What’s The Difference Between Hemp Oil And Hemp Seed Oil?
It’s no secret that the cannabis plant has exploded in popularity in recent years. But when we pair this fame with hazy legislation, we’re left with a whole lot of confusion. There are so many ways to refer to the cannabis plant (both the illegal and legal versions of it). So if you’re confused about the difference between hemp oil and hemp seed oil – you’re not alone.
Hemp oil is not the same thing as hemp seed oil. Put simply, hemp seed oil is made by cold pressing the seeds of the hemp plant, whereas hemp oil is made from the hemp flower. But unfortunately, there’s a lot of sneaky marketing tactics out there that make it confusing for consumers. The terms are often used interchangeably, and when we add phrases like CBD isolate and full-spectrum hemp to the mix… Well, it becomes a recipe for misunderstanding.
So let’s start from the beginning…
Why Are There So Many Words For Cannabis?
Cannabis, pot, weed, hemp oil, hemp seed oil, CBD, full-spectrum hemp, CBD isolate… It’s enough to make your head spin! So why are there so many names for the plant (both on the street and for the honest consumer)?
Well, it’s believed that the slang street names for cannabis are a result of its illegal nature. Think of the terms like a code word against authorities. And when the authorities find out about the term? Well, it’s time to invent a new one (it’s no wonder there’s more than 1000 nowadays).
Ok, but shouldn’t the terms be pretty straightforward for the honest consumer? You know, someone who’s simply looking to buy a delicious and nutritious hemp product? Well, unfortunately, it’s not that simple. There are so many different parts of the cannabis plant – and each part can have a different effect on your body.
So a great place to start is to understand the difference between hemp oil and hemp seed oil.
What Is Hemp Seed Oil Made From?
Hemp seed oil is made from the delicious and nutritious seeds of the hemp plant. These are cold-pressed, resulting in a subtle and nutty flavour. Hemp seed oil contains so much good stuff – including minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. More specifically, hemp seed oil offers a boost of the antioxidant Vitamin E – which is important for immunity, disease prevention, cell renewal and more. It’s also one of the greatest sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids – which are important for a healthy heart, mind and body.
So it’s no wonder pet lovers choose to use hemp seed oil on their furry friends. You can use it topically (like in our Pet Shampoo Bars) to keep their coats super shiny and healthy! You can also add it to their food to give their dinner bowl a nutritious kick.
And one more thing, hemp seed oil is completely above board. It’s the stuff you can find on the supermarket shelves. But what makes hemp seed oil different from other hemp products is that it does not contain a high concentration of cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC).
And this is the part where hemp oil takes a seat at the table…
What Is Hemp Oil Made From?
Hemp oil is produced from the flower of the hemp plant (but it can also include the leaf and stalk). Now you might be wondering… What’s so confusing about that? Well, hemp oil contains a higher concentration of cannabinoids (such as CBD), which interacts with your endocannabinoid system.
CBD is an extraordinary compound that is believed to have many benefits for the body – such as pain relief, heart health and reducing depression and anxiety. In other words, hemp oil contains the medicinal part of the plant. That’s why hemp oil can sometimes be called CBD oil.
But here’s the thing: Not all hemp oil products are created equal. So to make things easier for you when you’re searching for your hemp goodies, here’s a brief outline of some of the terms…
What Is Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil?
Full-spectrum hemp oil is made from the entire hemp plant (flower, leaf and stalk). By combining all of the components naturally present in the cannabis plant, the end result is an oil containing a range of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. While full-spectrum hemp oil is most renowned for its CBD content, it also contains trace elements of THC (the stuff that makes you high). But this only makes up 0.3%, which is not enough to have any psychoactive effects (ahem, click away if that’s what you’re here for!)
Oh, and it’s virtually impossible to talk about full-spectrum hemp oil without mentioning the “entourage effect.” This refers to the idea that consuming all of the compounds in the plant amplifies its effect. Like one big happy family, the compounds work in beautiful harmony.
What Is CBD Isolate Oil?
Now forget the entourage effect for a moment, because CBD isolate refers to when producers separate CBD from all the other compounds in cannabis. The upside is you receive a product with an extremely high concentration of CBD, but the downside is there is no entourage effect. By consuming CBD isolate you’re missing out on all the other cannabinoids, terpenes and healthy fatty acids from the plant. The health benefits of CBD isolate are still being researched – and the benefits of CBD on its own is still up for debate.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Perhaps the least known type of hemp oil is broad-spectrum CBD oil. This oil contains all of the compounds within the plant minus the THC (the naughty part). It is believed that the entourage effect still occurs, just without the THC.
Hemp Oil Vs Hemp Seed Oil – The Takeaway
Hemp is more than a superfood – it’s a powerful plant with the potential to heal both people and the planet. We sincerely thank you for reading this article right to the end, because the more informed people become, the better hope we have of breaking the stigma surrounding the cannabis plant.
So how do you break through the mixed messaging out there? Always remember to check your labels and ask questions about what you’re buying. With your help, we can spread the word about the wonders of hemp. Because everyone has the right to know exactly what they’re buying.