Hemp Seed Oil Vs. CBD Oil: What You Need To Know

If you pay close attention to the wellness industry, chances are you’ve heard the buzz about hemp seed and CBD oil. Thanks to recent changes in laws regarding the cultivation and legality of cannabis, both have exploded in popularity. However, even though they’re derived from the same plant, hemp seed and CBD oil are not interchangeable — they have very different applications.

Products made with hemp seed oil have become especially prevalent in the skincare industry because of the hemp seed’s natural moisturizing and softening qualities. Even better, it doesn’t lead to oily skin. On the other hand, CBD oils tend to be used in medicinal applications to help support normal inflammatory function and to promote the ease of bodily aches. Of course, the low-THC, high CBD content also makes it valuable as a sleep aid and stress reliever.

Unfortunately, the fact that many people are unfamiliar with hemp seed and CBD oils has led to some confusion about the differences. This isn’t helped by manufacturers who use the terms indiscriminately. As a result, you should be careful and deliberate when you see these commodities on the shelves. To help you make the most informed decision when shopping, here are some basic facts about hemp seed and CBD oils and how they’re used.

Origins

Although they’re both products related to the hemp plant, their origins are different.

Hemp seed oil, as the name states, is made from hemp seeds. Hemp seed oil is typically cold-pressed to release the oils and the results are bottled. Alternatively, CBD oil is extracted from the full-grown flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant. How CBD is removed (extracted) can affect its quality and intensity. Because it comes from the “adult” plant, CBD oils can also be referred to as “hemp extract oil” or “full-spectrum hemp oil.”

In general, the hemp seed oil is created by processing the seeds from industrial hemp plants, which can be used for the manufacture of rope and other items. In contrast, CBD oil can come from a variety of cannabis plants, each creating a slightly different finished product.

Effects

Perhaps the most important factor when choosing between these oils is each one’s influence on the body.

For example, CBD oil contains trace amounts (under 0.3%) THC content and in full spectrum variants, over 100 natural cannabinoids. These cannabinoids may help to support a healthy sleep cycle and promote a sense of calmness. CBD oil might also have the potential to help support physical wellness in some users.

Hemp seed oil, however, contains no CBD, THC, or other cannabinoids. Instead, it offers numerous nutritional benefits. Hemp seed oil is rich in fiber, protein, vitamin E, and omega fatty acids that can work as powerful antioxidants with over 11 essential amino acids.

Uses

With their unique origins and effects, each oil has distinct applications. Be careful not to confuse them: If you want the benefits of one but use the other, you won’t receive your desired outcome.

Hemp seed oil’s status as a “superfood” means that it provides a large concentration of nutrients in a relatively small amount. This benefit makes hemp seed oil great for cooking or as a dietary supplement. It also works well as a moisturizer, so it’s used as an ingredient in many hair and skin care products. If you are concerned about maintaining a youthful appearance or want to boost your intake of certain vitamins, look for goods containing hemp seed oil when shopping.

If you see “CBD oil” on a label, you should be aware that the product is intended to provide an effect. The presence of multiple cannabinoids and a trace amount of THC in CBD oil makes it more likely to be used for a specific ailment, such as bodily aches. New benefits of CBD are being discovered all the time, especially as it becomes more popular. There is a higher likelihood that this ingredient will continue to find its way into more and more products.

Quality

To get the most out of either CBD or hemp seed oil, you should know what to look for and how to keep it fresh.

For instance, hemp seed oil can expire and go rancid if unconsumed for too long. It will become cloudy and emit a distinct smell once it turns. Store it in the refrigerator to help it last longer.

When purchasing CBD oil, look for language on the label that indicates it has been tested by a third-party laboratory — don’t be fooled by unverified goods. Clarity, a light green color, and the distinct smell of hemp shows that the product is fresh and contains plant compounds for the best overall results. Purchasing from an official brand’s website, a dispensary, or a trusted compounding lab should help you find what you want in a CBD oil.

A New World

Due to considerable changes in the legal status of cannabis and hemp, the market has been flooded with CBD-based items. Although hemp seed oils have been in use for decades, the surge of hemp-derived supplements containing CBD has led to a lot of consumer confusion. The next time you go shopping, take a moment to consider the advice contained here and make sure you know what you’re buying.