Hemp Seed vs CBD Oil: Why the Differences Matter

The powerful, natural, herbal properties derived from the cannabis Sativa plant, also known as the hemp plant, have been sought after for thousands of years in the pursuit of wellness. As the cannabis plant became misused and appropriated for recreational purposes, these possible benefits became a forbidden fruit, due to the intoxicating compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is naturally found in the hemp plant.

Thankfully, the regulation of the CBD market now allows for the careful extraction of the hemp plant's purportedly beneficial compounds, in the form of hemp seed and CBD oil, derived from strains of hemp plants that contain no, or extremely low and non-intoxicating levels of THC. 

The regulation of hemp seed oil and CBD oil has helped to destigmatise and disassociate such hemp-derived products from recreational cannabis, leading to its skyrocketing popularity amongst the health and wellness community. These products are now purely used for their potential therapeutic properties, particularly as a natural remedy and daily supplement to help enhance users' wellness from the inside out. 

However, it seems, as the accessibility to hemp-related products increases, there remains a large gap of knowledge when differentiating between hemp seed oil and CBD oil, and the possible effects they each have on the body.

The leading cause of confusion all boils down to the name, as many people use the all-encompassing term "hemp oil" to refer to both hemp seed oil and CBD oil. Whilst this is not technically incorrect, as both oils derive from the same hemp plant, it can make things complicated when trying to differentiate between the two! 

Therefore, the key to understanding their differences begins with not knowing the plant that they derive from, but rather the parts of the hemp plant from which they are extracted. Whilst hemp seed oil is made entirely of the small seeds of the hemp plant, CBD oil is extracted from the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant as they contain a higher concentration of cannabidiol (CBD).

Cannabidiol is just one of over a hundred compounds found in hemp plants, and helps us to understand how one plant could hold so many potential properties for the betterment of the mind, body, and soul. So, although both are believed to be potentially extremely beneficial to our well-being, their difference in composition allows us to target our choice of oil to those that potentially contain properties that are most appropriate for our individual needs. 

Now, let's dive into what we know about hemp seed and CBD oil to answer some of the most common questions and help clear up their differences and individual uses!

As its name suggests, hemp seed oil is made purely from the small seeds of the plant. It is high in Vitamin B and Vitamin D, as well as many other vitamins, minerals, wholesome Omega fatty acids (including Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9), and antioxidants. 

Highly-regarded as a healthy and nutritionally-balanced oil, hemp seed oil provides the optimum balance of Omega fatty acids to provide your body with its daily requirements. Hemp seed oil is therefore commonly used as a food supplement, to drizzle over food, or use as a dip, and has a distinctive, nutty, earthy flavour, just like CBD oil. However, hemp seed oil is not suitable for cooking or frying, as it has a low smoke point; therefore, it is best when consumed raw. 

Like CBD, hemp seed oil is non-intoxicating, and is derived from the hemp plant. However, unlike CBD oil, hemp seed oil is purely extracted from just the seeds of the plant, and therefore contains very little, or no, CBD. This means hemp seed oil contains no cannabinoids, and therefore is not thought to have the same possible therapeutic properties as CBD.

Instead, hemp seed oil is popular among the wellness community for its rich profile of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and bioactive compounds, and is known to have nutritious antioxidant content; and so has its own set of potentially highly beneficial uses, from maintaining a nutrient-rich, healthy diet, to achieving supple skin with an intensively moisturising skincare routine. 

This highly-concentrated, dark green, thick oil is processed by cold-pressing the seeds, which are rich in nutrients that serve well when consumed as a food supplement. 

Containing no THC, the nutritious components found in hemp seed oil are safe to consume, and are commonly used in supplements and nutritional food products, such as snack bars, yoghurts, and baked goods. This is because hemp seed oil is not only nutrient-rich, but also an excellent source of fatty acids and essential amino acids. 

Another common purpose of the consumption of hemp seed oil is believed to be the possibility that it may potentially help maintain cardiovascular health. A reason for this is its inclusion of essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3, which is believed to help supplement circulation and the immune system, as well as help maintain heart health.

