Hemp Oil: what you need to know

Customers often muddle up CBD oil and hemp oil, and others are under the impression that they're the same thing. Despite stemming from the same plant, there is a big difference between the two products.

Discover the key features of both CBD oil and hemp oil below. You'll learn what makes them unique, how they work in the body, and how they're produced.

What is hemp oil?

Hemp oil, more accurately known as hemp seed oil, is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant.

These small packages of DNA contain high levels of nutrients^[1] that are condensed and refined in the process of making hemp oil. Labelled as one of the most nutritious plant foods, hemp seeds contain an impressive amount of healthy fats, proteins, and vital minerals.

Although the oil from these seeds contains no cannabinoids, it still makes a healthy addition to any diet.

Are CBD oil and hemp oil the same?

The short answer: no.

It is true that CBD oil and hemp oil are both products of the cannabis plant—specifically, a selectively bred, low-THC variety known as industrial hemp.

Yet, they derive from different parts of its anatomy. CBD is derived primarily from the flowers of the hemp plant, whereas hemp oil is made from the seeds.

As a cannabinoid, CBD produces distinct effects in the human body by interfacing with the endocannabinoid system, among other molecular targets.

On the other hand, hemp seeds don't contain any cannabinoids; therefore, hemp oil doesn't produce the same physiological effects. Instead, hemp oil contains large amounts of beneficial nutrients, including fatty acids.

Let's dive deeper into the differences between these two hemp-based oils below.

Hemp oil production

Hemp seeds are housed within a hard outer shell (hull). Within this casing lies two premature cotyledon leaves, a rootlet, and an endosperm.

Manufacturers obtain the oil from these seeds by pressing them using specialised devices. Hemp seeds must be pressed in the correct way to preserve the beneficial qualities of the oil. Excess heat can cause healthy fats to oxidise and degrade, reducing the nutritional value of the end product.

For this reason, hemp seeds are often cold-pressed to protect their nutritional profile.

Technicians place hemp seeds into a cold-press machine that uses hydraulic pressure to gently squeeze them, sending the oil down into a vessel and separating the fibre and waste material. Cold-press machines never exceed a temperature of 49°C. After cold-pressing, manufacturers load the hemp seed oil into bottles—amino acids and healthy fats still intact.

Hemp oil ingredients

Hemp seed oil contains essentially one ingredient: hemp seed oil!

High-quality products don't feature any preservatives or contaminants, and they remain shelf-stable for up to half a year after being opened.

Benefits of hemp oil

Although each bottle of hemp oil contains a single ingredient, the oil itself features a long list of beneficial molecules. Hemp oil is a nutritionally dense alternative to butter, olive oil, and coconut oil when it comes to cooking, baking, and even cosmetic uses.

Some of the many nutrients present in hemp oil include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Omega-6 fatty acids
• Gamma-linolenic acid
• Vitamin E
• Phosphorous
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Calcium
• Iron 
• Zinc

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil is an extract obtained from hemp flowers. These buds house small, mushroom-shaped glands known as trichomes, which produce a resin high in CBD and aromatic terpenes.

Manufacturers are able to isolate and concentrate these valuable phytochemicals using various extraction techniques. As a result, CBD oil offers a concentrated, easy-to-administer preparation of cannabidiol.

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As one of the major cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, researchers have analysed the effects of CBD over several decades. The molecule interfaces with the body in a unique and multifaceted manner, generating effects we'll explore in more detail below.

CBD oil production

At Cibdol, we begin the CBD oil production process with naturally grown EU hemp plants containing less than 0.02% THC.

This negligible level of the psychoactive molecule allows plants to fall in line with European regulations, and produces no intoxicating side effects.

After carefully processing the plant matter, there are numerous ways to extract the targeted phytochemicals. We utilise state-of-the-art supercritical extraction to obtain a pure and clean extract.

