Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: Production, Uses, and Effects (+ FAQs)

Hemp oil vs CBD oil  — what’s the difference?

Hemp oil is extracted from hemp plant seeds and has little to no CBD. 

On the other hand, CBD oil comes from the plant’s leaves, stalks, and flowers and is CBD-rich. 

But that’s not all. 

Let’s explore all the differences between hemp oil vs CBD oil and learn how to tell them apart. We’ll also answer a few related questions as a bonus.  

Jump To:

• Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: 4 Significant Differences
  • Origins and Production
  • Uses and Benefits
  • Entourage Effect
  • Possible Side Effects
• How to Tell Hemp Oil from CBD Oil
• 2 FAQs about Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil: 4 Significant Differences

Here’s a quick look at the key differences between hemp oil and CBD oil:

We’ll discuss each aspect in detail:

1. Origins and Production

As mentioned, hemp oil and CBD oil are extracted from the hemp plant (aka Cannabis sativa plant or industrial hemp). 

The difference?

Hemp oil and CBD oil come from different parts of the plant. 

A. Hemp Oil 

Hemp oil or hemp seed oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant. 

It contains only trace amounts of CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and won’t produce a psychoactive effect. 

B. CBD Oil 

CBD oil (cannabidiol oil) is made from the flower, stalks, and leaves of the hemp plant (industrial hemp). It’s also known as hemp derived CBD oil, hemp CBD oil, or CBD hemp oil. 

How is CBD oil manufactured?

The extraction process involves separating CBD from other cannabinoids (like THC) in the plant. 

The CBD is then blended with a carrier oil, like MCT oil or hemp seed oil, to create cannabidiol oil. 

2. Uses and Health Benefits

Researchers are still studying the effects of hemp products (hemp oil and CBD oil).   

But preliminary results show they may have numerous benefits for your health and wellbeing.

A. Hemp Oil 

Popular uses and benefits of hemp oil include: 

• Skincare: Hemp seed oil is often blended with vitamin E and used in beauty and skincare products. It’s high in antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, omega 6 fatty acid and omega 9. These nutrients help retain moisture and prevent inflammation. 
• Sleep aid: Hemp seed oil contains the amino acid tryptophan and vitamin B6. Melatonin (the hormone that regulates the sleep cycle) is formed from these nutrients.   
• Helps digestion: The omega 3 fatty acid in hemp seed oil can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. The fatty acids also promote beneficial microbes in the gut, improving overall digestive health.
• Assists immune function: Hemp seed oil’s fatty acid content can strengthen the immune system. These essential fatty acids strengthen cell walls and help rid the body of pathogens and invading bacteria.
• Fight inflammation: Researchers believe the gamma linolenic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid in hemp oil) may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
• Manage PMS (Premenstrual Syndrom) & menopause: Hemp oil’s gamma linolenic acid may help ease PMS and menopausal symptoms.  

B. CBD Oil

CBD oil can help:  

• Manage anxiety, stress, and depression: Researchers believe CBD interacts with various receptors in our body (like the endocannabinoid receptor (CB1R) and the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor) that regulate fear and anxiety-induced behaviours. 
• Reduce insomnia: CBD oil’s anti-anxiety and calming effects may help you sleep better. 
• Provide joint/muscular pain relief: CBD oil can ease chronic, neuropathic and arthritic pain, and multiple sclerosis.
• Manage skin conditions: A 2019 study found CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help treat skin disorders like acne, eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. 
• Control epilepsy: Prescription CBD products such as Epidyolex mayhelp manage epilepsy. However, there isn’t enough evidence proving the benefit of regular CBD oils for treating epilepsy.  

3. Entourage Effect

What’s the entourage effect?

It occurs when the cannabis plant compounds (such as phytocannabinoids and terpenes) interact with each other and enhance their effects. 

So what’s the deal with hemp oil, CBD oil, and the entourage effect?

• CBD oils containing terpenes and other cannabinoids produce the entourage effect. This includes full spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD products. 
• But you’re unlikely to experience the entourage effect when using hemp seed oil — since it has almost no beneficial cannabinoid content. 

4. Possible Side Effects

Some potential side effects of hemp oil and CBD oil include:

A. Hemp Oil 

Hemp seed oil has a fatty, oily nature which can upset your digestive system.

B. CBD Oil

According to the World Health Organisation, CBD is generally safe to consume.  

The catch?

At very high doses (more than 100mg/day), it could cause side effects like: 

• Drowsiness
• Gastrointestinal Issues
• Dry Mouth
• Nausea
• Changes in Mood

CBD oil can also interact with other medication and alcohol. 

GreenBox Recommends:

To avoid adverse effects, consult your doctor before starting your CBD journey — especially if you use prescription medications.  

Back to Contents

How to Tell Hemp Oil from CBD Oil

Look:

Hemp oil is usually hempseed oil. 

But some manufacturers market hemp oil as “CBD oil” since both are hemp products (made from the hemp plant). 

To avoid falling for this marketing gimmick:

1. Check the Price

If a product costs less than £12, it’s probably hempseed oil. 

Why?

A high-quality CBD product often costs more than £12 because:

• CBD extraction and refinement are costly.
• Strict distribution regulations and marketing practices affect the price.
• Quality control and third-party lab testing fees contribute to the higher prices.

2. Examine the Ingredients

Read the label of your hemp or CBD oil product to determine its ingredients. 

What should you look for?

If the ingredients list does NOT say “CBD extract,” hemp extract, or similar, it’s probably pure hemp seed oil. Also, most products list hemp seed oil as cannabis sativa seed oil. 

Meanwhile, CBD will usually be listed as one of the following:

• Cannabidiol
• Full spectrum CBD oil
• Broad spectrum CBD oil
• CBD isolate
• Pure CBD
• Hemp CBD oil
• CBD or hemp extract
• PCR (phytocannabinoid-rich)
• PCR hemp extracts

Back to Contents

2 FAQs about Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil

Still got a few questions about hemp oil and CBD oil products?  

We’ll answer them now. 

1. Can You Use Hemp Oil and CBD Oil Together?

Remember, a hemp oil product has almost zero cannabinoid content. 

So taking hemp seed oil and CBD oil together is usually safe. 

2. Is Hemp Oil or CBD Oil Better for Pets?

Both hemp seed and CBD oils can benefit your beloved dogs and cats. 

But, since CBD oil contains more cannabinoids, it has more benefits than hemp seed oil. 

Now: 

Giving your pet a CBD product can support their mobility and mood. It may also help them handle situational stress.

Whereas, including hemp seed oil in a pet’s daily diet may help support healthy skin and coat.

Back to Contents

CBD Oil or Hemp Oil: What’s Your Pick? 

Opt for a hemp oil product if you want nutritional and skincare benefits — like with coconut oil or olive oil. 

But if you prefer CBD’s therapeutic benefits, like pain relief or anti-anxiety effects, go for a CBD oil product.   

Wondering where to buy CBD oils?

Explore GreenBox’s range of top-notch THC free CBD oils! We also have premium CBD edibles, CBD topicals and creams, and more to support your health and wellness.