Diving Deep: Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil – All You Need To Know

Shopping for the perfect hemp product can be a bit daunting, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the confusion surrounding hemp oil and CBD oil. 

While some brands label their CBD Oils as “Hemp Oil” in an attempt to bypass the advertising restrictions, it’s important to note that hemp seed oil is a distinct product with a separate extraction process.

But the extraction process is not the only difference between them, as you’ll find out below.

The hemp plant is among nature’s most powerful gifts – it’s full of essential minerals, plant-based proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and more. 

From this amazing source come two products – hemp seed oil and CBD oil – both are beneficial in their own ways. While hemp seed oil does offer many benefits, the lack of cannabinoids gives CBD oil an ‘edge’.

Hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from hemp seeds for its nutty flavor and to obtain its moisturizing properties for skin, its ability to improve digestion, and its potential to promote cardiovascular health.

On the other hand, CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plants to isolate cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike hemp seed oil which does not contain any cannabinoids, CBD oils contain a high concentration of these compounds without any intoxicating effects that come with THC. 

Understanding the differences between hemp oil and CBD oil is much simpler than it may seem. So let’s take a look at the difference between these two powerhouse oils – what makes them special and how they can be used.

Hemp Seed Oil vs. CBD Oil: What’s the Difference?

Hemp seed oils contain omega-3 fatty acids along with magnesium, potassium, and other minerals and vitamins. It is rich in plant-based proteins, and it has a nutty flavor.

The oil is cold-pressed from hemp seeds which are naturally full of high protein, healthy fats, and other beneficial compounds like terpenes and phytonutrients that make up the hemp plant. Hemp seed oil is used to moisturize the skin, improve digestion and promote cardiovascular health.

On the other hand, CBD oil is made by extracting cannabinoid compounds like CBD from both hemp and marijuana plants (which are closely related). When buying CBD products, it’s important to remember that hemp is the only legal source of CBD. 

High-CBD hemp is the only reliable way to obtain CBD, and it is specially farmed to contain low levels of THC. Marijuana, on the other hand, contains much lower amounts of CBD, but high concentration of THC, which is responsible for its psychedelic properties.

Unlike its namesake seed oil which does not contain any cannabinoids, CBD oil contains all of the beneficial components of cannabis with much higher concentrations of Cannabidiol (CBD). 

How is CBD Oil Made From Hemp?

Hemp-derived CBD products don’t have any intoxicating effects like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) as this type of hemp is grown with very low levels of THC, typically no more than 0.3% in accordance with federal regulations. 

It’s actually a very delicate process because there can be periods during the growth cycle where the THC content is highly volatile and may spike. So growers must ensure that their plants stay below 0.3% at all times or risk having their crop destroyed.

And depending on what kind of product you’re looking for, all remaining traces of THC can be extracted once harvest is over – giving you peace of mind knowing that whatever you get is completely legal.

What Is Hemp Seed Oil and How Is It Made?

Unlike other types of oils that must be extracted from their sources using chemical processes such as distillation or refinement, hemp seed oil can be easily cold pressed from hemp seeds. The seeds are shelled, cleaned, cooled and then cold pressed between two stainless steel plates in a special press machine. This method draws out the oils from the seeds without having to apply heat or use any chemicals which can damage their components.

How Is It Used?

Hemp seed oil is most commonly used as a dietary supplement – but its uses don’t stop there. To get its maximum potential benefits, hemp seed oil has to be consumed within a few weeks of it being made; otherwise it’s likely to spoil quickly.  Eating it straight or mixing it with salads is one of the most common ways to consume this oil, but you can also add it to smoothies for an added healthy nutrient boost. Not only does hemp seed oil have useful properties when eaten, but it can also be used topically as a moisturizer with skin nourishing minerals like magnesium and zinc. 

Potential Benefits

Hemp seed oil contains essential fatty acids in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which have been credited by researchers at Harvard for helping to reduce chronic inflammation and relieve pain. Hemp seed oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids which are known to help keep your cholesterol levels healthy and may aid in brain development. 

