CBD oil and hemp seed oil are different! Here’s how

The hemp space can be tricky to navigate and the myriad of products on the market doesn’t make it any easier. There are so many ingredients and uses of the hemp plant but it’s important to be able to distinguish the differences so that you are using what you need and paying for the benefits you expect. Despite sounding very similar, hemp-derived CBD oil and hemp seed oil are NOT the same thing! They are produced differently, contain different benefits, and support the body in different ways.

We are familiar with hemp seeds and hemp seed oil as they’ve been gracing our health food and wellness store shelves for decades as nutritional supplements. CBD, which is derived from the hemp plant and can contain up to .3% THC, is newer to the mainstream scene with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. While a CBD product may contain hemp seed extract, it is not the same the other way around. Hemp seeds or hemp seed oil do not contain any CBD.

What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is the crucial element of the cannabis plant that comes with a multitude of benefits, such as relief for sleep issues, epilepsy, pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, addiction management, and neurodegenerative conditions. Cannabinoids like CBD seamlessly link with our body’s receptors in the endocannabinoid system, the system responsible for maintaining our body’s state of balance or homeostasis, and therefore are able to provide both mind and body benefits. We see CBD incorporated into tinctures, topicals, edibles and inhalants. It is extracted from all elements of the cannabis plant, from the leaves, flowers, stalks and seeds. If a product contains CBD, you will see it labeled with the following: CBD (Full-spectrum, Broad-spectrum, or Isolate), Cannabidiol, Hemp-based CBD, or Phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil.

What is hemp seed oil?

Hemp seed oil is more akin to other nutrient-dense oils like jojoba oil, coconut oil or avocado oil. The oil is extracted by cold-pressing only the seeds. It is high in antioxidants, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, and is often labeled as a superfood, but it does not contain any CBD. Hempseed oil can be a great addition to smoothies, salads, to add that extra dose of nutrients. We also see hemp seed oil in skincare for a non-comedogenic moisture and nutrient boost. Hemp Seed oil is not a cannabinoid that binds to our endocannabinoid receptors to deliver benefits throughout the body as CBD does. If a product contains hemp seed oil, you will see it labeled with the following: hemp seed oil, cannabis sativa oil, or hemp oil.

Always read the label

Both ingredients are beneficial to your body, but you want to know what you’re getting when you purchase a product. CBD oil and hemp seed oil provide different benefits to the body. Some brands can get swept up in the CBD craze and can mislabel their products and make false claims about its benefits. CBD products tend to pricier than hemp seed-based products because of the resources and efforts taken to extract it from the cannabis plant.

CBD products must always come with an accredited COA or Certificate of Analysis, which outlines the cannabinoid and terpene profile and levels in the product. It also confirms the product is safe for use and consumption. The COA should be readily available on the brand’s website or via QR code on the product. This requirement doesn’t apply to hemp seed oil products. So, if a product is labeled to have CBD, be sure to check the COA.

Read labels, ask questions, and be conscious of your purchase!

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HiVi is intended as an educational resource and makes no medical claims. The information provided is NOT intended to assist anyone in violating federal law and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease. Representations regarding the efficacy and safety of cannabis consumption have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Do not consume cannabis if you are taking medications until you’ve researched all potential interaction. Do not discontinue any medications you are currently taking in favor of cannabis without trusted, professional guidance by a physician or someone knowledgeable about cannabis.