Hemp Oil Vs. CBD Oil: What's The Difference?

The terms "hemp oil" and "CBD oil" tend to get thrown around a lot interchangeably. But there are actually some considerable differences to take into account.

Key Takeaways

• Hemp seed oil refers to oil that has been derived from hemp seeds

• CBD oil is derived from the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the plant

• Hemp seed oil is an omega-rich culinary oil that may improve overall health as well as promote healthy skin

• CBD restores homeostasis, or the body's natural balance, while affecting the immune system and may even offer pain relief, help regulate mood, and encourage muscle repair

• Unlike THC, CBD contains no psychoactive properties

See Related: How Long Does CBD Tincture Stay In Your System?

What is hemp oil?

While hemp oil and CBD oil are both derived from the cannabis plant, they are derived from different parts. Namely that hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the cannabis sativa plant whereas CBD uses the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant for its own production.

Hemp seeds themselves contain very little CBD, if any. But they do contain plenty of omega fatty acids, nutrients, and bioactive compounds that may promote certain health benefits. So, how exactly can you use hemp seed oil in your everyday life?

Uses for hemp seed oil

Since hemp oil contains a number of essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, gamma-linolenic acid, and protein, it is commonly used in nutritional supplements. In fact, you've probably seen hemp seed oil on the aisles of your local health food stores.

Some people even use cannabis sativa seed oil in their food since it makes for such an omega-rich culinary oil. But aside from hemp extract being ingested in various forms, hemp seed oil is also used in manufacturing clothing and fibers.

Suffice it to say that hemp seed oil is a rather versatile thing. And all from little hemp seeds found in the hemp plant.

How hemp oil works

There are many under-researched claims out there about how hemp oil can improve your own health benefits. But it's important to keep in mind that research is still ongoing.

Some studies have suggested that hemp oil may improve cardiovascular health. But even still, the evidence is simply not there to back the claim that hemp oil can improve heart health definitively.

That being said, this hasn't stopped manufacturers from adding hemp seed oil into nutritional products such as snack bars, breads, and cookies. Mainly because the hemp extract itself offers unsaturated fatty acids with the guarantee of no THC whatsoever, AKA the psychoactive compound found in the cannabis sativa plant.

Effects of hemp oil

As we mentioned earlier, it is still not conclusive to state whether hemp products can definitively improve one's health. But there has been some evidence to suggest that hemp oil may promote a balanced immune system while offering antioxidant effects.

Some even claim that hemp oil may improve certain gastrointestinal issues as well as certain skin conditions when applied topically. But again, it is still too early to say this with 100% certainty.

How hemp oil is made

As we mentioned, hemp oil is made from the seeds of the hemp plant. And because hemp seed oil derives from the seeds and not the leaves, flower, or stem of the hemp plant, it contains no THC.

This can make hemp oil more favorable to some who prefer consuming hemp oil or using hemp oil topically without risk of testing positive on a drug test. But this boils down to personal preference and circumstance.

Bonus: How To Use THC Powder

What is CBD oil?

While both hemp seed oil and CBD oil come from the same plant, CBD oil offers some considerable differences from its hemp extract counterpart. Namely, there are multiple kinds of CBD oils.

Types of CBD oil

Below are the most common types of different CBD oils you'll find in CBD products. While they each come from cannabis plants, they all go through different processes that sustain the purest form of CBD extract while altering the chemical structure of some.

Full spectrum CBD oil

Full spectrum CBD oil contains all components of the cannabis plant, including THC and a variety of other cannabinoids. But the THC content found in full spectrum oil is only in trace amounts and will not get you high.

That being said, some prefer these added cannabinoids and THC for the sake of the entourage effect. This means that any phytocannabinoid rich CBD is made all the more effective with its surrounding compounds.

Broad spectrum CBD oil

Broad spectrum CBD oils are similar to full spectrum in that they contain additional cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. But broad spectrum contains no THC whatsoever.

Broad spectrum CBD products are great for those looking for the entourage effect. But still want a zero percent chance of testing positive for THC on a drug test.

CBD isolate

CBD isolate is just pure CBD oil. No additional cannabinoids and no THC either.

Uses for CBD oil

Like hemp oils, CBD can be used in a variety of ways. There are CBD rubs for topical use, CBD gummies for oral ingestion.

CBD tinctures for pets and humans that come with a carrier oil like olive oil or MCT oil, even CBD-infused beauty products exist. Research is still ongoing to confirm the potential benefits of CBD.

But that hasn't stopped the CBD industry from growing at an astronomical rate. In fact, buying CBD oil has literally never been easier than it is now.

How CBD oil works

Hemp oil and CBD may have a lot in common. But one particular difference between hemp oil and CBD is CBD's relationship to the endocannabinoid system.

Once CBD enters your bloodstream, it binds to the various receptors found in the endocannabinoid system. Which itself is in charge of immune regulation, appetite, pain and inflammation regulation, and more.

This evidence suggests that CBD may activate certain responses in the body and brain related to pain relief, one's ability to lose weight, and increasing one's intake of anti-inflammatory properties. But again, researchers are still working to define the exact function of CBD in the human body.

Effects of CBD oil

There are many potential effects that CBD may promote, including neuroprotective properties, antiepileptic properties, and even anti-anxiety properties. But all in all, each CBD product is not intended to cure any disease or treat any ailment.

As always, it's best to talk to your doctor before getting involved with either hemp extract or CBD content. Especially if you have other health conditions that require prescription medication.

How CBD oil is made

While hemp extract comes from the seeds of the cannabis and hemp plant, CBD oil is made from the flowers, leaves, and stems of industrial hemp plants. There are multiple kinds of extraction methods to retrieve CBD.

But the current gold standard throughout the industry is extraction through carbon dioxide. This method allows the CBD extract to remain rich in its nutrients and other components.

FAQs on hemp oil vs. CBD oil

Both hemp oil and CBD oil have quite a bit to offer. But let's look at these particular questions that come up when comparing industrial hemp and CBD oil.

Is hemp seed oil better than CBD oil?

Earlier, we mentioned that neither hemp oil nor CBD oil is better than the other. And while this remains true, it also boils down to how you intend to use them.

Hemp oil typically contains more nutritional components than CBD oil. But for those looking to manage certain conditions, CBD oil may offer potential benefits that are unique to the person and circumstance.

While we would love to give you a straight answer, there simply isn't one. We can only give you the facts and hope that as you go on your CBD and hemp oil journey, you pay close attention to how your body reacts to each.

Will hemp seed oil show up on a drug test?

Because hemp seed oil contains only a small amount of CBD, if any, hemp oil rarely shows up on drug tests. CBD, on the other hand, can depend on what kind of CBD oil you are using.

Full spectrum contains trace amounts of THC and is therefore the most likely to show up on a drug test. So if you want that peace of mind knowing you won't test positive, consider using broad spectrum, isolate CBD, or hemp oil instead.

The bottom line

You might have come into this blog post thinking that hemp oil and CBD were the same thing. But now that you've gotten through the whole post, we hope you're able to view them as siblings of a sort.

They share some similarities. But they are each their own unique individual. 

Keep Reading: Where To Buy THC Gummies

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Clean Remedies is a woman-owned, independent family business that uses USDA Certified Organic Hemp Extract to create products that are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, meant to benefit your well being and meet our own high standards of efficacy. For CBD facts, product discounts, and more, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.