A 2018 study conducted by Shandong University¹ found:

• Levels of essential fatty acids (EFAs) linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) increased in all lipid fractions, providing anti-inflammatory properties for healthier skin and hair.
• Intra-group TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss) values decreased, leading to improved skin hydration and reduced dryness. 
• Skin qualities such as dryness and itchiness improved after using hemp seed oil.
• Dermal(skin) medication usage decreased significantly, indicating that hempseed oil may potentially be used as a natural alternative for skin care.
• Hemp seed oil can help to keep cholesterol levels healthy. 
• It can also improve immune function and help with skin and gastrointestinal diseases.

Another study conducted by the University of Manitoba suggested that it may have positive effects on cardiovascular health, neurodegenerative diseases, and the immune system².

Potential Risks & Side Effects

In general, hemp seed oil has no known adverse side effects when consumed in moderation – but its topical use is subject to allergies or sensitivities due to its nutty scent, which makes it important to spot tests for allergic reactions on a small part of skin before applying it to larger sections. 

Hemp seed oil can also become rancid over time, so it’s important to purchase from reliable suppliers and keep it stored in the refrigerator or dark place once opened.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is created using an extraction method which involves heating the hemp plant with some type of solvent like CO2 and then filtering out the herb extracts, cannabinoids and terpenes through a series of filters. This technique allows CBD oil to maintain higher concentrations of compounds like CBD as opposed to those found in hemp seed oils.

How Is CBD Oil Made? 

High-quality CBD oil has to be extracted from hemp using specific solvents or processes such as supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) or ethanol extraction.

Supercritical CO2 extraction is a popular method because it is non-toxic, and produces clean results with a low risk of residual solvents and other contaminants.

This process separates the cannabinoids from other components, which are then filtered off and collected into crude CBD oil or further subject distillation to remove all trace of solvents.

At Cannovia, we believe in providing only the best quality, pure CBD oil available. That’s why we go the extra mile to use supercritical CO2 extraction when crafting our products. 

This way, you can be sure that any contaminants have been eliminated, providing you with a safe and clean experience every single time. 

Using CO2 extraction is non-toxic and eco-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing your values when choosing Cannovia.

How Is CBD Oil Used? 

Once the cannabinoids have been extracted and refined, they can be turned into different products such as CBD Oil Drops, topicals and CBD Lotion. 

Topical CBD products are usually applied directly to the skin and have shown promise in easing the symptoms of:

• Inflammation 
• Muscle pain
• Joint Pain
• Psoriasis, eczema and even acne.³

Because you just apply them on the surface of your skin, topical CBD products don’t produce any kind of psychoactive effects – but they do provide effective localized relief.

Potential Benefits of CBD oil

CBD oil is being studied for treating a wide range of ailments due to its anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce swelling and promote healing. Anecdotal evidence and early research attests to CBD’s pain relieving properties when it comes to muscle, joint or even nerve pain. One recent study reported tremendous improvements in intense, sharp pain,  and cold and itchy sensations.

CBD has also been found to aid treatment of certain epilepsy syndromes. Epidiolex, an anti-seizure medicine for children, was approved by the FDA in 2018.

But that’s not all,

• In a recent study conducted by researchers from various universities, it was found that 10 out of 11 patients who were studied reported decreased PTSD symptom severity in 8 weeks of regular administration. Moreover, all of them chose to continue taking CBD.
• Various preclinical studies have posited that CBD may have therapeutic potential against addiction, ranging from opioids to even tobacco. 
• Might aid in easing diabetic complications.
• CBD may aid and relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression and protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
• CBD can potentially inhibit the pain and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and also knee pain due to osteoarthritis.

Additionally, it can aid sleeping problems due to its ability to induce relaxation without the undesired psychoactivity of THC– the compound found in marijuana that has been known to produce uncomfortable panic and paranoia.

Potential Risks & Side Effects of CBD Oil

While research into the effects of topical CBD is still ongoing, it’s generally considered safe to use without major side effects. If you experience any side effects, it is always best to consult with your doctor. 

