Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What Is the Difference Between CBD Oil & Hemp Oil?

With cannabidiol (CBD) growing in popularity, confusion arises because of the many definitions and terms around the old hemp plant. One that gets people the most is the difference between hemp oil and CBD-rich hemp extracts (often called CBD oil). 

Although hemp oil and CBD oil both derive from the same plant, they serve very different purposes. 

First, let’s define all the most commonly used terms:

Hemp seed oil:
Often referred to as hemp oil, hemp seed oil is created by pressing the seeds of the hemp plant. Hemp seeds do not contain a significant source of cannabinoids - but they do have an ideal ratio of the omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. That’s why hemp seeds have been a staple food around the world for millennia and why hemp seed oil is still widely used for cooking and for skin & hair health.

Hemp extracts:
By using CO2 or another solvent like alcohol, hemp extracts are made using the whole plant. This may include but is not limited to, the leaves, the stem, the flowers, the seeds, and the stalks. The extraction process removes all the cannabinoids, the terpenes, the fatty acids and all of the other beneficial ingredients that make up a mature cannabis plant. 

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil

To understand more of the difference, we’ll explain more about the extraction techniques:

Hemp Seed Oil Extraction Process

Hemp seed oil is extracted or pressed directly from hemp seeds. The seeds themselves contain no THC or intoxicating substances, though trace amounts can be found on their surface due to being in contact with the plant. 

First, the seeds are cleaned to remove any unwanted or residual plant matter. After that, the most popular way the oil is acquired is through a process known as cold pressing. In a typical seed, about 30-35% of the weight is the oil. This makes the extraction process simpler because all it takes is grinding the seeds down and then pressing them to separate and collect the oil. This creates unrefined hemp oil, a naturally nutritious and healthy oil with a nutty flavor. 

Processing CBD-rich Hemp Extracts 

The process for creating a hemp extract from a mature plant is more complex. Made from the complete plant, at CV Sciences, we use a chemical-free, environmentally friendly method known as CO2 extraction. CO2 at high pressures has the rather remarkable property of being able to act like both a liquid and a gas. Its ability to infiltrate dense plant material like a gas and then remove the beneficial components like a liquid has made CO2 extraction one of the most popular techniques in the natural supplement industry. 

Benefits Of Hemp Oil

The benefits and uses of hemp oil are endless. Besides the cooking mentioned earlier, it is also commonly used in many hemp products such as lotions, moisturizers, and soaps due to its ability to keep skin hydrated. In place of petroleum, hemp oil can serve as a base in plastics and paints and can even work as a biodiesel fuel source for vehicles. Its oily, moisturizing, and naturally nutritional properties make hemp oil very versatile, which is why hemp oil products are so sought-after.

Benefits Of CBD Oil

While PlusCBD™ Oil cannot make specific claims on the benefits of taking CBD-rich hemp extracts, many people have described their experience with taking our products as feeling content, clear headed, and composed. We know that CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS acts as a master regulator of the body and mind and helps to achieve homeostasis and balance. With CBD, this balancing act is optimized. We encourage those who are interested in CBD to do their own research on the subject and then try one of our products to understand how it can benefit them.