The popularity of CBD oil and hemp oil is on the rise, but there are still many people who are unsure of the differences between the two. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key differences between hemp oil and CBD oil, as well as some of the latest trends in each industry. We’ll also explore why it’s important to know the difference between these two oils.

Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil?

No, CBD oil and hemp oils are two different things, though they may come from the same plant. There are a few main differences between these oils. Hemp oil is also referred to as hemp seed oil. The seeds are produced by cold-press using machinery. These essential fatty acids contains high dietary contents, and contains a rich source of omegas.

CBD oil can be extracted using a solvent, like carbon dioxide, from the flower and leaf of the plant. This section contains most cannabinoids and terpene based components. It has been traditionally used only in infusion of fat and alcohol in cooking.

Another difference to note with CBD vs hemp oil, is though you can use both topically or internally, the majority apply hemp oil topically. CBD oil on the other hand is typically taken internally, but still has a large variety of products in both categories.

The Cannabis Plant

Both CBD and hemp oil can come from cannabis plants. The main difference between the two is that CBD is found in the flowers, leaves, and stalk of the plant, while hemp oil is found in the seeds. CBD and hemp oil can be extracted using different methods, but let’s take a closer look at each one individually.

Green and purple cannabis flower in bloom.

CBD Oil

Hemp extract is another term for CBD oil, since it is extracted from hemp. Specifically looking at CBD oil, it’s made from CBD extract that comes from the flowers, leaves, stems and stalk of a hemp or cannabis plants. There are different methods, but this is usually done using CO? or ethanol extraction. After extraction, the oil is then diluted with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil and usually stored in a glass dropper bottle.

2000 mg CBD oil from South Central Hemp Co-op on display in front of industrial hemp plants.

If you’re looking to buy CBD oil, then you will need to know the different kinds available. There are three different types:

Full spectrum CBD:

A full spectrum type of oil contains all of the beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes that are found in cannabis. It’s important to note that it contains very low amounts of THC, but it can be detected in a drug test.

Broad spectrum CBD:

Broad spectrum CBD oils have many of the same compounds as full spectrum CBD. It’s a cross of full spectrum CBD oil and an isolate oil because it contains most of the cannabinoids and terpenes that are found in cannabis, but it’s been processed to remove all traces of THC.

CBD isolate:

A CBD isolate oil is considered the most pure form of CBD oil. It only contains CBD molecules with no other cannabinoids or terpenes like full and broad spectrum CBD oil have.

Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is made by extracting oil from the seeds of the industrial hemp plant. Hemp seed oil derives from cold-pressing hemp seeds. This process helps to preserve the nutrients that are found in the oil, like the essential amino acids. Hemp oil is a carrier oil, which means that it can be used to dilute other oils.

Hemp oil is rich in vitamins and nutrients, but since it’s only extracted from hemp seeds, it doesn’t contain any cannabinoids, terpenes, or phytonutrients. Hemp seed oil contains high levels of omega-fatty acids and low CBD content levels. The omegas are actually three different polyunsaturated fatty acids: linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid.

Hemp oil typically comes in two different forms:

Refined hemp oil:

This type of hemp oil has been refined which means that the impurities have been removed. The downside to this is that some of the nutrients are also taken out during the refining process. Refined hemp oil is usually used in cooking.

Unrefined hemp oil:

This type of hemp oil has not been refined and is usually used in beauty products. Because it hasn’t been refined, it contains all of the impurities, but it also contains all of its nutrients.

The Difference Between Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil

CBD oil and hemp oil differ in their extraction methods and composition. CBD oil is usually extracted using CO? or ethanol extraction, while hemp oil is extracted using a cold-pressing method. The main difference between the two is that CBD oil contains high levels of CBD and low levels of THC, while hemp oil contains high levels of omegas and very little CBD.

Another difference worth noting is that hemp oil can be purchased almost anywhere but CBD is only sold in some places. This is due to the association with cannabis and the legal regulations that come with it.

