Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What’s the Difference?
Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are two popular products that come from the same plant. However, their chemical makeup, uses, and benefits are very different.
This can be confusing for consumers who believe the two are interchangeable and have ended up disappointed by the results. This is exacerbated by the fact that either product may be labelled as hemp oil.
In this article, we will clear up the confusion and explain the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil. Here’s what you need to know.
Are Hemp Oil and CBD Oil the Same?
Hemp plants are highly versatile and produce a range of valuable compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD). This has led many to believe that hemp oil and CBD oil are the same, and, in some cases, they are. However, they also might not be.
Are you confused yet? Allow us to explain.
Some manufacturers call their products hemp oil when they really contain hemp seed oil. However, others label their CBD oil as hemp oil or hemp extract for legal reasons.
Here at Premium Jane, all of our hemp extract products contain ample CBD, while other brands’ “hemp oil” may not. Therefore, it is essential to read the products’ lab reports to determine whether a product contains CBD.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is extracted from hemp leaves, stems, and flowers. Most companies suspend the hemp extract in a carrier oil, such as MCT oil from coconuts.
There are different varieties of CBD oil, including full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolates.
Full-spectrum CBD contains high levels of CBD and other compounds, such as minor cannabinoids and terpenes. Broad-spectrum products are similar but do not contain any THC. Finally, CBD isolates have all of the other hemp compounds removed, creating a product with a high CBD percentage.
Although CBD isolates contain the highest concentration of CBD per millilitre, many people prefer full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products. There is a suggestion that the additional cannabinoids and terpenes in these oils work synergistically with CBD to produce enhanced effects.
What Is Hemp Oil?
Some companies use the term “hemp oil” interchangeably with CBD oil. However, others use it to describe hemp seed oil, which is somewhat inaccurate. The latter is extracted from hemp seeds rather than the plant’s leaves and flowers. It does not contain any CBD but does have its own uses and benefits.
High-quality hemp seed oil is dark green and has a subtle nutty flavour, making it popular for culinary use. It is also frequently used as an ingredient in personal care products, such as moisturisers, balms, and skin salves.
It is rich in essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6), amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. But, although hemp seed oil has many benefits when used internally or externally, it does not contain any cannabinoids or terpenes.
Therefore, anyone looking to use hemp seed oil instead of CBD oil will likely be disappointed with the results.
What Do You Use Hemp Oil For?
Hemp seed oil can be used in more or less the same way as olive oil. It works well in salad dressings or drizzled over soups and sauces. However, hemp seed oil has a low smoke point and is unsuitable for cooking. Heating the oil to high temperatures causes it to degrade and lose nutrients. Therefore, it is best added to cold food or at the end of cooking.
People also use hemp seed oil as a base for topical creams, balms, and salves. It is possible to create simple topicals at home using just hemp seed oil, natural beeswax, and essential oils.
This is a fun project for anyone looking for a simple skincare product with no artificial additives.
On the other hand, if a product contains CBD-rich hemp oil rather than hemp seed oil, it can be used like any other CBD product.
What Do You Use CBD Oil For?
CBD interacts with a physiological system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is present throughout the human body and helps to regulate various essential functions, including mood, sleep, appetite, and more.
Therefore, people use CBD oil for a wide range of health and wellness purposes, such as:
- Promoting feelings of calm and focus*
- Relieving exercise-induced inflammation*
- Supporting healthy sleep cycles*
- Skin and hair care*
Moreover, it is possible to buy CBD in various forms in addition to traditional oils. Gummies are always popular as they are tasty, fun to consume, and often more convenient than standard CBD oil usage.
Topicals are a fantastic choice for anyone hoping to use CBD for skincare purposes. Premium Jane Australia stocks a range of products, from topicals to oils and gummies. All of our products contain CBD-rich hemp oil, and not hemp seed oil.
Final Thoughts on Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil
Unfortunately, the CBD vs. hemp oil question has no simple answer. CBD oil and hemp oil can be the same, but they can also be different. It all depends on how a brand labels its products, which can be confusing and frustrating for consumers.
The best way to be sure of what you are getting is to read the lab reports for each item and check the actual cannabinoid content. Here at Premium Jane, we are proud of our products and provide detailed reports for each one. You can view them by clicking the “Labsheets” tab on the product page and following the relevant link.
*This claim has not been evaluated or tested by the Food and Drug Administration. This product should not be used with the intention to cure, treat or prevent disease.
