Hemp Oil vs CBD: What’s the Difference?

Cannabidiol (CBD), hemp's primary cannabinoid, can be derived from both hemp and high-THC cannabis plants (marijuana). The hemp oil vs CBD debate sparked from this similarity, causing many to ask if hemp oil and CBD are actually the same thing. No, they are distinct from one another, even if the CBD oil is also hemp-derived. With one variety of the Cannabis sativa L. plant species being federally legal (hemp) and the other being federally illegal (marijuana), it is important to know where your CBD oil comes from. 

Previously, the federal government categorized the entire cannabis plant as a Schedule I controlled substance. The Farm Bill's enactment led to the nationwide legalization of hemp cultivation, sale, and use for product creation. Cannabis with THC levels over 0.3% remains a Schedule I drug, and despite being federally controlled, 42 US states have already legalized the plant for medical purposes.

If you use CBD regularly, it’s important to understand the similarities and differences between hemp oil and CBD oil, including each substance's production process, common uses, and ways to use each.

Hemp vs CBD: What’s the Difference?

Cannabis is a plant of herbaceous botanical biology. There are four main varieties of the Cannabis sativa species, falling under two different subspecies: indica and sativa. While we usually associate these terms with different strains, they actually indicate either a high-THC-producing drug-type plant or a high-CBD-producing fiber-type plant.

Cannabis sativa subsp. indica var. afghanica and Cannabis sativa subsp. indica var. indica fall under the high-THC producing drug type, while Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa var. sativa and Cannabis sativa subsp. indica var. Chinesis falls under the fiber type. Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa var. sativa is what we know as hemp today, while the indica subspecies are considered “marijuana.”¹

Hemp

Hemp is a plant renowned for its ability to produce a number of goods, from fibers to seeds to the infamous compound - cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis plants not legally classified as hemp also produce CBD, but they have a level of THC above the federally legal threshold. The government classifies any part of the Cannabis sativa plant containing more than 0.3% THC as “marijuana,” which is illegal under federal law.

When referring to the plant in legal contexts in the U.S., the term “hemp” is used to identify cannabis varieties that contain less than the legal permissible THC threshold. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) classifies the delta-9 THC in cannabis as Schedule I. According to the Schedule I classification, this means that it has high abuse potential and no recognized medical use. However, this is despite decades of research into cannabis compounds like THC as medicine and even synthetically made cannabinoids like Marinol being approved by the FDA to treat certain conditions. In addition, 39 states have enacted medical cannabis legalization.

Since the USDA announced the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, hemp has been exempt from Schedule I. Hemp is often grown for its fiber, which can be spun into textiles, building materials, and food. Rich in CBD and other minor cannabinoids and terpenes, hemp can be harvested solely for extraction purposes before being turned into a vast array of products, such as nutritional supplements, cosmetic goods, and even added to foods and beverages.

CBD

Research indicates that cannabis produces more than 100 different cannabinoids, with delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most abundant among the two subspecies. A cannabinoid is a chemical substance that binds with the cannabinoid receptors that are sprinkled around the body and brain. This collective system is known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Various non-cannabis plants have recently been recognized for stimulating the ECS via cannabinoid receptor engagement, including echinacea, black pepper, and liverwort.^2,3,4

Both varieties of the cannabis plant can produce CBD, but federally legal CBD comes from cannabis plants that are legally recognized as hemp. Since hemp strains of cannabis typically do not produce more than 1% of THC, such a small amount is typically insufficient to produce mind-altering effects.

Aside from CBD, hemp may possess ample therapeutic cannabinoids, including CBGA, CBC, CBDV, and THCV, to name a few.⁵

What is Hemp Seed Oil?

Hemp seed oil is brimming with nutrients like amino acids, B vitamins, calcium, gamma-linolenic acid, vitamin C, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium. It is extracted from the seeds of the hemp variety of cannabis, and goes by various names, including hemp oil and Cannabis sativa seed oil. Hemp seed oil is a powerful source of easily digestible protein, healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy option for human food or animal feed.⁶ The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database indicates that a 31-gram serving of hemp protein powder delivers 12g of protein and 120 calories.

