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Hemp Seed Oil vs CBD Oil: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between hemp seed oil vs CBD oil? While both oils have their fair share of impressive benefits, hemp seed oil and CBD oil are made from different parts of the hemp plant. CBD oil is effective for treating pain, anxiety, and even promoting deeper sleep, while hemp oil is best known for its nutritional value and hydrating skin benefits.

In this article, you will learn:

hemp oil vs cbd oil infographic

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Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What’s the Difference?

To get into the differences between hemp oil vs. CBD oil, let’s explore what makes each oil unique from one another.

What Is Hemp Seed Oil?

Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of cannabis sativa while CBD oil is made from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the same plant.

Hemp seeds have an entirely different composition compared to the actual hemp leaves and flowers. For example, hemp seeds contain only trace amounts of CBD, while hemp leaves are more potent and can contain up to 40% CBD.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil, aka cannabidiol, is one of over a hundred active cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis sativa plant. CBD oil is most commonly extracted from the hemp plant but it can also be extracted from CBD-rich indica strains of the marijuana plant.

But don’t worry about getting high from CBD oil. While typical cannabis plants are rich in the cannabinoid called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that’s responsible for that high feeling, hemp leaves only contain less than 1% so there’s no danger of suddenly getting the munchies and winding up at Taco Bell. Instead, hemp is rich in the CBD cannabinoid which exclusively promotes the feeling of relaxation without any psychoactive effects of feeling high.

Hemp Seed Oil vs. CBD Oil Benefits

Both hemp seed oil and CBD oil can be used in a variety of ways. They can be taken orally like a supplement, used topically, or even in cooking and recipes!

Hemp Seed Oil Benefits

When applied topically, hemp oil benefits include:

  • Deep hydration for ultra-dry skin
  • Moisturizing without clogging pores
  • Softened skin for a more supple complexion
  • Boost in hair growth and lessened hair loss
  • Strengthened nails
  • Improved skin elasticity

When consumed orally, hemp seed oil is:

  • Rich in vitamins and minerals that create anti-inflammatory effects
  • Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 to improve eye and heart health
  • Rich in antioxidants and minerals that fight aging and boost immunity

CBD Oil Benefits

CBD oil benefits are most common from taking it orally. These include:

  • Analgesic effects (aka amazing pain-relieving abilities)
  • Relieves muscle aches and joint pain
  • Soothes headaches and migraines
  • Anti-inflammatory effects that diminish symptoms of auto-immune diseases like psoriasis

Applying CBD oil topically also comes with benefits like:

  • Relieving stress and tension in the muscles
  • Post-exercise recovery
  • Soothing redness from rosacea, sunburns, and bug bites

Is Hemp Seed Oil or CBD Oil Better for Pain?

While hemp seed oil is full of nutritional value thanks to all its healthy fats and rich mineral content, it’s not known for its pain-relieving abilities.

On the other hand, one of CBD’s famously unique gifts is its potent anti-inflammatory benefits that reduce stiffness, pain, and even muscle spasms. Studies have proven that CBD is one of the best natural solutions to pain relief. Best of all, it doesn’t involve the negative side effects of synthetic pain relievers.

Is Hemp Seed Oil or CBD Oil Better for Anxiety?

Unlike regular hemp seed oil, CBD oil helps activate dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters to promote a sense of well-being in the brain and throughout the body. It helps relieve:

  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • PTSD
  • Panic disorders
  • OCD
  • Pain
  • Insomnia

How Do I Use Hemp Seed Oil or CBD Oil?

Learn about the multitude of ways you can put hemp oil and CBD oil to good use.

Hemp Seed Oil Uses

Hemp seed oil is packed with its fair share of benefits thanks to its richness in essential fatty acids and vitamins. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in hemp seeds make the oil a deeply hydrating choice to infuse in beauty products like body lotions and hair care.

Outside of the realm of beauty, the high ALA omega-3 and omega-6 content also makes hemp oil a perfect heart-healthy, nutrient-dense oil to cook with. Its smoke point is 330º (just above olive oil's smoke point at 320º and below coconut oil's at 350º) making it best for no or low heat cooking. Test it out for yourself! When making a DIY salad dressing at home, try swapping your olive oil for hemp oil to get an extra dose of B vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Pro tip: Before buying hemp seed oil, make sure it’s cold-pressed, pure, and organic to ensure the highest quality! On its own, hemp seed oil’s shelf life can last over a year, which means there’s no need to buy an oil that’s infused with unnecessary preservatives.

CBD Oil Uses

CBD can be taken orally as an oil, but it can also be smoked or vaped to promote relaxation and soothe pain. To enjoy the skin benefits of CBD, applying it topically as a cream is proven to boast serious anti-inflammatory benefits that could be employed to calm acne flare ups and soothe redness and irritation.

With more and more options on the market, you can also find CBD in a variety of products like gum, skincare, capsule supplements, and even pet treats. You may have also seen CBD in drinks like coffee! To make your own, try adding a serving of CBD oil this coffee recipe. 

Pro tip: When on the market for a quality CBD oil, be sure to read up on the potency of each CBD product to make sure it aligns with your needs. An organic, full spectrum CBD oil is your best option for maximum benefits.

 

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