Is CBD & Hemp Oil The Same Thing?

Many people use the terms “hemp oil” and “CBD oil” interchangeably. So is CBD & hemp oil the same thing? They are not! Perhaps the confusion lies in the fact that they are both made from hemp. However, as this guide will demonstrate, these are actually two entirely different things that should not be confused. For starters, one is an oral tincture that is tied to a wide range of health benefits, while the other is primarily used in the manufacturing of beauty products and cooking. Here are some details that will help shed some light on what makes a CBD product and what constitutes a hemp oil product. 

The chemical makeup of CBD and Hemp oil

Both CBD and hemp oil come from a specific type of cannabidiol-rich cannabis plant called hemp, which is also extremely low in THC (usually less than 3%). It should be noted that tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC in short, is the ingredient that gets you high. Nevertheless, you should not expect to get high with hemp seed oil as it contains little to no CBD and no THC. This is not the case with full-spectrum CBD oil as it contains THC in amounts that could suffice for recreational purposes.

That aside, hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, which is why it is also referred to as hemp seed oil. It’s widely used in cooking and the making of beauty products. CBD oil, on the other hand, is made using the hemp plant in its entirety rather than just its seeds. You will most commonly see the active ingredient being listed as “CBD distillate”, “CBD isolate”, “whole-plant extract”, “full-spectrum CBD oil”, “broad-spectrum CBD oil”, as well as other labels.

Production methods

CBD oil is produced using extremely advanced extraction techniques such as solvent-based extraction and CO2 extraction (aka supercritical fluid extraction). Hemp seed oil, on the flip side, is usually produced via cold-press extraction. In addition, CBD oil is generally either dark brown in color or has a light golden hue, while hemp oil tends to be dark and green. Finally, hemp seed oil has a nutty flavor, as opposed to CBD oil that comes with an earthy plant or neutral flavor.

The amount of CBD in CBD oil and hemp oil products

Note that a product marketed as hemp oil or one bearing a hemp lead on it is not necessarily a CBD product. It all depends on the CBD content (how much CBD it has) in it. That’s why you should look for the milligrams of CBD per serving or unit. Products that contain CBD will most likely provide such information on the label. Premium CBD oil brands also give additional details, such as the product’s terpene (naturally-occurring organic compounds) and cannabinoid profile and other third party results, alongside other quality metrics. If you don’t find such information on the product label or the manufacturer’s site, chances are it’s not even a valid CBD product.

How much does each cost?

The monetary value of CBD oil and hemp oil also differs, with the first being the most expensive. However, always check a product’s legitimacy even if it’s high priced and claims to be made with premium CBD oil. Although the price could be a decent indication of a top CBD oil product, it could also be misleading. Sadly, this is because some products are marketed as hemp-based products when, in fact, they are made with hemp seed oil rather than CBD oil.

Where can you purchase CBD oil and hemp oil?

Hemp seed oil has traditionally been sold in almost every local grocery store as well as online marketplaces and beauty stores. You can also find CBD oil at your local grocery store, along with your local pharmacy and health food store. The most reputable CBD oil brands offer their formulas online, directly from their e-shop/site.

Uses and purposes of CBD oil and hemp oil

The applications of hemp seed oil and CBD oil are significantly different. Hemp seed oil is generally used for the manufacturing of fibers, clothing, skincare and hair products, as well as cooking and salads. Taking into account that hemp seed oil contains nearly zero CBD or THC, which are known for their psychoactive effects, it’s not used for recreational purposes. However, it does have antioxidants such as high omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, so you may find it in some nutritional supplements.

CBD oil is usually used for medicinal purposes, especially when taken sublingually in the form of drops (oral tincture). For instance, it can be used for pain, inflammation, epilepsy, addiction management, neurodegenerative conditions, vomiting, and nausea. CBD oil can also be a primary component of topicals, edibles, and other cannabidiol-infused products.

It ‘s worth noting that CBD oil tinctures use an oil-based carrier, which means that they cannot be used for vaping. Speaking of vaping, CBD vapes and CBD oil are not the same thing. When vaping a CBD oil product, you usually vape e-juice that contains some type of CBD extract or concentrate made from a water-soluble CBD form (CBD isolate). Some vapes also contain a CBD shatter or distillate form.

As can be seen, hemp and CBD oil are not one and the same. Now you know why!