CBD Oil vs Hemp Oil vs Hemp Seed Oil: Understanding the Differences

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

The terms CBD Oil, Hemp Oil, and Hemp Seed Oil are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct products derived from the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa). Many consumers and even health professionals may get confused by the differences between these hemp-based oils. This article will clarify the key distinctions between them.

Hemp Seed Oil: Nutrient-Rich with No Cannabinoids

Hemp Seed Oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, typically using mechanical pressing methods. The result is a clear, golden oil with a nutty flavor and a fatty acid profile rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it a highly regarded product for nutrition.

Importantly, hemp seeds contain negligible cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. Therefore, hemp seed oil is not used for medicinal purposes related to cannabinoids. It is widely available as a food supplement or for industrial use due to its health benefits and legal status as a low/no-cannabinoid product.

While trace amounts of cannabinoids may accidentally be introduced during processing, they are not present in significant amounts. For consumers seeking the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, hemp seed oil will not offer the same benefits as CBD oil or hemp oil.

Hemp Oil: Rich in Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Hemp Oil is derived from the hemp plant’s leaves, stems, and flowering heads, making it rich in cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and various terpenes. Unlike hemp seed oil, hemp oil contains medicinal compounds that contribute to the entourage effect, making it a valuable product for therapeutic use.

Many consumers mistakenly refer to hemp seed oil as “hemp oil,” but true hemp oil is a medicinal product that is often synonymous with CBD oil when it comes from hemp-compliant cannabis plants.

CBD Oil: High-Potency Cannabidiol Extract

CBD Oil is a type of hemp oil specifically rich in cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its medicinal benefits. CBD oil is typically extracted from high-CBD hemp strains that are carefully bred to produce large amounts of resin and cannabinoids while maintaining THC levels below 0.3%.

The best high-CBD hemp strains can yield up to 15% CBD, and after extraction and refinement, CBD oil may contain 50% to 80% CBD. Through further distillation, CBD distillate can contain up to 95% cannabidiol, making it a potent choice for medical products.

In North America, most CBD oil is derived from medicinal-grade cannabis, while in Europe, CBD oil is often produced from industrial hemp as a byproduct of medical cannabis cultivation.

Types of CBD Oil and Products

CBD oil can vary widely in concentration, with some oils being highly concentrated extracts and others formulated into ready-to-use products. For instance, concentrated CBD oil may contain up to 80% CBD, but it often needs to be diluted or mixed with carrier oils to create CBD oil products like tinctures, capsules, or softgels.

CBD Oil Potency Chart

The following chart provides a breakdown of CBD oil potency levels across different product types, helping consumers understand the concentration of CBD in each product:

Choosing the Right Product

Understanding the differences between CBD oil, hemp oil, and hemp seed oil is essential for consumers looking to benefit from the unique properties of each product. Hemp seed oil is an excellent source of nutrition, hemp oil offers medicinal benefits from cannabinoids and terpenes, and CBD oil provides a concentrated source of cannabidiol for therapeutic use.

Contact Rhizo Sciences today to learn more about our range of hemp and CBD products.