When the FDA reviewed hemp seed ingredients for food use, it found that they contain only trace amounts of CBD, picked up from contact with the rest of the plant during harvest. That one finding explains a lot of the confusion on store shelves. Two bottles can both say “hemp oil” and hold completely different things.
So, what is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil? It comes down to which part of the plant the oil comes from. Here is how to tell hemp seed oil and CBD oil apart, what the words on a label really mean, and how to make sure you are getting what you paid for.
HEMP SEED OIL: PRESSED FROM THE SEEDS
Hemp seed oil is made by cold pressing the seeds of the hemp plant, much like sunflower or flaxseed oil. It has a nutty, earthy flavor and is naturally rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
You will find hemp seed oil in grocery stores next to the cooking oils, in salad dressings, and in plenty of lotions and lip balms. It is a great pantry staple. What it doesn’t carry is a meaningful amount of CBD, because the seeds themselves contain almost none.
CBD OIL: EXTRACTED FROM THE WHOLE PLANT
CBD oil starts with the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant. That is where CBD and the other cannabinoids naturally live. The plant is extracted to pull those compounds out, and the extract is then blended into a carrier oil so it is easy to measure and take.
Here is where it gets confusing. Many brands, including us, sometimes call their CBD oil “hemp oil” or “hemp extract,” because that is exactly what it is: oil made from hemp. The difference is that a true CBD oil will always list the amount of CBD on the label, while hemp seed oil will not.
THE THREE TYPES OF CBD OIL
Once you know you are looking at a real CBD oil, the next word to look for is the spectrum.
Full spectrum oil keeps the full range of compounds from the hemp plant, including CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace amounts of THC. Our Recovery Ginger & Honey CBD + CBG Oil is full spectrum.
Broad spectrum oil keeps CBD and other hemp compounds but removes the THC. Our Broad Spectrum Mint CBD Oil and Nighttime Lavender & Vanilla Oil are both broad spectrum.
Isolate is CBD on its own, with every other compound filtered out.
If you are still deciding which style fits your routine, our guide to choosing the right CBD product walks through it.
HOW TO READ THE LABEL: A QUICK CHEAT SHEET
Labels are the fastest way to tell these oils apart. Here is what the most common terms mean.
“HEMP SEED OIL” OR “CANNABIS SATIVA SEED OIL”
This is pressed seed oil. It is great for cooking and skincare, but it is not a CBD product.
“HEMP EXTRACT” OR “FULL SPECTRUM HEMP OIL”
This is oil extracted from the plant itself, with CBD and other cannabinoids. Look for the CBD milligrams on the label to confirm.
“BROAD SPECTRUM”
This is CBD and other hemp compounds with the THC removed.
“CBD ISOLATE”
This is pure CBD with nothing else from the plant.
“1000MG CBD PER BOTTLE”
This number is the clearest sign you are holding a real CBD oil. It tells you exactly how much CBD is in the whole bottle, which is how you compare value from one brand to the next.
“THIRD PARTY LAB TESTED”
This means an independent lab checked what is in the bottle. The best brands post those results where you can read them.
WHY LAB RESULTS MATTER
A label is only as good as the testing behind it. In a study of 84 CBD products sold online, only about 30% contained an amount of CBD within 10% of what the label listed. That is why we test every batch.
Every product we make is third party lab tested, and the results are posted for you to read before you buy. You can see exactly how much CBD is in each bottle and what else is in it. Our hemp is grown on our own farm in Pennsylvania, so we know the story behind every drop from the field to the bottle.
WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU BUY?
It depends on what you want it for. If you want a nutty oil for salad dressing or a moisturizer for dry skin, hemp seed oil is a great buy at the grocery store. If you are looking to build a CBD routine, you want a CBD oil with the milligrams listed right on the label and lab results to back them up.
Ready to find yours? Browse our full collection of CBD oils. Shipping is always free!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your physician before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.