What’s the difference between CBD oil vs hemp seed oil?

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CBD oil vs hemp seed oil

Both hemp oil; CBD oil and seed oil come from the same hemp plant. The same cannabis family of industrial hemp, but that’s where the similarity ends.

  • The leaves and flowers of the Cannabis plant ( cannabis sativa L. hemp plant ) produce Cannabidiol ( CBD ). In fact, there are over 100 cannabinoids found in the resinous flowering tops. Of these Cannabidiolic acid ( CBDa ), the form of CBD found in a growing plant can represent up to 40% of the hemp compounds.
  • Hemp seed oil like the name suggests is a hemp extract only from the seeds of the cannabis sativa plant. The seeds have rich profile of healthy nutrients. But, they do not contain any CBD or other cannabinoids and terpenes you would find in a full spectrum CBD oil.

To fully understand the differences let’s take a look in a bit more detail.

The hemp plant is the source of two very different products

The hemp plant is a nutritive powerhouse, rich in micro nutrients with many healthy benefits. Essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids may support a healthy diet. It also produces unique compounds like beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes.

The United Stated Farm bill of 2018 herald the explosive growth of the hemp industry in the US. Cannabis sativa L with less than 0.3% Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ) was no longer a Schedule I controlled substances. This classified industrial hemp as an ordinary agricultural commodity.

dawn closeup of growing hemp

The psychoactive cannabinoid THC

THC is a psychoactive compound found in high concentrations in marijuana plants. Marijuana is a historically controversial term for Cannabis. Coming from the same family of plant as hemp but with a high THC content. Consuming as little as 2.5mg can get you high by having an intoxicating effect on body and mind.

Unlike THC, CBD does not get you high. In fact, it may have an anti-psychoactive effect. Moderating the psychoactive effects of THC. When derived from hemp, CBD oil will have low trace amounts or no THC content. Although it’s always wise to look for third party test reports to verify the cannabinoid profile for THC and other cannabinoid content of a CBD oil product.

Hemp oil vs CBD oil same plant different purposes

Different hemp products aim to provide different health benefits. Depending on your needs and goals you may want to buy hemp seed oils for heart health. In contrast, you could be looking for support to de-stress your body and mind. CBD hemp oil in that case could be what you are looking for.

There is increasing interest in the potential health benefits of CBD oil and cold-pressed seed oil. Yet, these are very different products. We have seen a lot of confusion around the names with terms used interchangeably. Many people refer to CBD oils as hemp oils; while others refer to cold-pressed hemp seed oil also as hemp oil. While there is truth in both being hemp oil, it can also misdirect consumers.

CBD Hemp oil

CBD Hemp Oil vs Hemp Seed oil | Cold pressed CBD oil dropThe 2018 farm bill really helped bring CBD oils derived from hemp to the marketplace. Hemp extract CBD oil originates from the flowering tops and leaves of the plant. The raw plant material rich in CBD and the process of extraction can be expensive. While hemp products from seed are a great deal cheaper to buy and process.

For this reason, you might find a quality 500ml bottle of hemp seed oil for a tenner. Yet, you are unlikely to find a quality CBD product in the same price range. At best you will find a entry level low CBD content ‘taster’ product aimed at the curious.

A carrier oil standardises the CBD and other cannabinoid content in CBD oil products. The carrier could be MCT oil, olive oil, rapeseed, grape seed or hemp seed oil.

CBD oils sell in 10-100ml bottles with 10ml the main format in the UK and Europe. 30ml is more common in the US. Labels will always present the CBD content in milligrams (MG). Like a 1000mg CBD oil sold in a 10 or 30ml bottle. Content as high as 3000mg will be CBD isolate or broad-spectrum products. Broad spectrum CBD oils are isolate with other hemp compounds added back.

Health benefits of CBD oil

Cannabinoids like CBD and CBDA may support the natural functioning of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) found in the human body. The ECS first discovered in 1988 is a biological system all invertebrates share. The ECS helps to regulate many vital functions. It helps maintain a healthy balance ( homeostasis ) in the body and brain.

When it comes to the benefits of CBD oil, a quality CBD hemp oil could contribute to supporting body and mind. The plant compounds found in hemp cannabis plants when absorbed in the body interact with the ECS via a network of cannabinoid cell receptors. Scientific research into the therapeutic benefits of cannabiniods is growing. However, their interaction is still not fully understood.

Many people buy cbd oil tinctures for its purported health benefits. There is research and ancedotal evidence to suggest many CBD oil benefits. These range from supporting the immune system, anti inflammatory benefits, reducing stress response, reducing anxiety and getting better sleep. However, health claims should not be made about any food supplement.

Suffice to say beneficial cannabinoids and terpenses may be the result of supporting the ECS which in turn supports body and mind’s natural ability to maintain inner balance. Thus leading to better stress response, calm, focus and even restful sleep. So consuming quality CBD hemp oil may have a beneficial contribution to a healthy diet. Of itself it should not be taken specifically to treat, cure or prevent any diseases. 

Hemp Seed Oil

Organic hemp seeds have many beneficial nutrients. They are a great source of protein and fibre. Rich in vitamin E, high in B vitamins, vitamin D, gamma-linolenic acid. And other nutritional antioxidants.

