Hempseed Oil vs. Hemp Oil: Know the Difference!
Because we run a broad-spectrum CBD company, we often use terms like hemp oil and hemp seed oil. And, because it’s our business, we know exactly what they mean. But we know that not everyone is in that position. So, for many of you, navigating the CBD-lingo can be confusing.
At the same time, it’s very important to clearly define the difference between hemp oil vs hempseed oil. Because the two products come with very different uses, effects and price points. Need some help with definitions before you try to buy CBD online? Just keep reading for all the terms you need to know.
What is Hemp Oil?
You’ve probably heard about CBD oil. Maybe you’ve even used this product before. But have you heard about hemp oil? And do you want to understand more about this product?
Well, let us let you in on a secret. People actually use the terms hemp oil and CBD oil interchangeably. In other words, when you talk about hemp oil, you’re talking about a product packed with cannabidiol. (Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid you extract from the Cannabis Sativa plant. To make hemp oil, manufacturers then infuse CBD into a carrier oil. And, at that point, you can consume or apply that oil as a tincture, edible or topical CBD product.)
To get to the difference between hemp oil and hempseed oil, you have to focus on the CBD. You see, cannabidiol lives in the hemp plant’s flowers, stalks and leaves. (Definition time again here: hemp plants are strains of Cannabis Sativa that have less than 0.3% THC concentration. Legal CBD must come from hemp plants, to avoid being classified as a controlled substance. And, because it’s sourced from hemp, CBD oil is also called hemp oil sometimes.)
Now that’s a lot of information. But if you just remember one fact, it’s this. CBD is found in hemp flowers, leaves and stalks. And those are the only places to find hemp-extract CBD. Which is why hemp oil and hemp seed oil are very different products!
What is Hempseed Oil?
So, what is hempseed oil? While it isn’t a type of CBD product, it could be a valuable addition to your diet. You see, hempseed oil comes from the seeds of the hemp plant. Which, as we reviewed, don’t contain any cannabidiol.
Now, that doesn’t mean they aren’t good for you. In fact, hempseed oil has many potential health benefits. And that’s why it’s often used for healthy cooking, and even in some beauty products. In a minute, we’ll review the benefits of hempseed oil. But for now, keep in mind that hempseed oil works very differently than hemp oil. And, if you just keep reading, we’re about to tell you how hemp oil works in your body.
How Does Hemp Oil work?
Hemp oil (aka CBD oil) is packed with cannabidiol. And, when you apply or ingest CBD oil, it interacts with your Endocannabinoid System (ECS.) This is when you’ll notice certain effect in your body.
Why is that the case? Your ECS is in charge of keeping your body systems balanced. That means it’s involved in your mood, appetite, sleep, memory and even your fertility. [i] Of course, this internal system doesn’t need CBD oil to get to work. But sometimes, it isn’t operating at its highest level. And that’s when introducing hemp oil to your system could get it up and running once again. Because the CBD that’s infused in the oil can stimulate your ECS’ CB1 and CB2 receptors. Which is not the case with hempseed oil.
What are the Benefits of Hempseed Oil?
As we’ve said just a few times, hempseed oil doesn’t contain CBD. Which means it won’t interact with your ECS. But it does contain omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids. And these are important parts of a healthy diet, both linked to benefits such as better heart health and less inflammation. [ii]
Hempseed oil also contains vitamin e, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and more. And all of those antioxidants are important parts of a healthy diet. That’s why cooking with hempseed oil is a great way to boost the nutrients in your next meal.
Lots of people use hempseed oil in their beauty products, too. Studies suggest that topical hempseed oil can help you manage eczema.[iii] And, like coconut oil, hempseed oil seems to help protect your hair from split ends and breakage. Leaving you with stronger, softer, healthier hair.
In other words, hempseed oil is a great and beneficial product. But it isn’t a cannabinoid-based product. So, we want you to read your labels carefully when you look for hemp oil vs. hempseed oil. Because hemp oil is a high-end health supplement, and is priced accordingly. And, in contrast, hempseed oil is an all-natural cooking or beauty product. And you wouldn’t want to pay much more for hempseed oil than you would for high-quality olive oil or shampoo.
Want to make sure you get what you’re shopping for when you buy hemp oil online? Always look for transparent CBD brands that print their ingredients lists for you to see. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. And not pay for a product you hope will boost your ECS, and end up with one that just tastes good in your stir fry!
[i] https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system [ii] https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/no-need-to-avoid-healthy-omega-6-fats [iii] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16019622/