Is Hemp Oil the Same as CBD Oil? Breaking Down the Facts

Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil? No. There is a lot of common confusion between hemp oil and CBD oil. While both come from the cannabis plant, they are derived differently, from different parts, with different uses. 

CBD comes from the leaves, stocks, and flowers of the cannabis plant, and it can come from any type of cannabis plant. Hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant. Specialized extraction processes are used to draw out specific compounds like CBD. One such process is carbon dioxide extraction. Depending on the type of product, all compounds can be extracted intact, or CBD can be extracted in isolation. A cold press process is used to extract hemp seed oil by effectively squishing the seeds until the oils are released. 

This article will review the sources and extraction processes of both oils and clarify the differences and similarities between hemp oil and CBD oil.

Many people ask, “Is hemp oil and CBD oil the same?” because there still exists a lot of confusion over the types of products derived from the cannabis plant. They both come from the hemp plant but from different parts. CBD oil has a high concentration of CBD and other cannabinoids, which offers several health benefits. Hemp seed oil does not have CBD, but it still has other bioactive compounds that are healthy for you, including fatty acids and nutrients. 

Composition: CBD oil vs hemp oil

Hemp seed oil comes from the Cannabis sativa seeds. It has things such as:

• Omega-6
• Omega-3 fatty acid
• Gamma linolenic acid
• Vitamin B
• Vitamin D

There is no THC and little to no CBD in hemp seed oil, so you cannot get high.

CBD products come in one of three types*:

1. The first is full spectrum, which means very low levels of THC are contained in the product
2. The second is a broad spectrum, which can contain other compounds besides CBD but will not contain any THC
3. CBD oil is marked as isolates, which have only CBD

*These are not regulated terms, and you might find that manufacturers use them differently/interchangeably/or incorrectly, so you will need to work with companies that always have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with third-party testing. 

Difference between hemp oil and CBD oil for the manufacturing process and how it works

Hemp oil is made with a cold press, pressing the seeds until they release the healthy cooking oil. 

CBD is made by extracting the CBD from the stalks, flowers, and leaves of the hemp plant. 

But how do they work?

Hemp oil works the same as other oil: it gets ingested in things like food products and then absorbed by the stomach and intestines, where the body breaks it down and uses it. 

CBD works a bit differently, as it can be used as a tincture or lotion applied to the skin, an oil that goes under the tongue, or a gummy that is chewed, among other things. CBD works in many ways by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. This can activate different receptors, which do things like regulate pain, increase serotonin (which helps with depressive disorders or anxiety), and more. 

Difference between hemp oil and CBD oil: how it is used

Hemp seed oil is not used recreationally but rather in culinary circumstances or in the manufacturing of fiber. You can find hemp seed oil in many nutritional products, including:

• Yogurt
• Cookies
• Bread
• Snack bars

Many people use hemp seed oil as a nutritional supplement because of the high profile of antioxidants and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

CBD oil is used for several conditions, often as an alternative or natural form of medication. Many people rely on CBD products for things like:

• Anxiety disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Stress management
• depression/depressive disorders
• Pain management
• Inflammation
• Epilepsy
• Inflammatory skin conditions/other skin conditions
• Neurodegenerative conditions 

Broad spectrum and isolate products are namely relied upon for their medical benefits as a treatment for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety disorders, or insomnia. 

Full-spectrum products can be used for the psychoactive effects, given that it has some THC, but the amounts are very small. Full spectrum products have, however, been used for things like cancer treatment, anti-nausea medication, or anti-vomiting. 

CBD products also often contain other terpenes, cannabinoids, or natural herbal compounds to enhance their efficacy for specific conditions. For example, sleep aids might include CBD and melatonin, whereas anti-anxiety products might have CBD and chamomile or lemon balm. 

CBD oil vs hemp oil health benefits

Many people use hemp seed oil to boost cardiovascular health, particularly because of the benefits it has on the following:

1. Total cholesterol
2. Triglycerides
3. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol
4. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

It offers several other health benefits, such as:

1. Improving skin conditions
2. Improving gastrointestinal issues
3. Boosting the immune system
4. Relieving constipation
5. Fighting aging effects
6. Increasing antioxidants

CBD oil can provide several benefits depending on how it is used and what else is contained in the products. For example:

• CBD has anti-epileptic and anti-inflammatory effects, offers pain relief, can be used for neuroprotective effects, and works as an anti-anxiety and anti-depressive treatment.
• THC found in some CBD products offers pain relief and anti-inflammation and works as an anti-nausea treatment.
• Other terpenes and cannabinoids in some CBD products, such as limonene, cannabichromene, or beta-caryophyllene, can be used for pain relief, antioxidant properties, neuroprotective properties, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-anxiety properties, and anti-tumor properties.

Legal status

Hemp seed oil is completely safe, and in most cases, there is no THC. In such cases, it is legal everywhere, but if there is any THC in it, then there might be restrictions based on the state in which you live. 

With CBD, there are different legal statuses for varying products. You need to check the legal status where you live and determine whether you can access things like CBD isolates, broad-spectrum products, or full-spectrum products. 

Potential side effects

Hemp seed oil has limited side effects, if any. Those who are allergic to cannabis will likely have an allergy to hemp products. In rare cases, it can cause sleepiness. Similarly, CBD has limited side effects, mainly for those who have an allergy. CBD products can cause side effects like dry mouth, reduced appetite, drowsiness, fatigue, or, in rare cases, diarrhea.

So, how do you choose between the two? This comes down to your individual needs and desired outcomes. If you are interested in the health aspects of increasing antioxidants and omega fatty acids, then hemp seed oil is the better choice. If, instead, you are looking to tackle a specific health issue like insomnia or anxiety, then CBD oil might be better suited. 

There are many differences between hemp oil and CBD oil. Are they the same? No. Both come from the cannabis plant but from very different parts, through a different manufacturing process, with different uses. If you are considering the two, be sure to make informed decisions based on your needs.