Hemp Seed Oil vs. CBD Oil: Clearing Up Consumer Confusion and Product Labelling

Confused about the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil and wondering exactly which one to choose for your condition? No worries. Here, we will highlight all the differences that help you understand the manufacturing and properties of these two types of oils. 

Yes, they do seem similar in terms of source because both involve the cannabis plant for extracting targeted compounds. However, the source of extraction is the primary factor behind their compounds and therapeutic properties.

How do manufacturers label these products, and what do you need to look for? Many brands create confusion by using the term hemp oil for both CBD oil and actual hempseed oil products. Learn every essential detail before buying cannabis oil from the market.

Source and Composition

Hempseed Oil

Both hempseed oil and CBD oil are derived from the cannabis plant, but only the seeds are used for hempseed oil. The main compounds found in this oil are:

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Omega-6 fatty acids

• Gamma-linolenic acid

• Some saturated fats, such as palmitic and stearic acids

CBD Oil

Various parts of the hemp plant, particularly the flowers, are used for CBD extraction. CBD oil may or may not contain other cannabinoids depending on the method of extraction and purification. Moreover, for topical use, CBD oil may contain added essential oils such as jojoba, lavender, frankincense, along with terpenes and flavonoids.

Categories and Varieties

Hempseed Oil

Hempseed oil comes in the following two categories:

• Golden Hemp Seed Oil is obtained when peeled hemp seeds are cold-pressed. The hemp shells are not used.

• Green Hemp Seed Oil is obtained by pressing whole hemp seeds, including the shells. As a result, the final product contains chlorophyll and offers higher protein and fiber content.

CBD Oil

CBD oil comes in three main categories:

• Full-spectrum: Contains all compounds of the cannabis plant, including THC, but at legally permitted low levels.

• Broad-spectrum: Contains all cannabinoids except THC.

• CBD isolate: Contains only the CBD or cannabinoid.

Extraction Methods

Hempseed Oil

The cold-pressing method is used to extract oil from hemp seeds. The seeds are not heated to retain the oil’s natural properties. In this process, the seeds are mechanically crushed, the oil is separated from the pulp, and then it is filtered and cleaned.

CBD Oil

CBD oil is manufactured by drying the hemp plant, and then the CBD is extracted using various methods such as CO₂ extraction, ethanol/solvent extraction, and steam distillation. CO₂ and solvent extraction methods are the most common ways to obtain CBD in higher concentrations from hemp. Once successfully extracted, it is heated to remove the solvent and then further filtered to eliminate other unwanted cannabinoids, including THC, the psychoactive compound.

Therapeutic Benefits

Hempseed Oil

Hempseed oil has limited health claims as compared to CBD, but it still has some potential. According to research, hempseed oil, which is rich in polyunsaturated fats, is effective for conditions such as heart issues and diabetes. Its use helps reduce oxidative stress due to its antioxidant compounds.

CBD Oil

CBD is gaining popularity for its promising results in managing symptoms of various medical conditions. It has been found effective in supporting mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and stress. Moreover, its use for chronic conditions has been beneficial in improving overall quality of life due to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

Legal Landscape

Hempseed Oil

Hempseed oil is extracted from hemp seeds and does not contain cannabinoids, so it is generally legal to sell and trade freely. Moreover, its legal landscape is not as ambiguous as that of other hemp products like CBD. Since only the seeds are involved, without any cannabinoids or THC, it is used like any other seed oil globally.

CBD Oil

According to the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp products, including CBD oil, are legal as long as they contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, the law didn’t take into account other potentially harmful compounds such as delta-8 THC and THCA, which created loopholes, leading to addictive use of such products.

However, under the new hemp law 2025, a hemp product is legal only if it contains no more than 0.3% THC, which represents the combined total of delta-9 THC and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).

Labeling Guidelines for Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil

Hempseed oil is always listed as Cannabis sativa seed oil on product labels. Oil extracted from hemp seeds contains only traces or no CBD.  Extraction from other parts of the Cannabis sativa plant, such as the leaves and stems, is essential for a product to be labeled as cannabidiol. 

Individuals looking for CBD’s therapeutic effects should choose products labeled cannabidiol, PCR (phytocannabinoid-rich) hemp extract, or simply hemp extract. Hemp extract involves extracting cannabinoids from the flowers, leaves, and stems, so it contains CBD along with other compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids.

Remember, products labeled only as hemp oil may or may not contain CBD. 

Since CBD extraction and refinement involve higher costs, CBD products are generally more expensive than hempseed oil. Some manufacturers, aiming to charge higher prices or increase sales, mislabel their products with terms like hemp-sourced. The high demand for CBD, driven by science-backed therapeutic benefits, is another reason behind manufacturers' misleading labels.

Bottom Line

Both hemp and CBD oils are sourced from the cannabis plant, but hemp oil is extracted only from the seeds, while CBD oil is extracted from the leaves, stems, and flowers. The difference in extraction sources completely changes their constituents, as CBD oil contains higher concentrations of CBD along with other cannabinoids.

Hemp oil contains none or only trace amounts of CBD while offering higher concentrations of different fatty acids, so often linked to health claims. However, both products are generally free from psychoactive effects, as they contain none or only minimal traces of THC (the psychoactive compound).

The actual nutritional profile of each product varies depending on the source, extraction, and filtration method. So, products labeled as CBD, cannabinoids, or hemp extract come under the same category, while hempseed oil is a totally different product, free of any cannabinoids.