Is Hemp Oil The Same As CBD Oil?

Since the approval of the initial cannabidiol-based drug, consumers have shown an ongoing interest in the benefits of CBD oil and hemp seed oil. However, most are torn between using hemp oil and CBD oil, bearing the confusion between the two. 

Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil? This is one of the most searched CBD-related queries on the internet. There is a lot of confusion around these products. It would be difficult to point out the variance without discussing each independently. So, let’s dive in. As we learn some of the differences, check out our products page. 

What is hemp oil?

This is oil derived from the seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Hemp seeds are pressed to extract the oil. The oil is then further processed, refined and bottled.  It has nutritional oxidants and vitamins such as Omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6, gamma-linolenic acid, Vitamin D and Vitamin B. Hemp oil does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol and has little to no CBD, so you will not get high when you consume it. 

Hemp oil has a wide array of uses due to its vast health benefits. However, it’s not ideally used for recreational purposes since it has no psychoactive effects. Apart from its health benefits, hemp oil is used in the manufacture of fibres and clothing. 

Some health benefits of using hemp oil include maintaining good cardiovascular health, relieving constipation, improving skin conditions and gastrointestinal issues as well as improving the immune system. Hemp oil is especially popular in the beauty industry since it does not clog pores, provides excellent moisturization, not to forget its anti-inflammatory properties. Hemp oil is also said to offer antioxidants, anti-ageing and anticancer effects. 

While it is generally safe to consume hemp oil, it may have different side effects. For instance, some people have reported digestive issues from consuming hemp oil, so you need to be keen on unusual occurrences after consumption. 

What is CBD oil?

This is oil that is derived from the leaves, stalks and flowers of the hemp plant.  Its extraction process differs from that of hemp seed oil since it uses different processes such as carbon dioxide extraction. CBD oil contains a higher CBD content, hence its numerous health benefits. 

There are three different types of CBD products that you will find in the market. These include:

• Full-spectrum - This CBD product contains up to 0.3% THC and has other beneficial terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids. 
• Broad Spectrum- This is a THC-free CBD product. It also contains other beneficial terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids. 
• CBD isolate- This contains 98-99% pure CBD. However, it does not contain other beneficial terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids. 

CBD oil has a variety of uses, with the most common being medicinal uses. These include reducing inflammation & pain, reducing depression & stress, treating epilepsy, treating inflammatory skin conditions and neurodegenerative conditions. Full-spectrum CBD oil can be used for recreational purposes, given that it has psychoactive effects. 

While it is safe to consume, CBD oil may have different side effects. For instance, people have reported decreased appetite, fatigue and diarrhea. CBD oil can also interfere with other medications. As such, you should consult your doctor before consuming it. 

Are there any similarities between hemp oil and CBD? 

Is hemp oil the same as CBD? No. But we get why it would be difficult to differentiate hemp oil and CBD. Furthermore, both are derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. They can also be ingested or applied topically and are non-intoxicating. Some manufacturers may sell hemp oil that contains CBD, which means that you are not buying hemp seed oil. Pure hemp seed oil does not contain CBD. 

How do hemp oil and CBD oil differ? 

Is CBD oil the same as hemp oil? Like we discussed above, CBD oil is not the same as hemp oil. Let’s discuss other differences in depth below. 

Let’s start with how these two are extracted. Hemp seed oil is extracted from hemp seed via the cold pressing technique. The result? A dark to clear extract that has a nutty flavour. On the other hand, CBD oil is extracted from flowers, stalks, and leaves of the hemp plant via solvent-based extraction methods or CO2. CBD oil can either have an earthy or a neutral plant flavour depending on the hemp plant and extraction methods. 

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content- While CBD oil can contain small levels of THC (up to 0.3%), hemp oil does not contain any THC, the psychoactive cannabis compound. This is why hemp oil is not used for medicinal purposes. Although CBD oil has trace amounts of THC, medical cannabis oil may contain high concentrations of pharmaceutically active cannabinoids. The exact THC proportions, however, depend on the variety of plants where it was extracted. 

Uses- The application for hemp oil and CBD oil differs to a great extent. Hemp oil is generally used in beauty products for skin care as well as hair. It is also used in cooking and making salads due to its vast health benefits. As we mentioned, hemp oil has nutritional oxidants such as Omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 and gamma-linolenic acid. It is also a great source of Vitamin D and Vitamin B, hence the vast use as a nutritional supplement. CBD, on the other hand, is used to derive medicinal benefits. It has various benefits such as regulating moods, managing stress and anxiety, as an analgesic, and as an anti-inflammatory. 

The cost- Given the higher cost of production, CBD oil is more expensive than hemp oil. You can attest to this if you have shopped around for either CBD oil or hemp oil. If you find a very cheap product claiming to contain 100% CBD oil, you might want to double-check the legitimacy. 

Want to try out CBD oil or hemp oil? Here are some precautions that you should take. 

• Do not consume beyond the recommended dosage- Hemp oil does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol, while CBD oil may have trace amounts of THC. However, you need to observe the recommended dosage. If you are starting your CBD use, start with small doses and increase your dosage with time. 
• Talk to your doctor before you use either hemp oil or CBD oil. These two can react with other medications. 
• Be aware of the contents as displayed on the packaging. For example, you might think you are taking hemp oil, but instead, you are consuming CBD oil.