Is There A Difference?
Many people wonder “what is the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil?” and since both oils are derived from hemp, often using the same recognizable hemp leaf symbol on their packaging and marketing, it’s easy to understand where the confusion arises.
So, is there a difference in hemp oil and CBD oil?
Hemp is cultivated for many different uses but when it comes to oil, there are two main types that can be manufactured from different parts of the plant.
While both oils offer us health benefits, they actually have very different areas of use, so it’s important to understand the difference between them. Today we look at hemp oil vs CBD oil to help you make sense of it once and for all.
Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: 5 Key Differences
| HEMP OIL | CBD OIL | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufactured from: | Seeds | Plant biomass |
| Protein Content: | 9 Essential amino acids | None |
| Cannabinoid Content: | None | CBD and many others |
| THC Content: | Zero | 0.3% or less |
| Benefits: | Complete protein source | Therapeutic treatment for chronic pain, anxiety & stress, sleep, acne, arthritis, epilepsy, cognitive performance |
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is manufactured by cold-pressing the seeds of the hemp plant.
If you’re after an oil containing CBD then, generally speaking, hemp oil isn’t it.
This may lead you to wonder “what is hemp oil good for if it doesn’t contain CBD?” and the answer lies in the fact that hemp seeds contain a rich blend of protein, polyunsaturated acids, and vitamin E.
People often ask, “does hemp oil contain THC?”, but THC is a cannabinoid and hemp seeds don’t contain any cannabinoids and if the seeds are cleaned and processed properly then the answer should always be no.
What are the Benefits of Hemp Oil?
While it may not contain any cannabinoids, hemp oil has been used in cooking and as a dietary supplement for many years now as hemp seeds provide a complete protein source.
Hemp is actually one of a small number of plants to provide all nine essential amino acids (along with amaranth, quinoa, and chia) and according to nutritionists, it does so in optimum quantities matching our bodies needs.
Hemp oil is also used extensively in the beauty industry as the fatty acids are great for your protecting and preserving moisture in your skin and hair.
You can find hemp oil in a wide range of products such as soaps, shampoos, lotions and body butters.
What is CBD Oil?
Unlike hemp oil, CBD oil is made using the leaves, flowers, and stalks of both cannabis and hemp plants.
Cannabinoids are most abundant in the flowers of the plant and CBD oil at its most basic level, describes any oil containing a concentration of the cannabinoid CBD. Most manufacturers will make their extractions from the plant biomass using ethanol or CO2 extraction methods because neither involve the use of toxic substances..
If your oil is a CBD isolate then it will contain pure CBD and no other cannabinoids as the CBD is “isolated” from the plant, but if your CBD oil is a broad or full spectrum product, it will also contain other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC, CBN, and THC.
Hemp-derived CBD oil tends to be more popular than cannabis-derived CBD oil due to the fact that hemp contains almost zero THC (0.3% or less) and is federally legal across all 50 states.
What are the benefits of CBD oil?
CBD interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system which plays a vital role in the regulation of various cognitive and physiological processes such as pain sensation, motor functions, mood and memory, and our sleep-wake cycle.
It continues to explode in popularity as more and more preclinical and clinical studies confirm the efficacy of using CBD in a wide variety of therapeutic applications.
CBD has been shown to display anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, neuroprotective, analgesic, anticonvulsant, antiemetic, antiarthritic, antioxidant, and antineoplastic properties.
It is already widely used to manage severe forms of epilepsy, chronic pain (including neuropathic pain), anxiety, and stress. It is also being used as a sleep aid, and in the treatment of acne.
The Key is in the Cannabinoids
Hemp is an extraordinary plant that is grown for its fibers, seeds, and flowers.
The main difference between hemp oil and CBD oil stems from the parts of the plant used to make them.
Hemp oil is pressed from the seeds to produce a fantastic protein source while CBD oil, pressed from the flowers, contains one or more cannabinoids, offering therapeutic benefits for a diverse range of symptoms.
If you are interested in trying CBD for yourself then it’s important to find a good supplier that sources their hemp from clean and trustworthy sources.
Look out for CBD, whether it be oil, tincture, cream, or smokable flower, that is accompanied with a lab report to verify the CBD content and confirm that no pesticides were detected, to ensure you have a safe and reliable product.