What is Hemp Oil? Is it the Same as CBD Oil?

First-time buyers of CBD oil can often feel overwhelmed by the terminology and the multitude of brands claiming to offer ‘the best’ products. Today, we wish to delve into the topic “what is hemp oil?”.

When searching for CBD oil, you may have come across products labeled as hemp oil. In the UK, a quick search on Amazon for the word CBD will bring up hundreds of products labeled “hemp oil”.

It is important to know that CBD oil is derived from hemp and is technically a hemp oil. But, not all hemp oil contains CBD.

In this article, we are going to show you what to look out for and what ‘hemp oil’ actually means in this industry. If you are a first time CBD oil buyer, stop, you need to read this.

What is Hemp Oil?

Whilst CBD oil is made from the leaves and flowers of Cannabis Sativa plants, hemp oil is made from the seeds.

Hemp seeds are pressed and the extract is filtered and refined to create a product ready for consumers.

These seeds contain zero CBD but they do contain other nutrients and compounds. It is extracted through cold-pressing which is similar to the way that olive oil is made.

Hemp seed oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 and antioxidants. It is also high in vitamin B and D.

It is important to know, that hemp seed oil does not contain CBD. If anyone is trying to sell you hemp oil with the promise that it will reduce pain or give you a better night’s rest, walk away.

What is it used for?

Hemp oil has a variety of uses because of its nutritional content. Some supplements contain hemp oil because of the fact it contains lots of omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Hemp oil is also a popular skin moisturiser with companies including it in almost every product form balms, serums and facial washes. You can also find it in acne treatments.

It is also used for manufacturing clothing and fibres. You might have come across clothes made from hemp. You can buy ink made from hemp as well as carpet, makeup and chocolate.

One thing hemp seed oil is not useful for is reliving ailments related to sleep, pain or anxiety.

How do you take Hemp Oil?

Hemp seed oil can be found in food, beverages, cosmetics and even industrial products.

You can take it in lots of different ways! It can be added to food, applied it to your skin or even rubbed it into you cuticles. You can buy hemp lip balms, body washes, deodorant and just about anything else you can imagine.

Hemp seeds actually contain more protein than soybeans do so you will also find hemp work out supplements.

What are the Benefits of Hemp Oil?

Hemp seed oil has nutritious benefits and its added to bread, cookies and yoghurt. Some studies have found that it can relieve constipation, improve skin conditions and help prevent heart conditions.

This is because a study found that it can lower cholesterol due to its linoleic acid content. High cholesterol can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.

A skin care study found that taking hemp oil could help with eczema due to the fatty acids it contains. This suggests it could be beneficial for people with psoriasis and acne. It is great for skin because it’s moisturising, repairs skin cells and can even reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Also, it can regulate the amount of oil your skin produces.

The vitamins and low unsaturated fat content in hemp oil make it a good alternative to other oils such as sunflower. Compared to other oils used in cooking, it is very low in saturated fat whilst containing lots of unsaturated fat.

However, it is not suitable for frying so it is instead added to food. Therefore, you can use it as a salad dressing or in baking.

Does it Contain CBD?

No, hemp oil does not contain CBD. Remember that we are talking about hemp seed oil.

Because it is just made from the seeds of Cannabis plants it doesn’t contain any CBD. It also doesn’t contain any THC. It won’t get you high and you won’t feel any of the effects that you normally get from CBD.

Sadly in the CBD UK marketplace, there are loads of companies passing off hemp oil as containing CBD and its benefits.

Be careful when buying a product that is low in price or a deal that sounds too good to be true.

Is Hemp Oil Legal?

Yes. Because hemp oil does not contain THC or CBD it has been legal in the UK for a long time and can be found in many health and cosmetic shops.

This also applies in the EU. It has no THC or CBD which means that it is not a controlled substance and can be consumed freely. It is legal to grow industrial hemp in the UK with the correct license and using seeds on the approved strains list.

However, only the seeds and stems are allowed to be used.

Is CBD Oil better than Hemp Oil?

It really depends on what you’re looking for. They both have a range of different uses and benefits.

CBD oil has a range of positive effects with studies showing that it can help with everything from anxiety to sleep problems.

Hemp oil is better suited as a nutritional supplement or for making clothing and fabric. CBD has anti-inflamatory properties so if you are looking for a way to manage pain it could be a better option for you. On our website you can find lots of information about the benefits of CBD.

Summarising Hemp Oil

Hopefully, this blog has helped educate you about hemp oil. Remember, in this blog we mean Hemp Seed Oil not CBD oil.

Some companies mix the two, which causes a lot of confusion. Hemp oil is made from the seeds of the cannabis plant and does not contain any CBD or THC. It contains lots of vitamins and unsaturated fat making it a great diet supplement.

There’s some evidence to suggest it can help lower cholesterol and improve skin conditions. However, if you’re looking for all the benefits of CBD you won’t find them. Make sure you check what you’re buying and always read the information provided.