CBD Oil Vs Hemp Oil

Know the Difference

Hemp and Marijuana plants are the primary sources for what is generally called, “hemp oil.” However, hemp oil may or may not contain CBD.

The plants look similar, but have some significant differences. Be educated and avoid being deceived. 

Both Hemp and Marijuana are considered varieties of cannabis plants. But, one part of the plant is used to make CBD oil and a completely different part of the plant is used to make hemp oil.

Unravel the confusion:

“Hemp Oil” is a term that usually refers to the CBD product extracted from the leaves and flower of the hemp plant. It’s also referred to as “CBD Oil” or “CBD Hemp Oil.”  The confusion is that the term “Hemp Oil” could also be used to refer to “Hemp Seed Oil.” The two are considerably different. Hemp seed oil contains no CBD.

Hemp seed oil is not CBD oil. It’s made from the seeds of the hemp plant. The seeds have such a low content of CBD that it’s regarded as having none. Only the plant’s leaves and flowers have beneficial amounts of CBD oil.

CBD oil can be distilled from both the marijuana plant and the hemp plant. When distilled from the marijuana plant it’s considered to be a “full-spectrum” distillate. When distilled from a hemp plant it’s considered a CBD isolate variety.

Terminology is important. Make sure you understand the difference!

CBD oil distillates are usually contained in one ounce, glass bottles. They may be called, “hemp-derived CBD oil”, “full-spectrum hemp extract”, or even “CBD isolate”. Most often they’re called CBD oil or CBD Hemp Oil.

Hemp oil may be called either “hemp oil” or “hemp seed oil.” If it’s called hemp seed oil, you know that it’s NOT CBD oil. If it’s called hemp oil, you’ll need to check the ingredients to know which one it is.

Be aware that Amazon has a policy of not carrying CBD oil or CBD hemp oil. They only carry the hemp seed oil. If you put CBD oil or CBD hemp oil in the search bar it will seem to indicate that they do have what you’re looking for. However, you’ll notice that all of the vendors will be selling only hemp seed oil, regardless of what they name it.

Are they the same?

NO!

Terminology

The central problem is in the use of the term “hemp oil.” Although it’s most often used to refer to CBD products derived from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, it can also be used to refer to hemp seed oil which contains virtually no CBD at all.

That winds up being a huge and crucial difference.

CBD oil, derived from either marijuana or a hemp plant, can be ingested from either a dropper or in capsule form.

Hemp seed oil, derived from hemp seeds, can be mixed in food and often comes in containers similar to those used to hold sunflower oil or jojoba oil.

Benefits

Hemp seed oil certainly has some good nutritional benefits. It contains protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and a combination of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids. 

Another difference is in the process used for extraction. CBD oil, to be THC free is distilled from unrefined extract under high heat and vacuum pressure to pull out the CBD and separate it from the other components.

CBD Hemp Oil is desired for a wide range of benefits such as pain relief, reduction of inflammation, and insomnia. It has the benefits of the Cannabis Indica plant (marijuana) without the THC and thus no psychoactive results.

In regard to sleep, at least one study suggests that CBD may induce deeper REM states as well as making falling asleep more likely.

According to studies, CBD can not only help reduce pain and muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis, but it can also help with anxiety and depression. It’s believed to help in the treatment of generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

Has a high amount of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It can reportedly help in healing acne, sensitive skin, rashes, eczema, and psoriasis.

Hemp seed oil, on the other hand, is refined through a cold-press extraction method, similar to how sunflower oil and jojoba oil are extracted. Occasionally referred to as cannabis sativa seed oil, it’s high in antioxidants, omega 3, and omega-6 fatty acids. It contains no CBD. It’s often found in smoothies and various skin care products.

Hemp seeds are plentiful in linoleic acid (an omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). They’re a great source of protein, vitamin E, and other beneficial minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Helps with eczema to improve dryness and itching. 

Decreases inflammation associated with menopause.

Found to alleviate PMS symptoms.

Price

CBD oil is far more expensive to distill than hemp seed oil. As a result, the consumer will pay more. If it claims to contain a premium grade oil, it will probably be more expensive.

Be careful to notice if it is expensive due to being extracted from the marijuana plant. If it was, it could contain high levels of THC.

Hemp seed oil is much cheeper. The distillation process is much simpler. 

Don’t just judge by price. Look at the ingredient label. Make sure you’re getting what you’re looking for. They both have their benefits.

Ingredients

Look at the labels. They both come from the hemp plant. The hemp plant is high in cannabidiol (CBD) and very low in THC. In fact, the THC level is usually around 0.3%. Not enough to fail a drug test.

On the ingredient label of hemp seed oil, regardless of what is marketed on the front, should show something like either, “hemp seed oil” or “raw, organic unrefined hemp seed oil.”

The active ingredient of CBD oil should say something like, “whole-plant extract,” “full-spectrum,” “broad spectrum,” “PCR,” or “phytocannabinoid-rich.”

CBD Content

Products containing CBD distillates typically have a label specifying the milligrams of CBD per unit of serving. Although hemp is rich in CBD, it may also contain naturally occurring organic compounds known as phytocannabinoids and terpenes.

When purchasing from Amazon, some vendors are now putting milligrams on the labels of hemp seed oil. This only adds to the confusion. As of the writing of this article, it’s my understanding that Amazon does not permit the sale of CBD hemp oil.

If a label doesn’t list the amount of CBD in milligrams, most likely it is NOT a valid CBD product. 

Properly distilled CBD oil may still contain trace amounts of THC. However, it isn’t nearly enough to fail a drug test unless you ingest quite a bit more than is recommended.

Location

Both CBD oil and hemp seed oil can be found at your local health food store, grocery store, or pharmacy. Keep in mind, at those locations, they are usually a very low quality of oil.

Amazon only sells the hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil is also often found in skin care products, beauty products, and is used in cooking.

The most reputable CBD oil brands can be purchased online, directly from their website. That’s where I buy my CBD hemp oil and why I prefer CBDPure.com. The best CBD oil products are third-party lab-tested to ensure quality and purity.

Conclusion

Be aware of the differences between CBD oil and Hemp seed oil. Both have their benefits. Know the benefit that you’re looking for before purchasing.

Although hemp seed oil has many good nutritional benefits, CBD oil has the potency and benefits most people are looking for; such as, pain reduction, improved sleep, reduction of anxiety and depression, regulation of sleep states, and many other benefits.

If you know that you’re looking for hemp seed oil, then by all means go to Amazon. They have a huge selection. If you know that you’re looking for CBD oil or CBD hemp oil, then by all means go to CBDPure.com. They’re third-party lab tested and high quality.

John Mason