However, more research is needed to provide evidence for the efficacy of hemp seed oil to verify these claims. Besides nutritional contents as a food supplement, hemp seed oil is also an excellent addition to your skincare routine - more on this later! First, let's take a look at CBD oil.

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a naturally-occurring compound that is found in the cannabis Sativa, or hemp, plant. Over the last few years, it has exploded in popularity, with proponents of the supplement putting forward strong anecdotal evidence to vouch for its reported well-being benefits.

CBD for pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders are all common potential reasons for users' consumption of this natural supplement, which has become a popular natural supplement when it comes to potentially easing symptoms and complementing mainstream treatments for a range of ailments and complaints. 

Cannabis-based supplements first became available under prescription in the UK in 2015. Since then, CBD products have been made legal in the UK and Europe on the premise that they must be extracted from hemp plants that contain less than 0.2% THC, and the CBD product itself must have a total THC level of less than 1 mg.

THC, which stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the intoxicating compound also derived from the cannabis plant, and is the known source of the "high" sensation users of recreational cannabis receive.

The legal requirement for CBD to have no, or extremely low, levels of THC means that it remains an extremely safe and non-intoxicating supplement, allowing users to confidently and legally consume the natural botanical properties and potential benefits the hemp plant has to offer. 

This long road to the regulation of CBD products has meant that scientific research to support reported anecdotal evidence is still in its infancy. However, there is becoming rapid acceptance in regions across the world; therefore, scientific research and evidence are expected to gain momentum for the release of more knowledge surrounding the effects of CBD on the body.  

As the hemp plant contains over a hundred different compounds, there are certain differentiating factors between types of CBD oils. These can be split into three categories of CBD oil that are available on the market:

• Full-Spectrum CBD: Containing all the compounds naturally found in the hemp plant, including CBD, terpenes, and low levels of THC.
• Broad-Spectrum CBD: Containing many of the compounds found in the hemp plant, including CBD and terpenes, but is THC-free.
•  CBD Isolate: Containing 99.9% pure CBD isolate, it is THC-free and contains no other compounds extracted from the hemp plant.

Here at CBII, we believe full-spectrum oil is the superior option, as this contains the complete extract from the natural plant, including cannabinoids, trace amounts of THC (not enough to get you 'high', don't worry), and terpenes, precisely as nature intended. To ensure premium quality in every bottle of our full-spectrum CBD oil, we follow stringent quality conditions alongside industry experts, to purely and gently extract these compounds to be consumed in their natural state.

These compounds include terpenes, a vital component of essential oils, believed to contain potential therapeutic properties, such as helping to possibly supplement the treatment of symptoms of inflammation and pain, as well as potentially contributing to the possible antidepressant effects of CBD.

Another critical component of full-spectrum CBD is the inclusion of flavonoids, which are phytonutrient compounds that produce natural antioxidant properties, which help protect cells against free radicals that may play a role in diseases.

We, therefore, believe the potential benefits and quality of full-spectrum, premium CBD are unmatched, providing botanical solutions to promoting our health and well-being naturally, helping users to achieve a truly holistic lifestyle.

Furthermore, to ensure the highest levels of quality in our premium CBD, unlike many other CBD brands, we only extract our full-spectrum CBD from the aerial parts of the plants. These include the flowering head and those areas that are exposed to the air.

This is done through the world-class manufacturing process of a trademarked, clean, and gentle, ethanol extraction method, ensuring our CBD content and quality is consistent in every bottle.

CBD oil has become well-renowned for its alleged therapeutic benefits. The reasoning behind the use of CBD amongst users commonly includes:

• CBD for symptoms of epilepsy
• CBD for symptoms of pain and inflammation
• CBD for symptoms of anxiety and depression
• CBD for symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions
• CBD for symptoms of neurological and neurodegenerative conditions  

To support anecdotal evidence, scientific research is still ongoing to confirm these claims, as well as uncover further possible therapeutic benefits. Aside from these physical claims, we believe full-spectrum CBD oil is nature's gift to our inner well-being.

