Hemp oil vs CBD oil are different products derived from the same plant—the variety of cannabis with less than 0.3% THC. What differentiates one from the other is the raw source of their extract. If hemp oil derives its extract from the seeds of hemp, CBD (cannabidiol) oil is an extract of the hemp’s leaves, stalks, flowers, etc. Hemp oil and CBD oil are sold in similar industries, such as wellness and beauty. People often think they are the same. However, when it comes to extracts and serums, a minute difference in ingredients makes a world of difference. In this blog, we’re comparing hemp oil and CBD oil side by side. You’ll learn about the compounds that comprise each, notable benefits, side effects, consumption methods, etc. By the end of this blog, you’ll know which of the two to choose.
CBD oil is formed using the extract taken from the hemp’s bioactive-filled flowers, stalks, and leaves. Its main active ingredient is the non-psychoactive CBD, known to play a role in the human endocannabinoid system or the ECS.
Due to the abundance of existing CBD extraction methods, CBD oil comes in numerous formulations. Two popular ones are “isolate” and “full-spectrum.” Isolate CBD oil only contains CBD and a carrier oil.
Meanwhile, in full-spectrum, aside from cannabidiol, full-spectrum CBD oil can also contain other cannabis compounds, including the psychoactive Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol.
Hemp oil, a.k.a. hemp seed oil, is made from cold-pressing hemp seeds. They don’t contain any significant amount of cannabis compounds. Hence, they can’t make you feel high no matter how much you take or apply.
The benefits of hemp oils lie in the healthy balance of omega-6, omega-3, tocopherols, and linolenic acids. It’s used as a culinary oil to elevate the flavors of vegetable salads, dressing, etc., but consumers also take food-grade hemp oil straight from the spoon.
Another thing that separates the two is that hemp oil is strictly derived from hemp’s seed, while CBD oil is extracted from both hemp and marijuana plants. However, hemp-derived CBD oils are the only ones deemed legal as per the 2018 Farm Bill.
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the key differences between CBD and hemp oils.
| Feature | CBD Oil | Hemp Oil |
| Source | Extract came from leaves, stalks, and flowers of hemp. | Extract came from the seeds of the hemp plant. |
| Components | CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc. | Omega-6, omega-3, tocopherols, and linolenic acids. |
| THC Content | Minimum of 0.3% THC for hemp-derived CBD oil | None |
| Uses | Softgels, tinctures, topical applications, etc. | Culinary oil, industrial uses, skincare, taken as is, etc. |
| Extraction Method | Solvent-based, CO2, etc. | Cold-pressing |
| Legality | Federally legal if the product only contains up to 0.3% Delta 9 THC. | Generally legal |
| Psychoactive Effects | It can be potentially psychoactive in full-spectrum formulations | None |
| Side Effects and Risks | Drug interaction, slow cognition, drowsiness, gastrointestinal distress, and mood changes. | Drug interaction, allergic reactions, estrogen increase, etc. |
CBD oil is produced using an extraction method dependent on the brand or manufacturer. Two of its main extraction methods are solvent-based and carbon dioxide. Both create a nutrient-dense end product containing high amounts of cannabinoids and other cannabis compounds.
A carrier oil like medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) is added to the extract to hold the compounds together and make it a suitable consumer product. MCTs are made from organic ingredients like coconuts, sunflower, vegetable, and almond oils.
Manufacturers formulate CBD oil to carry a certain level of potency, which determines the product’s strength. Once the desired potency is achieved, extra ingredients are added to the oil.
The preparation of hemp seed oil is similar to the mechanical extraction process of seed oil, like sunflower oil. An oilseed press machine compresses the hemp seed under extreme pressure, extracting the oil and leaving a byproduct called hemp seed cake.
🗒️ Note: There is perpetuating confusion about the usage of the terms “hemp oil,” “hemp seed oil,” and “CBD oil.” Hemp oil is often mistaken for CBD oil and hemp seed oil. Consumers need to understand that hemp oil should only be used interchangeably with hemp seed oil, not CBD oil.
Hemp oil is revered for its nutritive properties. It’s especially rich in linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. This oil is moderately high in tocopherols, tocotrienols, minerals, carotenes, phospholipids, and phytosterols.
