In a world where hemp oil, CBD oil, cannabis oil, and hemp seed oil seem interchangeable due to their shared source—cannabis plants—it’s essential to clarify the distinctions between these various products. Over thousands of years, the versatile cannabis plant has been cultivated for an array of purposes, each variety leading to new applications.
The recent utilization of cannabinoids for treating certain conditions by medical professionals has propelled CBD oil and related products into the spotlight. However, with this surge in interest comes some confusion regarding the different types of cannabis-derived oils, their production processes, and their applications. We’re here to shed light on these differences.
Derived from the leaves, stalks, and flowers of the Cannabis Sativa plant, CBD oil contains predominantly CBD, alongside a blend of cannabinoids and terpenes, with less than 0.3% THC.
Its potential health benefits are under ongoing research, and its medicinal status remains in a gray area.
CBD oil serves as an alternative to smoking when used in e-liquids, and it’s available as capsules, tinctures, and additives.
Also referred to as cannabidiol and hemp oil, it should not be confused with hemp seed oil.
Extracted from the marijuana plant, cannabis oil belongs to the Cannabis Sativa strain, though it can also be sourced from Cannabis Indica and Ruderalis.
Contains varying levels of THC and other cannabinoids.
Primarily used for medicinal purposes, it is not readily accessible in the UK unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Crafted from industrial hemp, a member of the Cannabis Sativa strain.
Produced by cold pressing hulled hemp seeds, this oil contains essential fatty acids but minimal cannabinoids.
Widely used for dietary health and considered a food product. Also utilized in textiles, clothing, fuel, and soil rejuvenation.
Not to be confused with hemp oil.
Hemp oil and CBD oil are synonymous terms. Similarly, cannabidiol (CBD) refers to the same product. These names are used interchangeably to describe an oil extracted through CO2 extraction from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the industrial hemp plant. Hemp encompasses any strain of the cannabis sativa plant with a THC content of less than 0.3%, avoiding the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.
Most producers opt to label their product as CBD oil rather than hemp oil, although the distinction between hemp oil and hemp seed oil can still create confusion.
Unlike hemp oil, CBD oil, and cannabidiol, which derive from the hemp plant’s leaves, stalks, and flowers, hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of industrial hemp. Adding to the confusion, hemp seed oil is sometimes referred to as hemp oil, while true hemp oil is termed CBD oil.
Hemp oil, CBD oil, and cannabidiol contain CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, subject to rigorous research for their medicinal potential.
While CBD oil is extracted using CO2 extraction from the plant itself, hemp seed oil is obtained by removing the seed’s outer husk and cold pressing it. The result is an oil rich in beneficial compounds, including essential fatty acids and gamma linoleic acids, but devoid of CBD. Hemp seed oil is commonly found in grocery stores and over-the-counter at pharmacies.
Hemp oil, or CBD oil, often features relatively high CBD concentrations, up to 10% in some cases, derived from specially bred hemp plants selected for their high CBD content, similar to other cannabis plants cultivated for their high THC levels. Both hemp seed oil and CBD oil contain less than 0.3% THC.
CBD oil serves as the central ingredient in various commercial CBD products, including e-liquids, capsules, and tinctures. Meanwhile, hemp seed oil is typically used similarly to fish oil as a dietary supplement and food complement.
The key distinction between cannabis oil and hemp or CBD oil is the presence of THC—cannabis oil contains THC, while CBD oil does not. These two cannabinoids, among over 100 found in the cannabis sativa plant, yield varying functions and effects.
In the UK, products with over 0.2% THC are considered illegal due to their psychoactive impact. In contrast, products containing CBD are widely accessible online and in health food stores. CBD oils as a finished product should need exceed 1mg of THC per container. Given CBD oil’s novelty in the market, debates continue regarding its effects and permissible claims.
Please note: This blog post reflects historical data predating recent changes in cannabinoid laws, medical cannabis regulations, and some of our best CBD product names, strengths, and formulations. These historical blogs remain as a reference post our website update, but they might contain outdated information. Discover our updated CBD and legal cannabinoid products for the best CBD experience.