Bottom Line 

There’s no doubt that the power of these natural ingredients should not be underestimated when trying to incorporate them for your health and wellness – but understanding the differences between hemp seed oil and CBD oil is key for obtaining maximum relief from their combined effects. 

Hemp seed oil can be incorporated into daily meals as a supplement for its health boosting omega-3 fatty acids, while CBD oil can be used to create powerful topical creams, balms and oils for everyday relief from pain. 

Is CBD made from marijuana or hemp, what are the benefits of it, and how does it work? 

High quality CBD is only derived from the hemp plant, due to its legal status, and CBD concentration, as we talked about earlier. While CBD can be extracted from marijuana plants, they simply do not contain enough amounts of CBD, are mind-altering, and illegal. 

Hemp contains higher amounts of CBD than THC and therefore has no intoxicating effects; whereas marijuana plants contain more than the federally mandated 0.3% of THC.

Cannovia sources its hemp-derived CBD from trusted and reliable farms in the United States. These hemp plants are specifically grown to contain high concentrations of CBD, which makes it the preferred choice by Cannovia for their products.

Moreover, hemp-derived CBD is non-intoxicating, making it safer and more suitable for treating various health conditions. By sourcing their CBD from hemp derived plants, we ensure that all of their products are safe, effective, and in line with the latest regulations.

The therapeutic properties within CBD work by interacting with receptors that regulate & influence our body’s activities such as pain sensation, mood & memory – which all play a part in helping to reduce the symptoms associated with certain ailments.

Can you take hemp oil and CBD oil together? 

Yes, hemp oil and CBD oil can be taken together – in fact they are often blended together to form a synergistic effect which maximizes their individual beneficial qualities. For example, hemp seed oil can be used as a base for topical CBD applications and as a carrier oil for tinctures as it contains healthy fatty acids that help CBD to penetrate the skin more effectively or to deliver CBD that is ingested. 

Is hemp oil better than CBD oil?

It depends on what your goals are. Hemp seed oil is great for everyday use due to its nutritional content and beneficial effects against inflammation and joint pain. 

However, if you’re looking for something to target specific symptoms like anxiety relief or insomnia – then you would need to opt for some type of CBD product such as tinctures or capsules instead. 

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Anxiety 

Hemp seed oil does have anxiolytic properties, but it is not as effective as CBD because of its lack of CBD. 

It could potentially be used in small doses in conjunction with other soothing ingredients like chamomile & lavender – however taking a pure CBD oil or supplements containing CBD may provide quicker & more effective results.

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Pain  

CBD oil may have more potent effects as it is concentrated with cannabinoids & terpenes that offer powerful painkilling benefits. 

Studies have found that CBD may reduce inflammation and lower chronic pain levels through its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system. It works by activating the CB-1 and CB-2 receptors in the brain, which signals the body to reduce inflammation, stimulate neuroprotective effects, and relieve any pain from inflamed areas. 

One placebo controlled study found that:

In comparison with placebo the CBM (Cannabinoid Medicine) group produced modest improvements in:

• pain at rest
• quality of sleep
• pain on movement

There were no adverse effect-related withdrawals or serious adverse effects in the active treatment group. 

In terms of hemp seed oil, it is sometimes used as an alternative to pharmaceuticals due to its relatively mild ability to act as an anti-inflammatory agent. 

While not all pains can be relieved with hemp seed oil, it may help with certain types of aches and arthritis; in addition to acting as an emollient and moisturizer on the skin. 

Hemp seed oil also contains numerous essential fatty acids (EFAs) such as omega 3 & 6, Linoleic Acid (LA) & Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA). 

Overall, both hemp seed oil & CBD oil may offer powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits, but CBD oil is more potent and may be better for those who suffer from chronic and/or severe pain. It is important to choose a product that is extracted in the correct manner and contains a verified level of cannabinoids & terpenes from reputable sources.

5 Key Differences Between Hemp Oil And Cbd Oil 

1. Chemical Structure:

Hemp seed oil consists of healthy fatty acids such as omega-3 & omega-6; while CBD oils contain a range of cannabinoids & terpenes that provide therapeutic properties within the body. 

