Is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seeds come from the hemp plant. They’re rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and may even contain other nutrients. Hemp seed oil makes a great addition to culinary dishes, and it usually has zero amounts of CBD in it. While this might be ideal for someone actually looking for hemp seed oil full of essential Omega Fatty acids like Omega 3 & Omega 6, it might not be right for those unsuspecting humans who think they’re purchasing some variation of CBD oil.
How Is Hemp Seed Oil Made?
Hemp seed oil is made by cold-pressing or even CO2 extracting the omega rich oil from hemp seeds that are part of the Cannabis sativa L. plant. They contain no cannabinoid profile, which means no CBD, no THC, and no terpenes. While CBD is virtually nonexistent in hemp seed oil, it doesn’t mean that hemp seed oil isn’t great for you.
If you’re looking for a cooking oil or wellness supplement rich in polyunsaturated fats with only small amounts of saturated fat, hemp seed oil is an excellent option, especially compared to other food-based oils.
Are There Benefits To Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seed oil has many potential benefits. While it won’t offer the same support as CBD oil, it has a few different uses and benefits beyond the ones we’ve already mentioned.
The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) found in abundance in hemp seed oil have shown promising support for skin health.
Hemp seed oil is also rich in linoleic acid. Studies have been conducted that show strong evidence that this powerful little seed has the potential to support cardiovascular health as a result of the essential omega fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6).
While CBD and hemp seed oil interact differently with the body — CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system — its uses are unique. They show just how potent the entire hemp plant is when utilized and processed effectively.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in a variety of plants. CBD has a higher concentration in industrial hemp, which is why it is the most popular for creating CBD products, like CBD tinctures and CBD capsules. The CBD in hemp interacts with other compounds within the plant like terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids that create an entourage effect — the power of all of these combined being more impactful than each as individuals.
CBD has quickly gained popularity as an alternative approach to wellness, with emerging research supporting the idea that CBD interacts with a biological network of cannabinoid receptors called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help support the body maintain a sense of homeostasis or balance.
How Is CBD Oil Made?
CBD oil is made through a variety of extraction methods, each with its own unique uses. One of the most popular extraction methods for high-quality CBD is through a solvent-free CO2 extraction used by HempFusion. This keeps the plant in its most natural state and is free from solvents that aren’t so great for your health.
CBD is extracted from the leaves, flowers, stems, and stalks of a mature industrial hemp plant — not the hemp seeds. High-quality CBD oil depends on more than just extraction methods. CBD oil starts with the soil the plant is grown in and the strains of the plant. Nutrient-rich soil equals powerful healthy plants, especially when grown without the use of pesticides and herbicides.
Are There Benefits To CBD Oil Use?
As studies continue to grow on CBD use benefits, so does the body of evidence from people like you and me who enjoy CBD for supporting optimal wellness. While everyone is different and will have various needs and experiences with CBD, there are some promising benefits to using CBD oil.
Regular use of high-quality CBD oil may:
Encourage a relaxed and calmer mind.
Support exercise recovery.
May even help with relaxation that can support sleep
High-quality, broad-spectrum CBD oil has many potential benefits, many of which still need to be studied further before making claims. Whenever trying a new wellness product, it’s always a good idea to collaborate with a trusted healthcare professional to make sure it’s right for your circumstances.
Is Hemp Oil And CBD Oil The Same Thing?
It can be. That’s why it’s essential to understand the difference in how each product is made, as well as how it’s labeled. A brand may label its product as “hemp oil,” which could lead people to believe that it is some variation of CBD oil. If the packaging or ingredients aren’t clearly labeled with what’s inside, move on to a brand that is willing to be transparent and honest about its products — and that includes providing 3rd party testing.
What Are The Differences Between CBD Oil vs. Hemp Oil
The main differences between CBD oil vs. hemp oil (hemp seed oil) are:
Broad-spectrum CBD oil has a vibrant cannabinoid profile — hemp oil does not.
CBD is derived from the flowers, leaves, stem of the hemp plant — hemp oil is derived from the seeds only.
CBD oil is typically used for overall wellness — hemp oil is generally used for cooking.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body — hemp seed oil doesn’t usually contain cannabinoids, so it wouldn’t interact with the ECS.
When it comes to purchasing hemp oil vs. CBD, it’s best to understand the differences between the two, so you can make informed decisions about your wellness. While many businesses value transparency in the CBD world, some adjust labels to avoid the stricter regulations for CBD products. Others may utilize the more affordable extraction of hemp seed oil and put it next to CBD products hoping it’ll be a case of mistaken identity with the consumer being none the wiser. Hemp seed oil and broad-spectrum, high-quality CBD are both packed with nutrients, so it depends on the nutrients and experience that you’re after that will determine which you buy.