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What’s the Difference Between CBD Oil and Hemp Seed Oil?

cbd oil hemp seed oil
Written by Sophie Smith

Whether you’re into exploring alternative medicine or you’re always on the hunt for the next healthy lifestyle trend, you’ve probably already heard of CBD oil.

Hailing from the mighty cannabis plant, tons of medical research studies are backing this natural wonder as the new go-to therapeutic medicine. For years, CBD oil has been used as a treatment for many physical and mental medical conditions. It’s been found to help a wide range of health problems from Epilepsy to Acne. But lately, many products are popping up on the market with ‘hemp seed oil’ in the ingredients.

This may lead you to believe that this will give you the benefits CBD oil and other cannabinoid extracts do. Or maybe you’re buying straight up hemp seed oil from nutrition stores, not knowing that this won’t deliver pain relief. With the lines being blurred by similar terminology, we understand it’s hard for you to get a clear cut answer on what’s what.

We know that CBD oil and hemp seed oil can offer you varying benefits depending on your needs. But what exactly is the difference between the two?

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBD oil is extracted from the flowers of the cannabis plant. CBD isn’t addictive and won’t give you psychoactive effects like THC. That’s the infamous cannabinoid responsible for getting you high.

Just in case you needed convincing, the World Health Organization addressed that “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

Benefits of CBD Oil

cbd oil hemp seed oil
CBD oil has numerous medical benefits

If you’ve got a physical condition like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS) or fibromyalgia, it’s possible that you can benefit from using CBD. Or if you’re suffering with mental conditions like PTSD, anxiety and depression, CBD could also help you too. Because it offers therapeutic value without the added high, CBD is perfect if you have reservations about trying cannabis as an alternative medicine.

CBD oil is really versatile and can be taken in many ways. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill and our growing awareness of CBD as a tool for health, your options are ever-expanding. For long lasting effects, you can ingest CBD oil as is or use it in edibles. If it’s for superficial conditions like acne or dry skin you’re suffering from, topicals like CBD creams or salves are the way to go. Or if you need instant relief, smoking CBD flowers or vaporizing is your quickest acting solution.

What is Hemp Seed Oil?

Hemp seed oil is a rich and nutritious oil that comes from the same cannabis plant as CBD. But this time it’s from seeds of the plant instead. It’s usually extracted by the ‘cold pressing’ method, which de-shells the seeds before extracting the precious oil.

Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil’s nutritional profile is where its benefits lie. It contains high levels of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Or “good” fats, to you and I. These are essential to our general health because our bodies can only obtain them from external sources.

cbd oil hemp seed oil
Hemp seeds offer many nutritional benefits

Omega oils are known for being great for your creaky joints (no pun intended) and for skin health if you have a dry complexion. Nutritionists believe that hemp seed oil’s ratio of good fats is one of the best found in nature. This makes it an excellent supplement to your regular diet.

Hemp seed oil is also high in Vitamin E, which has high levels of antioxidants. Vitamin E can help boost your skin’s appearance thanks to its anti-aging properties.

Just like CBD oil, hemp seed oil has no psychoactive effects. But in contrast, hemp seed oil also doesn’t hold the same medicinal potential as CBD. This is because in hemp seed oil, no cannabinoids are present. “Full spectrum” hemp oil from the flower is the kind which contains all of the other cannabinoids and plant terpenes known to aid CBD’s beneficial effects. Also known by scientists as ‘the entourage effect’.

So which cannabis oil is best for me?

If it’s pain relief you’re looking to gain from using cannabis oil, there’s no doubt that CBD oil is your best bet. The same goes if your aim is to improve symptoms of mental conditions like anxiety or stress. This is because CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids you need to help achieve these effects. With skincare, CBD is effective for eczema and acne too.

But if you’re simply looking to bump up the level of omega oils and nutrients in your diet, hemp seed oil is a perfectly balanced oil to add to your favorite meals. It’s also possible to take hemp seed oil in supplement form if you don’t love the nutty taste. Don’t forget that hemp seed oil is still great for oiling up your joints (the ones in your body, duh) and for combating dry skin conditions too.

For more on different cannabis oil, make sure to subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter, the top source for all things cannabis-related.

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About the author

Sophie Smith

Sophie Smith is a writer and natural health enthusiast. Founder of a green beauty blog, her knowledge of natural remedies and plant-based cosmetics has lead Sophie to become an advocate for the many benefits of cannabis as an alternative medicine. Her mission is to help combat the stigma associated with 'cannabis' by writing factual content that empowers your CBD choices.