Hemp Oil Trends

Hemp oil is becoming more and more popular as people learn more about it. Some of the latest trends with hemp oil include:

Hemp oil that's infused with other herbs:

This one is becoming popular because it allows people to enjoy the benefits of hemp oil while also getting the added benefits of other herbs.

Hemp oil that's flavorless:

This trend is becoming popular because it allows people to enjoy the benefits of hemp oil without the “hempy” taste.

CBD Oil Trends

CBD oil has grown in popularity quite a bit in the last few years. Some of the latest trends in CBD oil include:

CBD oils that are flavored:

This trend is becoming popular because it allows people to enjoy the benefits of CBD oil without the bitter taste.

Where It's Purchased

If you’re planning on buying CBD oil or hemp seed oil, they can be found in pharmacies, health food stores, and online retailers. The reputable CBD oils are easily available online through their website including our own online store. You can also buy them at specialized shops in states where they are legal.

Most pharmacy outlets and even supermarkets now carry different CBD oils that are legitimate. Previously, this wasn’t possible. Hemp Seed Oil is available at pretty much any supermarket, beauty store or on Amazon. Just be sure to do a bit of research before buying to make sure you’re getting a product with good quality. If you’re looking for certified organic CBD products, be sure to check out South Central Hemp Co-op’s online store!

The logo for South Central Hemp Co-op.

Production methods

This is an area where there are other major differences are between hemp oil vs CBD oil. Seed oil from hemp comes from cold pressing the hemp plant seeds to extract the oil. CBD, on the other hand, is extracted using more advanced extraction technologies. The most frequently used method of CBD extraction is supercritical fluid extraction or CO? extraction or ethanol extraction.

The main difference here is that CBD is typically more concentrated than hemp oil. So the hemp oils tend to be green and dark, and the CBD oils are typically lighter brown to dark gold. Both have a plant-like taste, but CBD oil is generally less “grassy” than hemp oil.

The importance of quality

The quality of CBD oils and hemp seed oil can greatly vary. It is essential to select a product from a reputable company that uses high-quality ingredients. A lot of companies are selling low-quality products that may not be safe for human use. Make sure to do your research before buying any hemp oil or CBD oil.

Keep in mind, all reputable brands make third-party lab reports and COA, or certificates of analysis, available for their CBD oil products. To learn about our products, check out our product test results. This information will tell you about each batch produced including the expiration date & lot number. Always be sure any CBD products you purchase have been tested and are not expired. To learn more check out our article on CBD expiration and proper storage. Conversely, hemp oil typically doesn’t come with any such reports, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate hemp products. So make sure you make sure you read labels and check out reviews if they’re available.

Image of the Telic Labs, third party testing partner, logo.

At South Central Hemp Co-op, we test all of our CBD oils with Telic Labs to ensure premium quality in every batch. To learn more about what makes our products great, check out our article on certified organic CBD oil.

Different CBD products

CBD oil is not the only product that can be made from CBD. There are also other products such as:

  • CBD edibles – These are food items that have been infused with CBD. Examples include gummies, candy, and cookies.
  • CBD topicals – These are products that are applied topically to the skin. They can come in the form of creams, lotions, balms, and oils.
  • CBD capsules – These are capsules that contain CBD oil.
  • CBD vape oil – This is a type of oil that can be used in vaporizers.
  • CBD oil tinctures – This is a liquid form of CBD that can be taken orally. It is usually taken using a dropper.
An example of different types of CBD products, CBD soap from South Central Hemp Co-op.

Other types of products

There are other products out there that come from the cannabis and hemp plant as well. Here’s a short list below:

  • Nutritional supplements like hemp hearts
  • Hemp milk
  • Hemp protein powder
  • CBD oil
  • Hemp seeds oil
  • Enriched hempseed oil
  • Topicals like lotions and creams infused with CBD
  • Vaporizers that use CBD vape oil
  • CBD oil tinctures which are a liquid form of CBD that’s taken orally
  • Capsules that contain CBD oil

As you can see, there are quite a few products made from both hemp oil and CBD . But what exactly is the difference between hemp and marijuana? Let’s take a closer look.

