If you've stumbled upon a hemp oil that claims to have the same benefits as a CBD oil, or vice versa, it's totally normal that you're confused. The ever-changing nature of hemp’s legal status and social stigma make it difficult to keep up with the industry on every level, even for experienced CBD manufacturers like us.
In this handy article, we'll breakdown what’s going on when it comes to this whole hemp oil vs. CBD oil conundrum. We’re here to help make this topic easy by sharing insights on the most common questions we’ve received when it comes to this complicated, yet truly simple difference, including: is hemp oil the same as CBD oil, hemp oil vs. CBD oil, which is better hemp oil or CBD oil, and is CBD or hemp oil better for anxiety.
Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil?
The short answer is no, the longer answer is, it’s complicated.
In order to help you understand the difference between hemp oil vs CBD oil, we need to break down the anatomy of the hemp plant as well as common terms being used in the hemp industry.
The anatomy of the hemp plant
- Hemp seeds: In order to grow a hemp plant, one must start by planting hemp seeds, these do not contain CBD.
- Hemp flowers: Full grown, mature hemp plants can grow up to 16 feet in size. Female hemp plants will produce flowers, often called buds, that are the main source of CBD in the plant.
- Hemp leaves: Leaves on the hemp plant aren't rich in CBD, but can still be used for industrial purposes.
- Hemp stalks: Hemp stalks are strong and resemble the appearance of a young tree, they're typically used to create industrial fibers for clothes and other consumer products.

Common terms used in the hemp industry
Hemp oil is the broad term used to classify all oils that come from hemp, whether the seed or plant. Here is a more textured breakdown of hemp associated oils that you'll find on the market:
- Hemp Oil: A broad term used to describe any oil sourced from the hemp plant. Under this general term, the oil may or may not contain cannabinoids like CBD. However, more generally, a product labeled "hemp oil" is usually hemp seed oil, and does not contain CBD.
- CBD Oil: A wellness supplement rich in cannabinoids like CBD created from full-grown hemp plants.
- Hemp Extract Oil: A wellness supplement rich in cannabinoids like CBD created from full-grown hemp plants, sold under the more broad name Hemp Extract Oil to be market and consumer friendly, but is actually CBD oil.
- Hemp Seed Oil: A nutritional supplement that contains oil pressed from hemp seeds and does not contain CBD.

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil
When it comes to Hemp oil vs. CBD oil, they are not the same.
Hemp seed oil comes from pressed hemp seeds and is used nutritionally on foods or topically for beauty supplements as it’s rich in complex vitamins and nutrients. Hemp seeds that are pressed to make hemp seed oil are used to plant and grow hemp plants and do not contain CBD.
CBD oil comes from pressed full-grown hemp plants, is complete with a natural full spectrum of over 100 cannabinoids, and interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to bring about various natural health benefits. CBD comes from full grown hemp plants that sprout from hemp seeds and develop cannabinoid compounds during the growth process in the flowers of the plants.

Which is better: hemp oil or CBD oil?
When it comes to which is better, it depends on what you desire to use CBD oil vs. hemp oil for.
Hemp Oil
Hemp seed oil is wonderful when used in recipes and for skin care, but it isn’t known to bring about improved mental or physical well-being other than that it provides a high dose of nutrients. Hemp seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids like omega 6 & 3 and serves as a potent source of protein, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. Hemp seed oil is popular for providing skin hydration for mild skin imperfections due to its rich fatty acid structure, and is a choice nutrient supplement for being a good source of GLA (gamma linoleic acid).
CBD Oil
CBD oil can also be used in recipes or for skin care as well, but the difference is that CBD is a high powered phytocannabinoid molecule that is able to help support physical and mental well-being in the body’s of humans, dogs, and a wide array of mammals. CBD oil has also been shown to support relief from joint & muscle aches, a soothing sense of calm & relaxation, mental comfort, and positive support for a natural sleep cycle.
Manufacturers have caught onto the fact that many consumers don’t quite grasp the difference between CBD and hemp oil. Therefore, it’s a common marketing tactic to pitch hemp oil to consumers with the marketed benefits of CBD oil, when it’s really just hemp seed oil, which does not have the ability to bring about the same benefits as CBD oil.
Related Article: How To Avoid Fake CBD Oil In A Crowded Market

Is CBD or hemp oil better for anxiety?
Hemp oil is chock-full of nutrients, but CBD oil has a special effect on the body that helps to support holistic balance. To understand CBD’s ability to help balance our body internally, you have to understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS has receptors all throughout the body that interact with endocannabinoids that our body produces and phytocannabinoids (CBD, THC) that we consume. When this interaction takes place, our ECS is able to function at a greater capacity to regulate and balance the systems within our body. The benefits of a body in greater balance are far and wide reaching, from the alleviation of physical symptoms to mood balancing, too.

How do I know if it's hemp oil or CBD oil?
There are 3 easy ways to identify if you’re purchasing hemp oil vs. CBD oil.
Lab Results
The easiest way to know if you’re dealing with a hemp oil vs, CBD oil product is to take a look at the lab results. By viewing the Certificates of Analysis (COA), better known as lab results, you can get an idea of how much CBD is actually in your product and verify that its undergone purity tests to ensure quality.
Ingredients
To determine whether a product is hemp oil vs CBD oil, take a look at the ingredient list.
If it's a CBD product you'll see the ingredients CBD oil extract or cannabidiol oil extract. If it's a non-cannabinoid rich hemp oil you'll see the ingredients hemp oil, hemp see extract oil, hemp seed oil, or cannabis seed oil.
Hemp Extract Terminology
If lab results aren’t available, terms like full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate are all signifiers that it’s a CBD oil rather than a hemp oil. If it's called hemp oil extract or CBD oil, it's probably CBD oil. If it's just called hemp oil or hemp seed oil, it does not contain CBD and is hemp seed oil.
Pricing
A true CBD oil will typically come at a higher price because it contains powerful phytocannabinoids that promote physical and mental well-being. Hemp oil will typically come at a lower price as it’s easier to come by and can be readily found in the grocery store.
In Conclusion
When it comes to buying CBD oil vs. hemp oil, if you're looking for support for your physical and mental well-being, a powerful CBD oil is the answer. At Neurogan, we're proud to offer GMP certified, organic, non-GMO CBD in the highest strengths available on the market from 500MG-12,000MG. Try real CBD oil for yourself, and if you don't like it, enjoy our 30 Day Risk Free Trial so you can have the option for a full refund on your Neurogan purchase.
FAQ
What is hemp seed oil?
Hemp seed oil is derived from crushed hemp seeds and is used nutritionally or topically for beauty supplements due to its high concentration of complex vitamins and nutrients. Hemp seeds used to create hemp seed oil are not CBD-rich and are used to plant and cultivate hemp plants.
What the benefits of hemp oil?
Hemp seed oil is excellent for cooking and skin care, but it is not known to improve mental or physical well-being. It is high in vital fatty acids such as omega 6 and 3, as well as protein, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc, and it is excellent for providing skin hydration for moderate skin blemishes, and it is a good source of GLA (gamma linoleic acid).
Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil?
Hemp oil is chock-full of nutrients, but CBD oil has a special effect on the body that helps to support holistic balance.
Can I use CBD oil for anxiety?
CBD and other cannabinoids, such as cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG), have been shown in research to have distinct qualities that may aid with feelings of overall contentment, relaxation, sleep quality, and pain relief.