Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: What's the Difference?

August 17, 2019

Are hemp oil and CBD the same thing?

Not exactly.  

CBD is a relatively new product on the mainstream wellness scene. But hempseed oil has been sold in health food stores for decades as a skin care product. It is an ingredient in hempseed milk and some granola cereals. Hemp oil gets called a "superfood" because of its naturally high levels of Omegas, and if you enjoy the taste of hemp foods, that is super!

Checking the Label

You can tell if hemp oil is simply hempseed oil when it appears on the product label as Cannabis sativa seed oil.

In contrast, you might see CBD listed as full-spectrum hemp. Sometimes it is just listed, or talked about, as "hemp oil." (No wonder folks get confused about this!) In more scientific contexts, CBD is identified as cannabidiol, or PCR hemp extracts (PCR stands for phytocannabinoid rich).

These two oils are related, yet distinct. Let's look at some things both oils can do—and what only CBD can do.

Both Hempseed and CBD Oils Are Used in Skin Care

Between hemp oil vs CBD oil which is better for skin care? Hempseed oil and CBD oil are both used in skin lotions.

Hempseed oil is non-clogging and highly moisturizing. Its profile of fatty acids makes it a highly desirable skin soother.

What about CBD oil? CBD oil has proven anti-inflammatory qualities, and is a go-to aid for people with rashes, acne, psoriasis, or eczema. It's brimming with antioxidants. Dab CBD oil on the face as a skin protectant.

Hemp Extract vs CBD: Here's How They Differ

Despite their similarities and benefits, hempseed oil isn’t CBD oil. Making CBD oil involves the use of stalks, flowers, and leaves of the industrial hemp plant. In contrast, hempseed oil is a seed extract.

So, to the burning question "hemp oil vs CBD oil what’s the difference?" The big difference is the answer to one simple question: "Which one has the higher concentration of CBD?"

You guessed it. CBD oil!

Hemp seeds contain no cannabinoids at all.

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Pain

Many customers seek CBD oil as a gentle, supportive form of natural pain relief, particularly for inflammation-related pain. With good reason. The Journal of Experimental Medicine published research showing that cannabinoids such as CBD could offer new treatments for people living with chronic pain.

Millions of consumers, and an ever-expanding population of health experts, have noted that Cannabis sativa derivatives can support well-being. CBD's anti-inflammatory qualities merit a good look from the medical community—especially in a time of opioid crisis.

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Anxiety

How can CBD help anxiety? By balancing serotonin levels, it can ease stress and prevent panic.

CBD is not in hempseed oil. Therefore, customers should take care that if they are looking for CBD's specific benefits, those are not going to come from, say, a hempseed cereal, lip balm, or oil.

So, to Wrap Up...

There's nothing wrong with hempseed oil. Its Omega oils are good for us.

That said, be careful not to mistake products containing hempseed as CBD products when they contain zero CBD.

Now that you know what you're looking for, keep in mind the benefits of CBD vs hemp oil, and always read the labels!

Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil