Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil - What's the Difference?

With surging interest in CBD since the U.S. Farm Bill passed in late 2018, you may be curious about the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil. Unheard of only a few years ago, both hemp and CBD oil are proliferating store shelves, but there are significant differences between these two products.

We put together a guide to help you learn about the similarities and differences between the two hemp derivatives, how to figure out what you need, and where to get the right product.

Hemp Oil & CBD Oil Differences:

What is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil or hempseed oil is what it sounds like: oil that’s been extracted from the seeds of the industrial hemp variety of the cannabis sativa plant. To extract the oil, hemp seeds are pressed and bottled or further processed and refined before bottling. Hemp oil is rich in omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and protein.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD or cannabidiol oil is derived from the cannabis sativa (hemp) plant. Instead of using the seeds, CBD is extracted from the flowers, leaves, stems, and stalks of matured hemp plants. CBD oil can be extracted through several methods, including carbon dioxide, ethanol, and even olive oil. The extraction method can play a part in the quality of CBD oil.

Similarities Between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil

• Both are oils.

• Both can come from the cannabis sativa plant.

• Both are non-intoxicating.

• Both can be applied topically or ingested.

Differences Between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil

• Each is derived from a different part of the plant.

• Hemp oil can only be derived from the industrial hemp variety of cannabis sativa, CBD oil can be sourced through several different varieties of the cannabis plant.

• Reputable CBD oil will come with a certificate of analysis (COA) that details exactly what’s in the product. Hemp oil will not come with a COA.

• CBD oil can legally contain up to 0.3% THC based on federal law in the U.S. Hemp oil contains no THC. State and local laws may add other regulations to this.

• Some states have laws that apply to the distribution and manufacture of CBD; hemp oil containing no THC has no such restrictions.

• Hemp oil is a nutrient-rich oil; it contains no cannabinoids and does not reap the benefits of the entourage effect.

• Hemp oil can be purchased on Amazon, but CBD cannot.

• Hemp oil has been used in beauty products for several years, but CBD is relatively new to all industries.

• Though they can both be used topically or ingested, you’re more likely to use hemp oil topically and ingest CBD oil.

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil and the Entourage Effect

Hemp oil has many unique benefits but cannot give you the same as CBD oil thanks to the entourage effect. Hemp oil is manufactured only from the seeds of the cannabis sativa plant, while CBD oil uses the entire plant from stem to leaf for production.

When you harvest oil from the entire plant, you get every potential beneficial compound the plant has to offer, including not just CBD, but dozens of other cannabinoids and scent compounds called terpenes.

Hemp seed oil doesn’t have the same cannabinoid profile, terpenes, or other beneficial compounds. You’re only getting a fraction of the benefits that you would from CBD oil and not tapping into the entourage effect.

Why does it matter? The entourage effect is the belief that the different compounds of the cannabis plant work better when they’re used together compared to being used individually. The terpenes help the cannabinoids achieve their best effects; the cannabinoids help other cannabinoids – everything works together harmoniously.

With the entourage effect, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. You get the benefits of the entourage effect with fu CBD oil but not with hemp seed oil.

Reading Hemp Oil and CBD Oil Labels

CBD oil is currently unregulated. Marketers and manufacturers might use misleading labeling or claim unfound benefits on their products. Always read the ingredients list to be certain of what you’re getting and ignore what the label says.

Hemp oil should always use hemp seed oil as the active ingredient, while CBD oil should list cannabidiol, full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, hemp (not hempseed), or phytocannabinoid-rich CBD as its primary ingredient.

The HerbMagix Difference

CBD oil from HerbMagix is blended with pure, organic hemp oil, so you’re getting the best of both worlds. HerbMagix CBD Oil is created using a special extraction method, which ensures the greatest benefit from the harvested plants.

You can take CBD oil topically, or you can ingest it or take it under the tongue. When choosing a CBD oil, do not be swayed to select purely on cost, as this is one industry where you get what you pay for.

Choose CBD oil that is pure and organic. Be sure to check out the company’s lab-verified test results. You can access HerbMagix's most recent test results here.

Ready to see what CBD oil can do for you? Click here to shop CBD oil or CBD topicals, CBD gummy bears or CBD softgels from HerbMagix.