Our technicians begin the process by loading hemp flowers into the extraction vessel before introducing supercritical CO₂. In this state, CO₂ displays characteristics of a liquid and a gas simultaneously, allowing it to pass through the plant material and act as a solvent to extract cannabidiol and terpenes.

The phytochemical-rich supercritical CO₂ then enters a separator, where it undergoes phase exchange. A change in temperature and pressure causes the CBD oil to separate from the less dense CO₂, which reenters the system. The result: a perfectly clean oil free of any residue or contaminants.

We then infuse the highly concentrated CBD extract into carrier oils such as olive oil, hemp seed oil, or MCT oil. Each of these carriers features a pleasant flavour and fatty molecules that bind to cannabidiol and enhance its bioavailability.

CBD oil ingredients

The ingredients in a bottle of CBD oil vary depending on the formula. Some preparations are more streamlined and contain as few as three ingredients; others contain additional herbs and extracts.

At Cibdol, our standard CBD oil features only three ingredients:

• CBD: Derived from CO₂-extracted hemp. The concentration in our preparations ranges from 2.5–40%.

• Terpenes: Aromatic molecules that produce synergistic effects^[2] with CBD.

• Carrier oil (olive oil): A nutritionally dense carrier oil that binds to the cannabinoid and helps to shuttle active phytochemicals into the body.

Other CBD preparations in our range contain additional phytochemicals to meet specific needs. These include:

• Hemp seed oil

• Liposomes

• Black cumin seed oil

• Vitamin C with CBD

• Melatonin with CBD

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Advantages of CBD oil

CBD oil offers a concentrated dose of cannabidiol with a specific amount of milligrams per drop. Convenient dropper bottles make the cannabinoid easy to administer both at home and on the go.

But why take CBD oil in the first place?

Well, CBD oil produces a range of effects that help to promote mental and physical wellness. Although science has a long way to go to fully understand how cannabidiol works in the human body, we do have a general idea of the interactions it exerts.

Current research suggests CBD achieves its effects by:

• Interfacing with the endocannabinoid system

• Binding to TRPV2^[3] receptors

• Binding to serotonin receptors

• Preventing the reuptake of the endocannabinoid anandamide

What about cannabis oil?

Cannabis oil differs from both CBD oil and hemp oil, referring to an extract derived from cannabis flowers containing high levels of THC, other cannabinoids, and terpenes.

Due to the presence of psychoactive THC, cannabis oil remains illegal across most of Europe.

How to avoid buying the wrong oil

Not all CBD oils are equal.

The quality can vary dramatically based on the type of hemp and extraction technique used. Poorly executed alcohol extracts can leave residue behind in the oil, and non-organic hemp plants can introduce pesticides into the mix.

Always purchase CBD oil from a reputable supplier to ensure you're buying a clean, safe, and pure product.

At Cibdol, we exclusively utilise legal EU hemp and safe CO₂ extraction techniques. We also provide our customers with third-party testing results that display cannabinoid levels and heavy metals analysis figures.

What's The Difference Between CBD Oil And Hemp Oil?

Because CBD oil and hemp oil are so different, it isn't really a choice between one or the other. The two preparations have their own unique functions and effects.

CBD oil contains high levels of cannabidiol and terpenes and produces distinct physiological changes. The cannabinoid interacts with the endocannabinoid system, as well as other receptors, to exert these effects.

In contrast, hemp oil doesn't offer these same effects. However, it offers high levels of key nutrients and serves as a popular culinary and cosmetic product.

We recommended exploring both of these options to see how they improve different aspects of your daily life. Plus, Cibdol offers the option to consume them together with our CBD Hemp Seed Oil—a formula that suspends cannabidiol in nutty hemp seed oil!

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Try high-quality CBD oil

If you're thinking about trying CBD oil for the first time, or are looking for a different brand to try, head over to the Cibdol store. Our range includes a diverse array of CBD products—from oils and balms to nasal sprays—made using only the highest-quality hemp plants in Europe.

If you want to learn more about CBD, how to take it, and how it affects the body, check out our extensive CBD Encyclopedia.