Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: What is the Difference?

When you are seeking to purchase CBD it’s important to understand the inherent differences between hemp oil vs CBD oil. While often confused for one another these oils are very different in terms of how they’re created, how they are used and the benefits they offer. Understanding the differences between these two products is critical for anyone exploring the world of hemp-derived health products, particularly in the UK where both are widely available. Especially to avoid mixing them up when you’re looking to purchase either of them online.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between hemp oil and CBD oil, discuss their unique benefits, and provide a nutrient breakdown to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to purchase the right product.

What is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil, or hemp seed oil, is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. The resulting oil is rich in nutrients and is commonly used in food or applied topically on the skin. In fact it has been used across the world for centuries as a nutritional supplement and a key ingredient in skincare products.

It contains a myriad of beneficial compounds including essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. However despite coming from the same plant, unlike CBD oil, hemp oil does not contain any cannabinoids. This is one of the key differences between hemp oil vs CBD oil.

How is Hemp Oil Made?

Hemp oil is produced by simply cold pressing the seeds of the hemp plant. This method preserves its nutritional content. Moreover cold pressing involves mechanically squeezing the seeds at a low temperature to extract the oil without damaging its active ingredients.

Common uses of Hemp Oil

• A nutritional supplement thanks to its healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid ratio.
• An ingredient in skincare products because of its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties.
• A food oil for those looking for a healthy, plant-based oil.

Hemp Oil Nutrients

1. Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
   • Hemp oil contains a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, which is considered ideal for human health. These essential fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function, skin health, and reducing inflammation.
   • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
   • Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Supports brain function and maintains bone health.
2. Vitamins
   • Vitamin E: Hemp oil is an excellent source of Vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports immune function.
   • B Vitamins: Hemp oil also contains small amounts of B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and overall cell health.
3. Minerals
   • Magnesium: Important for muscle function and nerve signaling.
   • Zinc: Supports immune health and helps with wound healing.
   • Iron: Critical for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
4. Protein
   • Hemp seed oil also contains a small amount of plant-based protein, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans looking to supplement their diets.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD Oil, on the other hand, is a formulation typically containing CBD rich hemp extract and a carrier oil. It is revered more among the wellness community for its therapeutic properties such as relaxing and potent anti-inflammatory effects than its nutritional benefits.

CBD oil contains a unique family of wellness molecules called cannabinoids. A family that also includes the better known cannabinoid THC, however unlike THC, CBD does not produce any psychotropic effects.

Due to its rich nutty, hemp flavour, some brands like CBDLife add flavour to the formulation to improve its taste.

How is CBD Oil Made?

To create CBD oil you must first of all extract the cannabinoids including CBD from the flowers of the hemp plant. This can be achieved in numerous ways including more traditional extraction methods such as infusing in an oil or by using a solvents. The industry standard today however is to use CO2 extraction.

These processes target the constituents present in the hemp plant to ensure the highest concentration of CBD and other cannabinoids in the final product. Depending on the how refined the final extract is, whether it’s full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate, it may also contain other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.

Once extraction is complete, the CBD rich extract is then added to a carrier oil – usually MCT or hemp seed oil to create CBD oil.

Common Uses of CBD Oil

• Supplements, helping to promote relaxation and mental well-being.
• Medicine, CBD oil is prescribed for a small number of conditions in the UK.
• Skincare, for its skin conditioning and anti-inflammatory properties.

CBD Oil Nutrients

CBD oil’s nutritional profile is less focused on the traditional everyday vitamins and minerals found in hemp seed oil. Instead, its primary active components are cannabinoids and other plant compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.

1. Cannabinoids
   • Cannabinoids, such as CBD, are unique wellness molecules found within the hemp plant, some fungus and every living mammal on earth. That’s right, we create these molecules in our bodies whether we are comsuming hemp products or not. Cannabinoids interact with your endocannabinoid system to help regulate bodily functions including sleep, mood, and pain.
2. Terpenes
   • CBD oil may also contain terpenes, which are aromatic compounds that give the oil its flavor and scent. Some terpenes, like myrcene and linalool, have additional therapeutic effects, such as promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation.
3. Flavonoids
   • Finally flavonoids or ‘cannflavins’ are also found in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils. Cannflavins are unique to the cannabis sativa genus and have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from damage.

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: Key Differences

Evidently there are multiple differences between these two oils. First of all they are sourced from different parts of the hemp plant with hemp oil taken from the seeds of the plant and CBD oil is extracted from the flowers or even the leaves and stems.

Additionally, as discussed earlier, there are little to no cannabinoids in hemp oil. CBD oil, on the other hand is packed with significant amounts of CBD and other trace cannabinoids like CBG, CBC or even THCa depending on how refined the oil is. In other words if it’s full spectrum, broad spectrum or CBD isolate oil.

Similarly the nutritional profile of CBD oil – an oil rich in cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids is totally different to hemp oil which is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

Finally neither of these products provide any psychotropic effects however CBD oil delivers a mild psychoactive effect by enducing calm. Hemp oil on the other hand, does not offer any psychoactive or psychotropic effect whatsoever.

	CBD Oil	Hemp Seed Oil
Extracted From	Flowers of Hemp	Hemp Seeds
Cannabinoids	Yes CBD, CBG, THC, etc.	No
Nutrition	Cannabinoids & Terpenes	Essential Fatty Acids & Vitamins
Use	Supplements & Medicine	Food & Skincare

Which Should You Choose?

The choice between hemp oil and CBD oil depends on what you’re looking for in a product. If you’re looking for a nutritional supplement to support overall health, hemp oil may be the best choice. Its rich blend of omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals can help promote heart health, skin hydration, and inflammation reduction. It’s even great for your furry best friend’s coat.

On the other hand, if you’re seeking therapeutic benefits to unwind your mind, boost sleep hygiene or reduce pain, CBD oil might be more suitable. It’s designed by nature to support your body’s endocannabinoid system to boost vitality.

Before choosing a product, consider your specific needs as both oils offer unique benefits and incorporating them into your wellness routine could help you achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Any questions?

We would love to help if you have any questions around this topic. Let us know by dropping a comment below. We will endeavour to get back to you asap but while you wait the answer to your query may lie in our CBD FAQs.

Related Articles

If you’ve enjoyed this post you may like to read some of our other posts on learning CBD.

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  Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: What is the Difference?

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