Difference between hemp and marijuana

Hemp and marijuana are two varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant. Both plants contain cannabidiol (CBD), but there is a much higher concentration of CBD in hemp, and only trace amounts of THC (the psychoactive compound that gets you high). This means that hemp oil will not get you high.

Marijuana plants also contain other compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which do have psychoactive effects. However, the THC levels in marijuana are much higher than in hemp.

Uses of hemp, CBD oil and marijuana

Hemp has been used for centuries to make a variety of things. You can make paper, clothing, rope, and even food from hemp. There are even hemp bricks that people have used to build houses that are environmentally friendly and long lasting against the elements.

CBD oil is mainly used for its properties. People enjoy certain benefits from compounds that are found in the cannabis and hemp plants. There are a lot of vitamins and nutrients found in these plants that can be worth adding to your life.

CBD soap and CBD bathbomb products from South Central Hemp Co-op on display.

Marijuana can also be used to make things like clothing and paper, but is mainly used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. It has been used in some parts of the world for centuries for medical purposes. However, in the United States, it has only been legalized in some states for medical and recreational use, and is still illegal on the federal level.

Now that you know the difference between hemp, CBD oil and marijuana, you can make an informed decision and choose the best CBD product that’s right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CBD oil?

Three CBD oil bottles in a triangle formation displaying each part of the label.
Three CBD oil bottles in a triangle formation displaying each part of the label.

CBD oil is a product that’s made from the cannabis plant. It’s typically more expensive than hemp seed oil, but it’s also more potent. CBD oil contains cannabidiol (CBD), which is a compound that has been shown to have many potential benefits.

What is Hemp?

FL Morris inspecting her 2020 hemp crop.
FL Morris inspecting her 2020 hemp crop.

The hemp plant is part of the cannabis family. It’s a non-psychoactive plant that contains high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. Hemp has been used for centuries for its fiber, seeds, and oil. The United States legalized hemp in 2018 with the passing of the Farm Bill.

What is CBD?

CBD is a compound that is found in cannabis. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids that are found in the plant. CBD has many potential health benefits, but it does not have any psychoactive effects.

What is the difference between CBD oil and hemp seed oil?

CBD oil is more expensive than hemp seed oil, and it is also more potent. CBD oil contains cannabidiol (CBD), while hemp seed oil does not. Hemp seed oil does, however, contain other compounds that may have health benefits.

What's the legal status of hemp, CBD and marijuana?

The legal status of CBD oil depends on where you are located. In the United States, hemp was legalized at the federal level in 2018, but marijuana is still illegal under federal law. This means that CBD oil made from hemp is legal in all 50 states, but CBD oil made from marijuana is only legal in certain states. Always be sure to check the laws in your area before purchasing or consuming any CBD products. Hemp is legal in most countries, while marijuana is still illegal in many places.

Will CBD or hemp oil make me high?

No. CBD oil will not make you high, as it does not contain the psychoactive compound THC. Hemp oil may contain trace amounts of THC (less than 0.03%), but it is not enough to cause any psychoactive effects. Always check the labels of any products you purchase to be sure that they do not contain THC.

How do I use CBD or hemp oil?

Someone using a CBD dropper bottle to take CBD oil.

CBD oil can be used in a variety of ways. It can be taken orally, applied topically, or inhaled using a vaporizer. Hemp oil can also be used in cooking or added to foods and beverages. Always check the label of any product you purchase to be sure that it is safe for you to use.

The Bottom Line

CBD oil and hemp oil differ in their extraction methods, composition, and potential health benefits. CBD oil and hemp oil are two different types of products that are both made from cannabis. CBD oil is more expensive and potent than hemp seed oil, and it contains cannabidiol (CBD). Hemp seed oil contains low amounts of CBD, but it does contain other compounds that may have health benefits.

Do your research for both types of products before making any purchases. The overall quality of CBD oil and hemp oil products is important so that you aren’t putting harmful chemicals into or on your body. Remember that there may be a lot of trial and error involved as you choose the products that best fit your lifestyle. And always check the laws in your area before purchasing or consuming any CBD products!