2. Extraction Method:

Hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from hemp seeds; whereas CBD oils require an extraction process using solvents like CO2, ethanol or butane to separate out cannabinoid compounds for consumption. 

3. CBD content:

Hemp seed oil does not contain any cannabinoids (including CBD); whereas most reputable brands of CBD oil will list their potency level on their product labels. 

4. Uses & Purposes:

Hemp seed oil is often used as a dietary supplement or applied topically to enhance skin health; whereas CBD oil is usually ingested in tincture form or used topically to reduce inflammation & relieve pain. 

5. Legality: 

The cultivation, use & sale of industrially grown hemp have been legalized in the USA & some other countries – but some states still impose restrictions on manufacturing & distributing cannabis-based products, so always check your local laws before purchasing them.

Different Labeling

Hemp seed oil will generally feature its fatty acid content listed on its packaging – such as omega-3 and omega-6, while CBD products usually list their cannabinoid concentration levels so users can judge the level of strength depending on their needs.  

Three Types of CBD Products: Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate 

When shopping for CBD products, there are three main differences you should be aware of; 

• Full Spectrum 
• Broad Spectrum
• CBD Isolate

Full-spectrum CBD products are enriched with all the compounds found in the plant including cannabinoids like CBD, alongside other beneficial substances like terpenes.

While broad spectrum CBD is similar but lacks any trace amounts of THC and may lack in terpenes and other beneficial cannabinoids as well. 

Lastly, CBD isolate or THC-Free CBD is just pure CBD with no other compounds present, so it can provide a potent dose but without the potential benefits of other cannabinoids and terpenes found in Broad or Full Spectrum CBD.

Conclusion

CBD oil and hemp seed oil offer users an array of different benefits depending on their individual needs; from reducing inflammation & relieving pain to calming anxiety levels & promoting better quality sleep. 

They can also be combined together in topical applications or dietary supplements to create powerful treatments with a synergistic effect – however it’s important to understand the key differences between these two oils in order to determine which one is best suited for certain ailments. 

Now that you are well informed on how they work and how they differ, you can confidently choose the product or combination that’s right for your particular desires.

FAQs 

What is the difference between CBD oil and hemp oil? 

Hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from hemp seeds; whereas CBD oils require an extraction process using solvents like CO2, ethanol or butane to separate out cannabinoid compounds for consumption. Hemp seed oil does not contain any cannabinoids (including CBD); whereas most reputable brands of CBD oil will list their potency level on their product labels. 

Is it safe to take hemp oil and CBD oil together?

Yes, hemp oil and CBD oil can be taken together – in fact they are often blended together to form a synergistic effect which maximizes their individual beneficial qualities.

For example, hemp seed oil can be used as a base for topical CBD products applications as it contains healthy fatty acids that help CBD to penetrate the skin more effectively. 

What’s the difference between hemp and marijuana? The Problem With Mixing Up the Two.

Hemp is a strain of cannabis sativa that contains high concentrations of CBD but very low levels of THC (the compound responsible for producing intoxicating effects when smoked or ingested). Marijuana is also a strain of cannabis, but it has higher levels of THC. and much lower concentrations of CBD than hemp & therefore produces strong psychoactive effects.

References

1. Zhou Y, Wang S, Ji J, Lou H, Fan P. Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seed Phenylpropionamides Composition and Effects on Memory Dysfunction and Biomarkers of Neuroinflammation Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Mice. ACS Omega. 2018 Nov 30;3(11):15988-15995. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.8b02250. Epub 2018 Nov 27. PMID: 30556022; PMCID: PMC6288804. ↩︎
2. Rodriguez-Leyva D, Pierce GN. The cardiac and haemostatic effects of dietary hempseed. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010 Apr 21;7:32. doi: 10.1186/1743-7075-7-32. PMID: 20409317; PMCID: PMC2868018. ↩︎
3. Baswan SM, Klosner AE, Glynn K, Rajgopal A, Malik K, Yim S, Stern N. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Dec 8;13:927-942. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S286411. PMID: 33335413; PMCID: PMC7736837. ↩︎