Is Hemp Oil the Same as CBD Oil?

No. Hemp oil and CBD oil both come from the Cannabis sativa plant. However, they are made from different parts of the plant. Only one of them contains cannabidiol, i.e. CBD.

Hemp oil, also called hemp seed oil, is cold-pressed from hemp seeds. No heat or chemical solvents are used in the process. Hemp seeds contain no cannabinoids. That's why hemp oil is not a CBD product, but rather an oil used for food and cosmetics.

Hemp oil contains many unsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-6 fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and oleic acid. It is often used for cooking, as a dietary supplement, or in skincare products. Sometimes labs find very small traces of cannabinoids in hemp oil. However, these don't come from the seeds themselves. They can occur when resin from flowers or leaves gets transferred onto the seeds during harvesting (source).

CBD oil, on the other hand, is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. That's where the resin glands are located, which produce cannabinoids and terpenes. CO₂ extraction is commonly used for this. This method draws out the desired plant compounds without leaving solvent residues behind.

Depending on the product, CBD oil may contain CBD, CBG, CBC, and terpenes such as beta-myrcene or beta-caryophyllene (source). Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also found no evidence that pure CBD has any potential for abuse or dependence.

Hemp oil and CBD oil are often confused because their names sound similar. Both products are sometimes sold as "hemp oil" or "hemp extract." This is confusing, since only CBD oil contains relevant amounts of CBD.

A study of Amazon products found that 62.5% of the tested products contained no cannabinoids at all. 36% didn't even contain a hemp ingredient. Among the remaining products, CBD content varied widely.

The legal situation also causes confusion. In the EU, hemp oil is considered a regular food. CBD oil, on the other hand, falls under the EU Novel Food Regulation. The reason is that CBD extracts were not used to a significant extent as food before May 15, 1997.

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil Compared

Hemp Oil CBD Oil
Made from seeds Made from flowers and leaves
Contains no cannabinoids Contains CBD and other cannabinoids
Cold-pressed Usually extracted with CO₂ or ethanol
Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 Contains CBD, terpenes, and other plant compounds
Does not act on the endocannabinoid system Can interact with the endocannabinoid system
Used for cooking and skincare Used for CBD wellness products
Does not cause a high Also does not cause a high

In short: hemp oil is the right choice if you're looking for an oil for cooking or skincare that's rich in omega fatty acids. It doesn't act on your endocannabinoid system because it contains no cannabinoids.

CBD oil is the right choice if you specifically want to use CBD. Make sure the product is clearly labeled as CBD oil and has been lab-tested. Only then can you be sure it actually contains CBD.

Note: This article is for general information purposes only. It does not replace medical or legal advice. Talk to a doctor before using CBD products, especially if you are taking medication.