The short answer: No, they’re not the same. Hemp seed oil is pressed from hemp seeds and contains little to no CBD. CBD oil is made from the plant’s flowers and leaves, where CBD is actually found, then mixed into a carrier oil. Both can be labeled “hemp oil,” so the only way to know what you’re getting is to read the label.
If you’ve ever stood in front of a shelf (or scrolled an online store) wondering why two “hemp oils” cost wildly different amounts, this is why.
What is hemp seed oil?
Hemp seed oil is made by cold-pressing the seeds of the hemp plant, a lot like olive oil or sunflower oil. Hemp seeds contain only trace amounts of cannabinoids like CBD or THC, so hemp seed oil isn’t a CBD product.
It’s mostly used as:
- A food ingredient. It has a nutty flavor and is a source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s best in dressings and dips, not for high-heat cooking.
- A skincare ingredient. You’ll find it in lotions, soaps, and hair products.
In December 2018, the FDA reviewed hemp seed oil, hulled hemp seeds, and hemp seed protein powder and raised no objections to their use in food. The FDA also noted that these seed ingredients can’t make you high.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil starts with the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, which is where CBD lives. Manufacturers extract the cannabinoids, often using CO2 or ethanol, and blend that extract into a carrier oil. Common carriers are MCT (coconut) oil, olive oil, or, yes, hemp seed oil.
CBD oil comes in three main types:
- Full spectrum: CBD plus other cannabinoids and terpenes, including trace THC (0.3% or less)
- Broad spectrum: CBD plus other compounds, with the THC removed
- Isolate: pure CBD only
We break these down in Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs Isolate: Which One Is for Me?
Hemp seed oil vs. CBD oil at a glance
| Hemp seed oil | CBD oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Seeds | Flowers and leaves |
| CBD content | Trace or none | Listed in mg on the label |
| Common uses | Cooking, skincare | Tinctures, gummies, topicals |
| Ingredient name | Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil | Hemp extract, cannabidiol, CBD |
| Has a cannabinoid lab report? | Usually not | Should always |
| Typical price | Low | Higher, based on mg of CBD |
Why the labels get confusing
“Hemp oil” isn’t a regulated term. Some brands use it for seed oil. Others use it for CBD oil. And because some big online marketplaces restrict CBD listings, a lot of products sold there as “hemp oil” are seed oil, even when the packaging looks like a CBD tincture.
A giant number on the front like “50,000 mg” doesn’t tell you how much CBD is inside. It may just be the amount of oil in the bottle.
How to tell what you’re actually buying
Turn the bottle over and check four things:
- The ingredient list. “Cannabis sativa seed oil” alone means seed oil. Look for “hemp extract,” “cannabidiol,” or “CBD.”
- The CBD amount. A real CBD product lists mg of CBD per bottle and per serving, not just “hemp oil” mg.
- The spectrum. Full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate should be stated.
- The lab report. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a third-party lab shows exactly how much CBD is in the batch. Learn how to read one in What Is a COA? How to Read Your Hemp Product’s Lab Report.
Every product we carry has a QR code that links to its lab report, so you never have to guess.
Which one do you need?
It depends on what you’re shopping for:
- Want a cooking oil or a skincare ingredient? Hemp seed oil is the one.
- Want a CBD product? Look for CBD oil with the mg of CBD and a COA.
If a CBD tincture is what you’re after, our sister brand Colorado Cures makes full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate CBD tinctures. Each one lists its CBD content in mg and has a QR code that links to its lab report, so you know exactly what’s in the bottle.
Both come from the same plant, and both have a place. Just make sure the label matches what you’re looking for. New to hemp altogether? Start with Hemp + Cannabis 101.
Ask us in person
Still not sure which bottle is which? Stop by one of our 80+ CBD Plus USA stores. Our team can walk you through any label, pull up the lab report, and help you find what you’re looking for. Find a store near you.
The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk to your doctor before using CBD products, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or take medication.
FAQ
Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil? No. Hemp seed oil is pressed from seeds and contains little to no CBD. CBD oil is made from the plant’s flowers and leaves and lists its CBD content in mg.
Does hemp seed oil contain CBD? Only trace amounts at most. Hemp seeds don’t naturally contain meaningful levels of CBD or THC.
How can I tell if a product is real CBD oil? Check for “hemp extract,” “cannabidiol,” or “CBD” in the ingredients, a CBD amount in mg, and a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Can hemp seed oil get you high? No. The FDA has noted that hemp seed ingredients can’t make consumers high.
