Hemp Seed Oil vs. CBD Oil: What Are the Differences?

Did you know that CBD oil has become such a popular product that over 60% of the U.S. population has heard of the substance, if not tried it themselves? That’s crazy, isn’t it?
You might be aware that there are many other hemp-related products that are similar to CBD oil in both appearance and effect. Unfortunately, this causes much confusion in consumers and potential customers when it comes to, for example, the difference between buying hemp seed oil vs. CBD oil.
To help you get a better sense of what hemp seed oil is and how it compares to CBD oil, this article will run through the similarities and differences between the two.
Table of Contents
Cutting It Quick: Hemp Seed Oil vs. CBD Oil
CBD oil and hemp seed oil are two compounds that come from the cannabis plant, the same plant that THC (marijuana) is found on. CBD oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers of the plant, whereas hemp oil is extracted from the seeds.
Almost every part of the cannabis plant has CBD in it, with the exception being the seeds.
What Is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp contains no CBD and no THC, so it doesn’t really have any neurological effects.
However, hemp seeds contain a substantial amount of healthy fats such as omega-6 and omega-3 acids, alongside vitamins B and D.
Because it has great nutritional benefits and has no psychoactive effects, hemp seed oil is mainly used to better an individual’s health. It isn’t a recreational substance whatsoever.
Hemp Seed Oil Benefits and Side Effects
First, side effects: almost none. Yep, you read that right!
Hemp seed oil is largely safe unless you have an allergy or aversion to it, that is. Always check with a doctor first, just to be sure.
Potential benefits include:
- Better cardiovascular health
- Healthy fats to help maintain weight
- Gas and constipation relief
Hemp seed oil might even help clear up some skin issues, such as redness and acne.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is much more complicated. Unlike hemp seed oil, it actually has some degree of psychoactive effects. Don’t worry though, CBD won’t get you high.
This is because the genetic makeup of CBD is very similar to that of THC, except it doesn’t bind to the cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system the way that THC does. THC binds to these receptors like a lock in a key, which after a while, causes the person to get high.
CBD oil instead attaches to the side of the receptor, similar to an enzyme, and causes some neurological effects.
CBD Oil Benefits
First, you should know that CBD oil comes in a few different available options.
Full-spectrum CBD includes a very small amount of THC; not enough to get you high, but enough to increase the benefits from using CBD oil. Broad-spectrum has other additives and compounds, but not THC. Finally, CBD isolate is pure CBD.
Now onto the potential benefits:
- Might help with anxiety and stress
- Can help with sleep and insomnia
- Has proven to be useful as an antiepileptic product
Many people even use CBD oil to manage pain, inflammation, and arthritis.
CBD Side Effects
Unfortunately, CBD oil research is quite young and still undergoing much development. So far, many studies show that there aren’t many side effects that come with using CBD oil. If at all, these side effects usually come with taking too much.
There’s a low risk of overdosing on CBD, but taking too much can result in dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. It’s also important to make sure the CBD you’re getting is certified and the real deal.
For product options, visit Maripharm.
More Advice on Health Products
We hope this short guide helped you get more acquainted with the differences between hemp seed oil vs. CBD oil. Sometimes, they’re marketed as the same thing. But they are in no sense synonymous with one another.
For more help with health-related products and news, visit the health section of our blog!