Does all hemp oil contain CBD? Not necessarily.

It's important to note that hemp oil is different from CBD oil in that it has a totally different composition. If you're seeking the effects of cannabis's primary cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, hemp oil is not the product to choose. Hemp seed oil contains no cannabinoids and is "Generally Recognized As Safe" by the USDA for consumption. Hemp seed oil is widely used as a cooking oil and in foods and supplements.

Two primary kinds of essential fatty acids (EFAs), omega-6s and omega-3s, contribute to the structure of hemp seed oil in a proportion that many believe is optimal for maintaining human health.⁷

Researchers praise hemp oil for its amino acid content. Amino acids break down food, produce green chemicals (neurotransmitters) and proteins, and grow and repair body tissue. Hemp seed oil contains 10 amino acids, which is more than soy protein.

What is CBD Oil?

While CBD is an essential component of medical cannabis, it is derived directly from the cannabis plant, which can be either legal, medical cannabis with more than 0.3% THC, or it can be legal hemp with less than 0.3% THC. On the molecular level, CBD is the same compound regardless of whether it is found in high-THC cannabis or legal hemp.

Clinical trials and studies into the therapeutic benefits of CBD are ongoing, with approximately 200 sets to take place this year across the globe. What the existing research tells us about CBD is that this cannabinoid is a natural anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and painkiller.

Just like hemp oil, CBD oil has potential health benefits. By understanding how CBD oil is made, consumers can determine if this product is the right choice for them. It is recommended that you buy CBD from a supplier that produces products in accordance with standard manufacturing processes. The most common CBD manufacturing processes include ethanol, butane, or supercritical carbon dioxide extraction.

Consider a full, whole-plant, or broad-spectrum CBD oil for amplified effects. These product options contain a wide range of flavonoids, terpenoids, and cannabinoids that work synergistically with one another to activate the "entourage effect.”

Pay close attention to the label of the CBD product you choose to purchase to avoid the common side effects. 

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: What are the Differences?

The first factor to contemplate when comparing the differences between CBD oil vs. hemp oil is source and composition. Since hemp seed oil is sourced from seeds, not flowers (like CBD usually is), it can be a better choice for consumers living in states where high-THC cannabis is still illegal. 

CBD oil is produced using the leaves, stalks, and flowers of hemp or cannabis. Hemp seed oil is produced by applying extreme pressure to the seeds using a cold-press oilseed machine. Unrefined hemp seed oil is usually a dark greenish shade with a nutty aroma and flavor. Although the shelf life is relatively short, it is extendable with proper storage inside a glass container in a cool, dark place. 

Suppliers that sell refined hemp seed oil will stock products that have undergone refinement processing to remove their color and scent, with the final product being transparent or yellow. Not only does refined hemp seed oil have less flavor and aroma than unrefined hemp seed oil, but it also has a lower nutritional profile.

Another thing to consider when assessing the differences between hemp oil and CBD is what type of effects you wish to experience. If you don't want to experience any noticeable physical or mental effects but want to know that your body is receiving plenty of natural goodness, opt for hemp seed oil. This plant-extracted oil does not contain any cannabinoids.

Applications should be considered as well. Fortunately, both hemp seed oil and CBD oil can be transformed into similar products. The most popular product type is a tincture that can be dropped onto or beneath the tongue for rapid bloodstream absorption. Other methods of administration include topical, ingestible, and inhalation.⁸

Legality issues often prevent patients from getting the treatment they deserve. If you reside in a state where MMJ cards are available, obtaining a doctor's recommendation for CBD may be worthwhile. 

When Should I Use Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil?

Consumers typically use hemp seed oil for:

• As a daily nutritional supplement
• In healthy drinks and foods
• In cosmetics and hair care
• When consuming THC or passing a drug test is a concern
• As an ingredient for paints and finishing oils
• For long-term use

Consumers typically use CBD oil for:

• To relax or calm down 
• When feeling anxious or stressed
• When experiencing sleep issues
• For headaches, migraines, or other neuropathic pain
• When consuming small amounts of THC is not an issue
• When the entourage effect is desired

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Which one will get you high: hemp oil or CBD oil?

