When it comes to CBD oil and hemp oil, there's a lot of confusion. The truth is these products aren't the same thing at all, and all this confusion is the result of some lousy marketing and vague word choices by various companies in different industries.

What's happened is sometimes people say "hemp oil" instead of "hemp seed oil." But then other people may use "hemp oil" when they really mean "CBD oil" because it sounds more marketable in some circles, or because of the way different states regulate the cannabis industry. 

Our goal here is to set the record straight for you on the differences between CBD oil and hemp oil so you have all the answers you need. We're going to look at where they come from, the benefits of both and how they can be used.

Then, we'll put them head-to-head and decide which is better!

Where Do CBD Oil and Hemp Oil Come from?

CBD oil and hemp oil both come from the hemp plant. But the plant parts they come from are pretty different, and so are their extraction processes. 

Hemp oil, or hemp seed oil as we also call it, is – as you might've guessed – made from the plant's seeds. The oil is extracted by pressing hemp seeds in a similar way to how olive oil is made.

On the other hand, CBD is generally made from the flower of the hemp plant but other parts may be included as well. And the process of getting it out is much more complicated. You see, CBD is a molecule known as a cannabinoid. It's actually one of many in hemp plants. And pulling cannabinoids out of hemp flowers isn't as easy as pressing oil from seeds. 

One popular method is ethanol extraction. In this process, hemp plants are soaked in ethanol to draw out the wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes in them. This is great for creating full spectrum CBD tinctures and other CBD products. What’s extracted is then put through several more steps to remove the ethanol and refine the product, leaving only the best parts for your full-spectrum CBD oil. 

This makes a very potent product that is added into some products like CBD capsules or mixed with carrier oils to make the CBD oil you know and love. 

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Benefits of Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is a fantastic source of polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids, as well as those much-needed essential fatty acids (EFAs) known as omega-3s. You’ve probably heard a lot about those in recent years because most of us don’t get enough of them. Hemp oil is special though because it has a 3:1 ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s, which experts agree is a healthy ratio that promotes better health.

This fantastic oil has also been investigated for its positive effects in helping folks with skin conditions like eczema and for its possible beneficial cardiac and vascular effects.

How to Use Hemp Oil

The most common way to use hemp oil is to eat it! While we don't recommend using it as a cooking or frying oil, as this can lessen its beneficial properties, it does make an excellent base for a salad dressing or to drizzle over other foods. Its slightly nutty flavor really adds to a lot of dishes. 

You can also use hemp oil topically. It can be applied directly to your hair, skin or nails for added moisture and strengthening, delivering its anti-inflammatory properties directly where you might need them.

Benefits of CBD Oil

CBD oil works by interacting with your body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a recently discovered regulatory system in the human body, whose role is to help maintain homeostasis. More simply put, it keeps your body in balance.

CBD can connect with receptors in the ECS, which stretches throughout your body, and this interaction may positively affect different functions, including sleep, memory, inflammation, appetite and more.

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How to Use CBD Oil

CBD oil is typically taken sublingually, meaning under the tongue. It's a favorite because it's so easy and straightforward. Fill a dropper, squirt it under your tongue, hold for 15 seconds or longer, and then go about the rest of your routine as usual.

CBD oil is also the main component in CBD capsules, which are ingested. While eating your CBD means it takes a little longer to make it into your bloodstream, the benefits here are the ease and portability that capsules offer because you can take them with you anywhere.

Which Is better: CBD Oil or Hemp Oil?

The answer is…they're both great! And fortunately, they can both be part of a healthy daily routine, so there's no need to choose one versus the other. 

In fact, hemp oil and CBD often cross paths, as hemp oil is a favorite carrier oil used in CBD products.

It comes down to why you've started to look into CBD oil and hemp oil in the first place and what you hope to achieve. Each person's needs will be different, and we have to match those with the product that will do the job best.