The unique set of properties and composition of hemp oil separates hemp seed oil from other seed oil variants. It places hemp oil in high regard when it comes to nutritional value.
CBD oils have a comprehensive chemical profile that includes cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, natural or artificial colors, vitamins and minerals, preservatives, additives, and carrier oil. If the manufacturer isn’t careful, CBD oils can sometimes contain traces of residual solvents.
The table below breaks down the ingredients and properties that may or may not be present in a CBD oil formula:
| Main Components | Specific Properties |
| Cannabinoids | CBD, THC (for full-spectrum CBD), CBG, CBC, CBN, CBCV, etc. |
| Terpenes | α-Pinene, β-myrcene, and limonene, etc. |
| Flavonoids | Luteolin, apigenin, orientin, vitexin, isovitexin, quercetin, kaempferol, etc. |
| Natural or artificial colors | Peppermint, citrus, or vanilla flavorings |
| Vitamins and minerals | Omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, iron, beta carotene, zinc, potassium, calcium, selenium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, etc. |
| Preservatives and additives | Carrageenan, lecithin, gum arabic, potassium sorbate, etc. |
| Carrier oil variants | MCT, hemp seed oil, or olive oil. |
Ultimately, the final composition of CBD oil is determined by the chemotype and quality of the raw hemp source. The application of extraction and other manufacturing processes also plays a significant role.
Neither hemp seed oil nor CBD oil carries a huge psychoactive potential because of the absence of the major psychoactive cannabinoid (THC) in most of their preparations.
For example, it’s rare for hemp oil to give you high because it’s sourced from hemp seeds. Although seeds are technically hemp, they don’t have the suitable anatomy to produce trichomes or similar parts rich in cannabinoids.
CBD oil, on the other hand, has a slightly better chance of giving feelings of high compared to hemp seed oil. However, by industry standards, CBD oil’s psychoactive potential is still considered “very low.”
The likelihood of experiencing psychoactive effects from CBD oil increases with a more full-spectrum formulation.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Hemp seed oil contains 70 to 80% polyunsaturated fatty acids and only 9 to 11% saturated fatty acids. For this, hemp seed oil is regarded as the most unsaturated oil derived from a plant.
The human body doesn’t produce the essential fatty acids (EFAs) required to live. They are mostly acquired in our diet, and hemp seed oils, incidentally, have them. Dubbed “nature’s perfectly balanced oil,” hemp seed oil is prized for its 3:1 balanced omega 6 and omega 3 ratio.
Additionally, hemp oil contains traces of Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), oleic acid, and stearidonic acid.
Medical studies have repeatedly demonstrated that certain deficiencies in the body are connected with imbalances in fatty acids. Purely borne from a lack of proper diet or internal dysfunctions of the enzyme systems, the dietary supplementations of EFAs help combat this imbalance.
Beyond cannabinoids, CBD oil may contain beneficial elements like terpenes and amino acids. Again, the nutritional composition of a CBD oil product largely depends on its manufacturer.
Terpenes aren’t just unique in cannabis plants. These aromatic compounds are also found in other plants. Aside from its role in giving plants their specific scents and colors, terpenes also have beneficial properties. These properties include the terpene caryophyllene and linalool, which boosts most and evokes other effects similar to essential oils.
CBD oil may also contain up to 20 amino acids, with nine of them considered essential because the human body doesn’t naturally produce them. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and maintain hormone function, muscle growth, hair growth, etc.
It’s important to note that CBD oil only has a small quantity of these amino acids, and solely relying on it will not meet your daily requirements. Thus, CBD oil shouldn’t be seen as a multivitamin.
Before officials became strict about its marketing health claims, CBD oil was promoted for wellness reasons. Now, CBD oil is still sold across states but without the “cure-all” undertone.
CBD oil is loved for its versatility and ability to be easily infused into several products. Some industries that have taken an interest in its benefits are the skincare and beauty industry. CBD oil is a popular ingredient for lotions and creams meant to moisturize and promote anti-aging benefits.
Aromatherapy and personal care are added to the industries in which CBD has been adapted.
