What is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?

If you’re just getting started shopping for oils, one of the first things you may come across that stumps you is hemp oil vs CBD oil. 

The two are often erroneously used interchangeably, and the influx of misleading CBD products on the market has not made the distinction any easier to come by. 

So, are hemp oil and CBD oil the same? No. Hemp oil is pressed from the seeds of the plant, whereas CBD is sometimes extracted from the stalks, stems, flowers, and leaves.

There is a big difference when looking at hemp oil and CBD oil, and the two will provide vastly different results for the body. They cannot be used interchangeably. 

Let’s take a deeper look to understand the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil:

Hemp oil

Unlike CBD, which has recently sprouted into a popular product for everything from skin care to pain relief, hemp oil has been around in health stores and markets for a long time. 

An easy way to look at hemp seed oil vs CBD oil is to look at where they come from. CBD oil can be derived from cannabis or industrial hemp plants, but hemp oil comes from hemp seeds. 

To be clear, hemp oil does not provide the same therapeutic benefits as CBD. It does have a wide range of benefits though, which explains why it has been sitting on the shelves of health food stores for decades and incorporated into different superfood concoctions. 

Hemp oil comes in two forms: unrefined and refined. It is a cold-pressed extract straight from hemp seeds. 

Unrefined hemp oil has a greenish color and is filled with a natural, nutty taste. In this state, hemp oil is packed full of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants, iron, B vitamins, and more. 

Refined hemp oil does not have a distinct color and has very little flavor. Unlike the unrefined form, this hemp oil does not have any of the vitamins and antioxidants found in unrefined oil. Instead, this form is used for creams, plastics, and other items.

Depending on the type of hemp oil, it can be an extremely beneficial supplement for healthier hair and skin or for boosting health with vitamins and omega fatty acids. 

Hemp oil does not provide the same therapeutic benefits as CBD. There are no cannabinoids present in hemp oil, so using it will not provide relief for the same afflictions CBD oil can help with.

CBD oil

When searching for CBD, many come across hemp oil and wonder, “is hemp seed oil the same as CBD?” If you’re new to the world of natural oils, thinking there is not a difference in hemp oil and CBD oil is a common misconception. 

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is non-intoxicating but has numerous therapeutic effects on many conditions from anxiety, chronic pain, diabetes, and more. 

Cannabidiol can be extracted from regular cannabis plants with any amount of THC levels, or from agricultural hemp. Both contain high levels of CBD. 

So, while CBD can be extracted from hemp, that does not mean hemp oil and CBD oil are the same. Hemp oil comes from hemp seeds, whereas CBD can be extracted from the stalks, stems, and flowers of hemp or from regular cannabis plants. 

CBD works with cannabinoid receptors in the human body, as part of the endocannabinoid system.

When cannabidiol interacts with certain receptors, different effects can be achieved depending on the person’s overall makeup and what is currently out of balance. 

Because the endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the body, incorporating CBD can help to re-balance certain aspects that may have fallen out of whack. 

A good example of this is using CBD for inflammation. When CBD is taken, it works as an analgesic on different neurotransmitters which in turn reduces inflammation. This can be attributed to a specific molecule called anandamide. 

Anandamide is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid we already have in our bodies. It breaks down quickly though, which can cause trouble for the processes it regulates, including inflammation, sleep, and hormone regulation among others. 

CBD slows down the breakdown of anandamide, allowing it to keep the body in balance for longer periods of time.

Hemp oil vs CBD oil

So, what’s the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil? A whole lot. The two both have a number of benefits, but they do not work in the same ways. If you’re trying to decide on hemp oil vs CBD oil, it comes down to the reasons you are looking to take a natural oil in the first place. 

Hemp oil is a great source of omega fatty 3 and 6 fatty acids. In fact, it provides an optimal ratio of the two, something that has been suggested to help with keeping inflammation under control, though in different ways than CBD. 

Balancing out omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can be achieved in numerous ways by altering your diet, so hemp oil is not the only way to go if you’re trying to reduce inflammation by optimizing your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. 

CBD has a more direct response on the endocannabinoid system, targeting receptors that cause analgesic effects and also alter our own perception of pain. 

Of course, people aren’t wondering about the difference in hemp oil and CBD oil just for pain, though it is a good condition to compare and contrast the two for. CBD is used for a number of afflictions, and hemp oil is used to boost general health. 

Hemp seeds have been considered a superfood for a long time. In general, they should be used as a way to boost overall health. They are a great source of important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E, phosphorous, and magnesium. 

Hemp seed oil may boost mental performance and help strengthen and protect the cardiovascular system. Cannabidiol has also been suggested to help protect the cardiovascular system, though more human studies need to occur to confirm this. 

Consuming actual hemp seeds may be a better choice than oil though because they are high in fiber and protein, and those aspects are lost when pressed into an oil. 

Unlike hemp oil, CBD targets cannabinoid receptors in the body to achieve relief from different conditions in various ways. It can help restore balance in the body, allowing the endocannabinoid system to function optimally, which in turn keeps bodily processes in order. 

CBD oil may be more new to the mainstream market than hemp seed oil, but it is recognized to help with many conditions. The FDA has approved one CBD-based drug called Epidiolex, used to control two rare forms of seizures.

The bottom line

Figuring out the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil is a crucial first step in taking charge of your health. 

Hemp oil has numerous benefits, as it is packed full of vitamins and minerals, as well as an optimal ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. As a general rule, hemp seed oil is a great supplement to incorporate for boosting overall health. If you’re looking for targeted relief for certain conditions, hemp oil is not going to get you there. 

CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body to help restore balance, effectively providing relief for a number of conditions and finding homeostasis. Taking CBD can help users find relief from many conditions that are regulated by the endocannabinoid system, such as pain, anxiety, depression, and more.

Now that you’re equipped with the facts of hemp oil vs CBD oil, you can decide which will be best for you. 

“Representations regarding the efficacy and safety of [CBD Oil] have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA only evaluates foods and drugs, not supplements like these products. These products are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease. Click here [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304394018304099] to find evidence of a test, analysis, research, or study describing the benefits, performance or efficacy of [CBD Oil] based on the expertise of relevant professionals.”