With many users finding our botanical full-spectrum CBD oil being a powerful supplement to supplement symptoms of many of life's daily troubles, such as stress, anxiety, pain, lack of concentration, and sleep loss. Through adding CBD oil to our daily routine, it may allow us to add balance and a sense of calm back into our day, helping to promote our well-being and get back in sync with nature.  

CBD oil interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) to potentially help modulate various bodily functions and processes, including pain, memory, immunity, and stress.

Our ECS is, therefore, unsurprisingly deemed to be one of the body's most critical physiological systems, playing a vital role in the regulation and healthy functioning of our brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells to maintain homeostasis - the body's internal state of balance. It is the far-reaching capabilities of the ECS that are reflected in CBD's potential properties. 

Within our ECS, our body naturally produces cannabinoids which communicate cell-to-cell across the biggest network of neurotransmitters in the body. As the body naturally produces cannabinoids, it helps to understand the science behind why the body is so accepting of CBD, allowing it to interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body to regulate hormone levels, such as serotonin and cortisol. 

Whilst CBD oil, and other CBD products, is highly acclaimed for its potential pain-relieving, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure properties, the true efficacy of these claims is still under investigation. However, anecdotal evidence, along with studies and the science of our ECS, proves to show promising results for the possible effectiveness of this natural supplement.

The popularity of CBD means it is now available in a variety of forms, including CBD oil, CBD capsules, CBD gummies, and CBD vape liquid. Whatever your preferred form of CBD, by incorporating it as part of your daily routine, you may give a thumbs-up to your well-being, possibly revitalising you for the day ahead, and purportedly even helping you unwind ahead of a restful night's sleep. 

CBD oil, however, is one of the most effortless and effective ways of consuming CBD. Through sublingual administration, which requires just a few drops of CBD oil (in accordance with your individual dosage) under your tongue for 30 to 60 seconds.

This allows for rapid rates of bioavailability (the quantity and efficiency of a supplement absorbed by the human body into the bloodstream), as the CBD oil is absorbed through your mouth's mucosal lining, directly into your bloodstream, providing optimal chances for potential active effects. 

When it comes to dosage, there is no one-size-fits-all approach; therefore, we always recommend starting with a small dose and experimenting daily until you find your unique strength of dosage for optimal results.

That is why, here at CBII, we offer three different strengths of our premium full-spectrum CBD oil, so you can taste, test, and experience the difference for yourself. For first-time users curious to see what CBD is all about, we recommend our 100 mg oil (1%), so you can introduce yourself gently to the potential effects of CBD before moving on to a more potent dose that is right for you and your body.

We then recommend users who are accustomed to CBD to take the step to our medium-strength 200 mg oil (2%), allowing you to slowly build up to our strongest dosage of CBD with our 500 mg oil (5%) once you are an experienced user. Once you have discovered your optimal dosage of CBD, you will have taken the first step into living a more holistic lifestyle, helping to embed nature within your everyday routine.

There is also a rising curiosity amongst the wider public, looking to experiment with hemp-derived products as part of their skincare routine. Both CBD oil and hemp seed oil are now explosive key players on the scene, becoming trendy and highly-marketed ingredients in topical skin care products. 

Hemp seed oil is believed to have many potential skincare benefits, known for its superior moisturisation, leaving pores unclogged, and it is even anecdotally said to include possible anti-inflammatory properties. Users can, therefore, apply topical cream that includes hemp seed oil as a key ingredient, or apply the hemp seed oil directly to the skin as face oil, both with the aim of promoting and maintaining supple skin. 

Although CBD's potential skin-related benefits require further research, the anecdotal evidence collected so far proves to be very encouraging. Highly regarded for its potential anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil is believed to possibly help reduce symptoms of acne, rashes, eczema, and psoriasis, as well as helping to soothe sensitive skin.  