Like CBD oil, hemp seed oil also has numerous applications. Some of its famous uses are in the culinary space, where it’s infused to add a nutty flavor profile into salads, dressings, dips, baked goodies, and smoothies.
It is also a famously recognized ingredient in skincare products and skincare-conscious cosmetics, such as lip balms and foundations.
Other less-known uses of hemp seed oil include industrial applications, gardening, and pet care.
Get acquainted with CBD fast as Courtney Shade demystifies its effects, benefits, and role in the central nervous system.
CBD oil’s legality across America hinges on the federal legal status and state-based stance on the star ingredient, cannabidiol. The origin where CBD was extracted largely defines the legality of the CBD product.
At the federal level, cannabis or marijuana-derived CBD is a Schedule 1 substance, which makes it illegal. Alternately, CBD derived from “hemp” containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight is legal because hemp has been defined by the 2018 Farm Bill as synonymous with the marijuana plant. Additionally, the FDA has a separate rule regarding CBD products infused in food.
All these layers of rules and regulations make CBD oil a tricky product to sell. When it comes to identifying the legality of CBD, most people (sellers and consumers alike) refer to the stance of the state or jurisdiction in which they currently reside.
Each state has different interpretations and enforcement of the 2018 Farm Bill and laws on cannabis in general. Some states allow CBD oil’s commercial movement and consumption, while others outright ban it.
Hemp seed oil or hemp oil is legal at the federal level. The 2018 Farm Bill cemented its legal status by legalizing the cultivation of industrial hemp and its products. It’s a different story when it comes to state regulations.
Individual states may have an additional requirement for hemp seed oils, but most states squarely follow the stipulations made in the 2018 Farm Bill. It’s always a good idea to check with your local laws regarding specific protocols for selling, possessing, and consuming hemp seed oil.
More research is needed on the potential side effects and risks of taking CBD oil brands. However, according to the FDA, the product poses the following potential risks and side effects:
The chance of these side effects and risks occurring slightly increases as the dose increases. It’s important to immediately stop taking CBD oil if you feel any intense manifestations of the mentioned side effects. Also, this strongly indicates the need to lower the dose in your next consumption.
As for hemp oil, there isn’t enough reliable data supporting its possible risks and side effects. However, medical practitioners warn the following individuals to refrain from taking hemp seed oil:
Other potential drawbacks of hemp oil include the following.
Due to CBD’s association with wellness, supported by a wealthy number of studies and anecdotal reports, the CBD oil hype is real. While popular in skincare and beauty, hemp seed oil doesn’t particularly share the high demand for CBD oil.
As to which is better, CBD oil and hemp oil both shine in their corresponding categories. They’re two different products with different uses. Comparing one to the other wouldn’t make sense. It all comes down to personal preference. CBD oil is an option if you’re looking to utilize the power of cannabinoids and feel good overall. Meanwhile, hemp oils are meant to nourish and boost physical health.
Whatever your choice is, stick with brands that deliver what they promise. The Hemp Doctor is part of that small list. We value quality, innovation, and premium raw materials over anything. Share our delight as you experience our wide range of CBD products, from oils, tinctures, and gummies to vapes.
No. Hemp oil or hemp seed oil is an extract coming from the seeds of hemp, while CBD oil is an extract of either hemp or cannabis’s buds, leaves, or stalks.
Not usually, but it can occasionally cause a high if it’s in a full-spectrum formula.
It can be derived from either plant, but only hemp-derived CBD is legal at the federal level.
CBD oil’s flexibility makes it a superstar product in the wellness, skincare, personal, and recreational industries.
CBD is reported to influence the human body by binding with the receptors of the human endocannabinoid system.
Hemp oil is rich in EFAs, vitamins, and minerals. It’s used in the culinary scene but is well appreciated for its contribution to the health and wellness section.
Fatty acids like Omega-3 are good for heart health. They also help lower triglycerides.
CBD oils are consumed sublingually, orally, or even topically.
There shouldn’t be a problem taking hemp oil and CBD oil simultaneously. However, you should always consult a doctor if you have any comorbidities or conditions that make you unfit to take either product.
There is no good supporting data for using hemp oil for pain relief.
There is no good supporting data for using hemp oil for topical pain relief.