Neither hemp seed oil nor CBD oil will cause intoxicating effects.

Are there areas where either hemp or CBD oil isn’t legal?

Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC in most states. However, Idaho, South Dakota, and Nebraska have further restrictions on the amount of THC allowed for it to be legal. 

Is hemp oil or CBD oil better for anxiety?

Studies show that CBD oil is better than hemp oil for symptoms of anxiety.

Is hemp oil or CBD oil more useful for pain relief?

CBD oil appears to be more useful for pain relief, although more studies are required to determine its efficacy when THC is not included.

Which is more suited for inducing sleep: hemp or CBD oil?

CBD oil is most likely better than hemp seed oil for relaxation and sleep due to its interactions with the endocannabinoid system, although more research is needed.

Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil?

No, hemp oil is not the same as CBD oil. These two natural plant-derived substances each possess their own variation of medical benefits. However, hemp oil doesn’t contain phytocannabinoids, whereas CBD oil is laden with them. If cannabis-derived, CBD oil may also contain traces of the psychoactive compound THC, as well as other cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN). Conversely, hemp-derived CBD usually doesn’t contain more than 0.3% THC.

Does all hemp oil contain CBD?

Not all hemp oil contains CBD, especially unrefined hemp seed oil. The refinement process strips hemp oil of its color, scent, flavor, and nutritional composition. Refined hemp oil may contain CBD, but this depends on the manufacturer and their choice to infuse it with CBD. Requesting proof of third-party lab testing and a certificate of analysis (COA) is the best way to find out if your hemp oil also includes the same therapeutic qualities as CBD.

Is hemp oil or CBD oil safe to use on pets?

CBD does not cause mind-altering effects and has been shown to aid the lives of young children with epilepsy and even pets.⁹ Animals also have endocannabinoid systems (ECS) inside their bodies, so they may benefit from the therapeutic effects of hemp seed oil and CBD. Both are considered safe for pets, but if you want to be extra cautious, choose hemp seed oil for its FDA-approved 'GRAS' certification.

References

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2. Liu R, Caram-Salas NL, Li W, Wang L, Arnason JT, Harris CS. Interactions of Echinacea spp. Root Extracts and Alkylamides With the Endocannabinoid System and Peripheral Inflammatory Pain. Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:651292. Published 2021 Apr 27. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.651292 ↩︎
3. Gertsch Jã, Leonti M, Raduner S, et al. Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 2008;105(26):9099-9104. doi:https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0803601105 ↩︎
4. Toyota M, Shimamura T, Ishii H, Renner M, Braggins J, Asakawa Y. New bibenzyl cannabinoid from the New Zealand liverwort Radula marginata. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2002;50(10):1390-1392. doi:10.1248/cpb.50.1390 ↩︎
5. Chen X, Deng H, Heise JA, et al. Contents of Cannabinoids in Hemp Varieties Grown in Maryland. ACS Omega. 2021;6(47):32186-32197. Published 2021 Nov 16. doi:10.1021/acsomega.1c04992 ↩︎
6. Xu Y, Li J, Zhao J, et al. Hempseed as a nutritious and healthy human food or animal feed source: a review. International Journal of Food Science & Technology. 2020;56(2):530-543. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.14755 ↩︎
7. Crescente G, Piccolella S, Esposito A, Scognamiglio M, Fiorentino A, Pacifico S. Chemical composition and nutraceutical properties of hempseed: an ancient food with actual functional value. Phytochemistry reviews. 2018;17(4):733-749. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-018-9556-2 ↩︎
8. VanDolah HJ, Bauer BA, Mauck KF. Clinicians’ Guide to Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2019;94(9):1840-1851. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.01.003 ↩︎
9. Peng J, Fan M, An C, Ni F, Huang W, Luo J. A narrative review of molecular mechanism and therapeutic effect of cannabidiol (CBD). Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. 2022;130(4):439-456. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/bcpt.13710 ‌ ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.