Both hemp seed oil and CBD oil may have potential benefits when it comes to skincare; therefore, the choice between the two oils depends on the users' individual needs. However, it is worth noting that many brands are not legally required to include the amount of CBD contained in a product; therefore, it is always recommended to purchase from trusted brands that specialise in CBD rather than those heavily marketed for containing hemp- if you settle on a CBD skin care product, that is.

CBD, indeed, carries more potential health benefits than hemp seed oil. However, if you are looking for basic nutritional benefits, then hemp seed oil may be an ideal accompaniment to your diet, as it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. These include Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9, which are fatty acids needed for a healthy diet and which may play a crucial role in supplementing heart health. 

However, hemp seed oil's lack of CBD does result in missing out on the potential therapeutic properties CBD has to offer. For those looking for a hemp-derived oil with the most potential health benefits, CBD oil would be the most appropriate option. 

The demand for such premium hemp products in the health and wellness community has since driven somewhat of a 'green rush' across the marketplace. This has worryingly caused low-quality, poorly-manufactured CBD to be accessible to consumers, from brands looking to capitalise on this growing sector. Purchasing low-quality CBD runs the risk of consuming inaccurately-reported contents of CBD and, more importantly, THC.

As brands are not legally required to include the amounts of CBD contained in a product, this can often lead to much lower concentrations of the substance, which therefore require higher doses, which is costly and wasteful.

This also often leads to consumers being disappointed with the lack of possible benefits received from their regular dosage, and can lead to the onslaught of misleading health claims or claims CBD does not work at all! Low-quality CBD products may also include higher-than-reported levels of THC, which can be intoxicating in high amounts. 

Even hemp seed oil, which ideally contains no THC, runs the risk of being contaminated with additional compounds (such as THC) when extracted by a low-quality manufacturer. In fact, a study conducted in 2017 actually found THC concentrations in some commercial brands of food-grade hemp seeds to be up to 1,250 percent higher than the legal limit. This strongly highlights the need to be mindful about the source of your CBD and hemp seed oil, and the quality of their extraction method. 

For reasons stated above, it is strongly advised that consumers only purchase hemp-derived oils from trusted sources who are forthcoming about their ingredients, and can provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) reporting the cannabinoid content, terpene profile, heavy metal content, and pesticide content of your product. 

At CBII, your health is our utmost concern; therefore, every one of our products is third-party lab-tested and comes with its own Certificate of Analysis (COA), confirming the exact compounds present, so that you can consume safe and effective CBD oil with a stable peace of mind. By partnering with experts in the industry, we continue our research and patented extraction methods to ensure we are delivering you with premium CBD oil which is transparent, traceable, and truthful.

The truth is, they're both winners in our eyes! Here at CBII, we provide the highest-quality all-natural botanicals, offering both full-spectrum CBD oil and hemp seed capsules. No matter your chosen route, our premium range of supplements will guide you on your way to a healthy, holistic lifestyle rooted in nature. 

The deciding factor between which type of oil is most appropriate for you will ultimately depend on your individual needs, as these two distinct options have their own set of unique potential benefits. For example, for those wishing to purchase a hemp oil to help soothe and moisturise dry skin, or to maintain cardiovascular health through a nutritious diet, may be well-suited to hemp seed oil.

On the other hand, those wishing to pursue experimenting with more prolific possible therapeutic properties, such as the potential to help with relieving symptoms of pain, stress, and restless sleep, then CBD oil may be your desired option.

However, the use of CBD oil to supplement the treatment of any symptoms or conditions should first be decided after consulting a doctor to ensure it does not interfere with any existing medications and the suitability for CBD alongside any mainstream treatments you may be receiving. 

Although both hemp seed and CBD oil have numerous potential health benefits, research on the effects of hemp-derived products is still in their infancy. Due to its recent regulation and consumer demand, it is expected that research into medicinal cannabis and the effects of CBD and hemp seed products will expand, helping to support consumer claims, as well as discover further potential benefits of these natural compounds.

Through all the confusion between hemp seed and CBD oil, one thing is clear - the future of hemp-derived products looks bright and healthy!