They are also rich in healthy omega fatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6. Both may protect the heart by reducing cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. Hemp seed oil contains omega 3 and omega 6 in a healthy balanced 3:1 ratio. You could add hemp seed oil to your diet for heart health or to protect against the risk of problems in the future.

Hemp seed oil has many culinary uses. It is great in sauces, marinates or as an alternative to sesame oil in hummus. Due to its low smoke point its better not to use it for frying.

Hemp hearts are the hulled seeds. The health benefits of hemp seeds, make them a great addition to a diet to support heart health. Sprinkle over a salad or as a simple healthy snack. If you are looking for heart healthy food then hemp hearts and hemp oil from seed is for you.

CBD Hemp oil vs Hemp Seed oil | Hemp seed oil is healthy and nutritiousHemp seed oil has many culinary uses. It is great in sauces, marinates and can be used as an alternative or addition to sesame seed oil in hummus. However, due to its low smoke point its better not to use it for frying.

Hemp hearts are the hulled seeds. The health benefits of hemp seeds, make them a great addition to a healthy diet, sprinkle over a salad or as a simple healthy snack.  

 

What is the best hemp seed oil?

The best hempseed oil found in good healthfood stores comes from organic hemp seeds. Look for certified organic which ensures quality and transparency. Then look for Cold-pressed seed oil. Organic and cold pressed produce a safe high-quality hemp seed oil.

We use the seeds from the same organic hemp harvest as a carrier for our cold pressed full spectrum cbd oil. The seed oil standardises the CBD potency. It also contributes to taste and aids absorption of the hemp compounds.

Most important difference between Hemp seed oil and CBD oil

You will find hempseed oil in quality CBD products; but you will not find CBD oil in quality hemp seed oils. Cannabinoids and terpenes do not occur in hemp seeds. This is the most important take away.  

Trace amounts of cannabinoids could only be found where poor screening is carried out. Whereby, other hemp plant material gets into the pressing process. With good quality control you will not find CBD in quality hemp seed products.

Clear as mud, right!

Beware of unscrupulous sales tactics

Hemp oil masquerading as CBD oil:

If it’s your first time to try CBD oils it can be a bit overwhelming in terms of options and information. With so much choice finding the best product for most people can be a bit of a minefield. You may find Hemp oil typically on many marketplaces like Amazon and Ebay that appear to be cbd products. On first impression they look very tempting. A ‘great value’ price with wonderful beneficial claims for many health conditions. Claiming the best for pain relief or anxiety with fantastic anti inflammatory properties or busting sleep insomnia. If they are making health claims that’s an alarm bell.

Another to look out for is very high ‘MG’ content. They know CBD oils are marketed based on milligram content so you will see high mg, for example, 30,000mg of Hemp oil. You can be sure it represents 30ml of Hemp Seed and not actual CBD oils.  Look at the ingredients list if CBD oil is not mentioned your definitely looking at hemp oil. They might add ‘quality tested’. But then where are the lab results to view and download? Vague labeling and a lack of transparency is a clear giveaway.

Cheap isolate sold as Cold pressed CBD Oil:

Look out for isolate sold as Cold Pressed CBD oil. There are many sellers of cheap isolate CBD products that will market them as cold pressed CBD oil. CBD isolate added to cold pressed hemp seed oil, is ok if that’s what you want to buy.

But, what if you are looking for a high-quality whole plant oil? Cold pressing is a traditional food safe extraction method. Applying only physical pressure to extract all the hemp compounds. That CBD and all the partnering constituents.

Once again you need to look for their lab test results. At the very least look for cannabinoid and terpene profiling. If there is CBD a little else, it’s most likely an isolate product. High quality products will also share their safety test results.

We changed our product name to avoid confusion

We set out to provide the highest quality CBD product. A whole plant extract, only using physical cold pressing. This maintains CBD and all the other compounds of the hemp cannabis plant. Cannabinoids, terpenes and healthful micro-nutrients without chemical alteration. Not an isolate or broad spectrum CBD, but Full spectrum CBD oil in the true sense.

We felt Seshat HempOil+ encompassed the whole plant hemp oil message. With confusion around Hemp oil and unscrupulous sales tactics, we decided to change the name. Seshat CBD+ clears this up. The name change addresses what people are looking for i.e. CBD oil. It clearly identifies our product as NOT a hemp seed oil. The ‘+’ denotes all the other hemp constituents included. You get the same high-quality, whole plant full spectrum CBD oil product with a simple name change.

Consume Organic

When it comes to hemp we always recommend consuming organic and safety tested products. Whether that’s hemp seed oil or CBD hemp oil, the point remains. Hemp is a bio accumulator, it can absorb heavy metals and contaminants as easily as soil nutrients. Look for safety tested hemp products certified organic. You can find out more on our test reports page.

We hope this article has helped bring you some clarification around the difference between CBD Hemp Oil vs Hemp seed oil. You may enjoy our article on THC safety and novel foods.

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One comment

  1. Catherine Barnes says:

    Thanks for sharing this.
    It explains the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil clearly.

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