“Hemp oil” and “CBD oil” are often used as if they mean the same thing, but they are different products made from different parts of the hemp plant. Knowing the difference helps you buy what you actually want.
Hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil is pressed from hemp seeds, the same way other cooking oils are pressed from seeds. Hemp seeds contain little or no CBD, so hemp seed oil usually has none. It is used as a food oil and in skin care, and is valued for its omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. You will find it in grocery stores next to other specialty oils.
CBD oil
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, where it is concentrated. The extract is mixed into a carrier oil such as MCT (coconut) oil, olive oil or hemp seed oil. The label should list how many milligrams of CBD are in the bottle and in each serving.
How to tell them apart on a label
- Ingredient list: “Cannabis sativa seed oil” or “hemp seed oil” is hemp seed oil. CBD oil will list “cannabidiol,” “CBD isolate,” or “hemp extract.”
- Milligrams of CBD: A CBD product states its CBD content. If no amount is listed, assume there is little or none.
- Lab report: A CBD product should have a Certificate of Analysis showing the CBD the lab measured.
- Price: Hemp seed oil is inexpensive. CBD oil costs more because extracting CBD takes more work.
Which one do you want?
If you want an oil for cooking or a moisturizing ingredient, hemp seed oil is the right choice. If you are looking for CBD, buy a product that lists its CBD content and links a lab report.
Shop CBD
Our Airlie CBD ElixiRx tincture is made with hemp CBD isolate in MCT oil. We also carry CBD gummies and CBD topicals. Every product page shows its lab results.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before using CBD, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or take medication.