What is the Difference Between Hemp Oil & CBD Oil?
Quite a bit. And neither deserves their illicit rap sheets.
Although hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years, it has been heavily stigmatised in more recent history because of its association with cannabis varieties bred for their intoxicating effects.
Industrial Hemp Oil: Not For Stoners
Industrial hemp won’t get you high. It is a variety of Cannabis sativa that has been cultivated for thousands of years for its fibre and seeds, as well as the oils produced from them.
Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant. It is a nutritious plant oil with a naturally rich profile of fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6. It contains only negligible amounts of cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, so it is not intoxicating.
The plants look different too. Industrial hemp tends to grow tall and upright, with long, fibrous stems, rather than the shorter, bushier appearance associated with many cannabis varieties.
Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant. It contains a naturally balanced profile of fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, but virtually no THC or CBD. So while it comes from the same species of plant associated with cannabis, hemp seed oil is not intoxicating and won’t get you high.
The plants look different too. Industrial hemp tends to grow tall and upright, with long, fibrous stems, rather than the shorter, bushier appearance associated with many cannabis varieties.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with cannabis.
CBD oil is made from cannabinoid-rich extracts of the cannabis plant, usually from varieties bred to contain high levels of CBD and very low levels of THC. The plant material is processed to extract the cannabinoids, which are then concentrated and formulated into an oil or other product.
So while hemp seed oil and CBD oil can both come from the Cannabis sativa plant, they are very different ingredients.
Your Body Gets It
Your body produces its own cannabinoid-like compounds, known as endocannabinoids, which are part of a natural system that helps regulate important functions throughout the body.
These compounds are made from fatty acids, and the fats we get from our diet provide some of the building blocks involved in this process. Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly interesting in this context, which is another good reason to include healthy sources of omega-3s in your diet.
Think oily fish, nuts, seeds and other omega-3-rich foods.
CBD Oil For Stress, Pain, Anxiety
CBD is a non-intoxicating compound found in the cannabis plant, so unlike THC, it does not produce a “high”.
CBD has attracted considerable scientific interest, with research exploring its potential effects on areas including stress, anxiety and pain. The evidence is still developing, however, and CBD should not be regarded as a treatment for anxiety or depression.
CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is involved in processes including pain perception and inflammation. Researchers are continuing to investigate exactly how these interactions work and when CBD might be useful.
What is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seed oil is obtained from the seeds of the hemp plant. The seeds are edible, nutritious and naturally rich in fatty acids, making the oil particularly interesting for both nutrition and skincare.
High-quality hemp seed oil is commonly produced by cold pressing. The seeds are mechanically crushed and pressed to release the oil, without the need for chemical solvents. Because the oil is naturally delicate, cold pressing helps preserve its characteristic fatty acid profile.
Cold-pressed hemp seed oil usually has a vibrant green colour, a rich, silky texture and a distinctive nutty, grassy aroma. We use cold-pressed hemp seed oil across our range of face oils because of its linoleic-dominant profile. This means it feels considerably light, absorbs easily and suits all skin types.
Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil vs Marijuana
Although the terms hemp, CBD and marijuana are often used interchangeably, they refer to different things.
CBD oil is made using extracts from cannabis plants, usually varieties bred to contain high levels of CBD and very low levels of THC. CBD is a cannabinoid, not a seed oil, and it does not produce the intoxicating effects associated with THC.
Marijuana is a common term for cannabis cultivated primarily for its flowers and their cannabinoid content, particularly THC. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the intoxicating effects associated with cannabis.
So, in simple terms: hemp seed oil is a seed-derived plant oil, CBD is a cannabinoid, and THC-rich cannabis is commonly referred to as marijuana.
They may come from the same species of plant, but they are not the same ingredient and have very different properties.
