Hemp Seed Oil vs. CBD Oil: Whatβs the Difference and Which One Should You Use?
Posted by Steve Schultheis on Apr 15th 2025

In todayβs wellness world, youβll find hemp just about everywhere β in skincare, supplements, smoothies, and even your petβs treats. But not all hemp products are created equal. If youβve ever wondered, βIs hemp seed oil the same as CBD oil?β, youβre not alone.
These two oils often share shelf space and similar packaging, yet their ingredients, benefits, and effects are completely different. Whether youβre shopping for wellness support or looking to improve your diet, understanding the difference helps you buy with confidence.
Letβs break it down.
Quick Comparison: Hemp Seed Oil vs. CBD Oil
Feature | CBD Oil | Hemp Seed Oil |
---|---|---|
Main Source | Hemp plant flowers (rich in cannabinoids) | Hemp seeds (contain no cannabinoids) |
Contains CBD? | β Yes | β No |
Contains THC? | β€ 0.3% (Full-Spectrum), or 0% (Broad-Spectrum) | β None |
Primary Use | May support mood, sleep, and overall wellness | Nutrition (omega-3s, skin health, vitamin E) |
Extraction Method | COβ or ethanol extraction from plant material | Cold-pressed from seeds |
Legal in the U.S.? | β Yes (federally legal under 2018 Farm Bill) | β Yes |
Cost | Higher, due to cannabinoid content | Lower, due to simpler production |
What Is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant and contains zero CBD or THC. Itβs technically classified as a food-grade oil β not a cannabinoid product.
That said, itβs rich in:
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Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
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Vitamin E
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Minerals like magnesium and zinc
Itβs often used in:
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Salad dressings or smoothies
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Skincare products
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DIY tincture bases
β Important: If you're looking for relief or wellness benefits from cannabinoids like CBD, hemp seed oil alone wonβt do the trick.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is made by extracting cannabidiol (CBD) from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. Unlike hemp seed oil, it interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) β which helps regulate mood, sleep, inflammation, and overall balance.
CBD oil comes in different forms:
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Full-Spectrum: Contains CBD + other cannabinoids + trace THC (β€ 0.3%)
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Broad-Spectrum: Contains CBD + cannabinoids, no THC
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Isolate: 99% pure CBD only
At Steveβs Goods, we offer full-spectrum and THC-free CBD oils, third-party tested with COAs (Certificates of Analysis) for full transparency.
Explore our CBD Oil Collection β crafted from Colorado-grown hemp and formulated for maximum potency and purity.
How Are They Made?
Step | CBD Oil | Hemp Seed Oil |
---|---|---|
Plant Part Used | Hemp flowers and leaves | Hemp seeds |
Extraction | COβ or ethanol-based extraction | Cold-pressed mechanical extraction |
Cannabinoids | β Yes (CBD, and sometimes minor cannabinoids) | β None |
Usage | Tinctures, edibles, topicals, wellness products | Cooking oil, cosmetics, nutritional supplements |
Which One Is Right for You?
Goal | Best Choice | Why |
---|---|---|
Support sleep or mood | β CBD Oil | Interacts with ECS; may promote calm and balance |
Add omega-3s to your diet | β Hemp Seed Oil | Nutrient-rich, no cannabinoids |
Use in skincare recipes | Both | Hemp seed oil as a carrier; CBD for function |
Avoid any THC completely | β Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil | Contains 0% THC, still rich in cannabinoids |
Watch Out for Misleading Labels
Many βhemp oilsβ sold online (especially on Amazon) are just hemp seed oil with no actual CBD content β even if they hint at wellness benefits or "cannabinoids."
Tips to avoid being misled:
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Look for milligrams (mg) of CBD listed on the label
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Confirm βCBD,β βcannabidiol,β or βhemp extractβ is listed in the ingredients
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Check for a COA (lab report) on the product page
FAQs
Can hemp seed oil get you high?
No β it has no THC or CBD. Itβs a nutritional oil, not a cannabinoid product.
Does CBD oil contain hemp seed oil?
Sometimes. Some brands use hemp seed oil as the carrier oil in CBD tinctures, but others use MCT oil or olive oil.
Is hemp seed oil cheaper than CBD oil?
Yes β itβs much cheaper to produce because it doesnβt involve cannabinoid extraction.
Can I cook with CBD oil?
You can, but itβs best used sublingually (under the tongue) for absorption. If you cook with it, avoid high heat to preserve potency.
β Conclusion
Hemp seed oil and CBD oil come from the same plant β but thatβs where the similarity ends. If you're seeking cannabinoid-based benefits like support for stress, mood, or sleep, you'll want CBD oil. If you're looking for a nutritional boost full of healthy fats and vitamin E, hemp seed oil has a place in your pantry or skincare routine.
Knowing the difference helps you shop smarter β and avoid buying the wrong product by mistake.
Ready to experience real CBD oil?
Check out our Full-Spectrum CBD Oils β made from Colorado-grown hemp, lab-tested, and trusted by thousands of happy customers.