Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: What’s the Difference?

Learn about the main distinctions between hemp and CBD oils, along with their special qualities and possible advantages.

Hemp oil and CBD oil are driving the trend of hemp-derived products. Despite being members of the same plant family, these two oils have different properties and applications.

This guide will show you the differences between hemp and CBD oil, including how they’re made and the different ways you can use them.

What is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, comes from the seeds of the hemp plant. This multipurpose oil has been used for many years in a variety of applications. It’s most known for its rich nutrient profile.

Manufacturing Process

Manufacturers extract oil from hemp seeds using a cold-pressing technique to create hemp oil. This procedure involves crushing and pressing the seeds to extract the oil, followed by filtering to remove any contaminants. The end product is a nutty-tasting, transparent, greenish oil.

Nutrition Profile

Hemp oil is well known for having a high nutritional value. It includes:

Omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids
Vitamins (particularly Vitamin E)
Minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and potassium
Antioxidants

Possible Advantages of Hemp Oil

Hemp oil can help maintain hormonal balance. It also encourages healthy skin, supports heart health, and increases general well-being.

What is CBD Oil?

The hemp plant's flowers, leaves, and stalks are used to extract CBD oil. In contrast to hemp oil, CBD oil has a high concentration of cannabidiol (CBD), a substance that has drawn interest due to its possible health benefits.

Techniques for Extraction

CBD is extracted from hemp plants using a variety of techniques, including:

Extraction of CO₂
Extraction of ethanol
Extraction of oil

Despite the benefits of each technique, CO extraction is often considered the industry standard due to its effectiveness and ability to produce a pure product.

Composition of CBD Oil

The main ingredients of CBD oil are:

Cannabidiol (CBD)
Terpenes
Flavonoids
Trace quantities of other cannabinoids

It's important to remember that THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, is present in CBD oil, but only in extremely small amounts (less than 0.3%).

Possible Uses for CBD Oil

CBD oil has become well-known for its ability to:

Encourage calmness
Promote sound sleep
Preserve healthy joints
Aid in the exercise recovery

Important Differences Between CBD and Hemp Oil

Although the hemp plant is the source of both oils, they differ in a few key ways:

Origin

Hemp seeds are used to extract hemp oil. CBD oil comes from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant.

Cannabinoid Content

CBD and other cannabinoids are present in trace concentrations in hemp oil. CBD oil is rich in CBD and some other healthy cannabinoids.

Applications

Hemp oil is mostly used in cooking, skincare, and as a dietary supplement. CBD is used in many forms (edibles, capsules, topicals) for general wellness purposes.

Taste and Appearance

Hemp oil has a nutty flavor and a clear green tint. CBD oil is dark green or brown in hue with an earthy flavor (unless sweetened).

How to Choose Between CBD and Hemp Oil

Your goals and preferences will determine which product is best for you.

Consider hemp oil if you want to start cooking with a healthy oil or add a nutritional supplement to your routine that’s high in vital fatty acids. You can also use it to support skin health through topical application.

Think about using CBD oil to encourage calmness, get better sleep, or heal your muscles after an intense workout.

Understanding Product Labels For Hemp and CBD Oils

It's important to carefully read labels before purchasing hemp or CBD products. Here’s a quick guide:

Labels for Hemp Oil

In the ingredients list, look for "Hemp seed oil" or "Cannabis sativa seed oil."

The label should also include:

Information about the extraction method (cold-pressed is preferred)
Nutritional information, including fatty acid content

CBD Oil Labels

Check the CBD oil’s label for:

CBD content per serving
Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate classification
Third-party lab test results (Certificate of Analysis)
THC content (should be less than 0.3%)

Incorporating Hemp Oil or CBD Oil Into Your Routine

Both hemp oil and CBD oil can be versatile additions to your daily routine in the following ways:

Hemp Oil Uses:

Culinary applications: Use as a salad dressing, drizzle over vegetables, or add to smoothies.

Skincare: Apply directly to the skin as a moisturizer or use as a carrier oil for essential oils.

Dietary supplement: Take a teaspoon daily for nutritional benefits.

CBD Oil Uses:

Topical application: Apply CBD-infused creams or balms to specific areas.

Edibles and beverages: Add to food or drinks.

Choosing High-Quality CBD and Hemp Oil

To make sure you're getting a high-quality product, look for these key points:

Organic certification
Cold-pressed extraction (hemp oil) or CO2 extraction method (CBD oil)
Third-party lab testing results
Dark glass bottle packaging to protect from light
Absence of additives or preservatives

Legal Status and Regulations

The legal landscape for hemp and CBD products can be complex.

Hemp oil is generally legal worldwide, as it contains negligible amounts of THC and CBD.

The legal status of CBD oil varies by country and state. In the United States, CBD derived from hemp (containing less than 0.3% THC) is federally legal, but regulations may differ at the state level.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While both hemp oil and CBD oil are generally well-tolerated, it's important to be aware of potential side effects.

Hemp oil can cause digestive issues in some individuals, and there’s potential for allergic reactions in people with nut allergies.

CBD oil may cause dry mouth, changes in appetite, or fatigue.