Comparing Hemp-Based Product Differences

Comparing Hemp Seed Oil, Hemp Extract, and CBD Oil

Today we're explaining the difference between hemp-based products, specifically, Hemp Seed Oil, Hemp Extract, and CBD Oil. There is indeed a difference between the three (and even differences within the products under each of those designations). In this guide, we’ll cover why there is so much terminology confusion in the industry. Below we'll explain the differences between hemp seed oil, hemp extract, and CBD oil.

If you’re new to the world of hemp products, the number of terms you encounter can be somewhat confusing. It’s not your fault, either. The hemp industry is largely unregulated, and manufacturers and distributors often don’t do a great job at labeling or even explaining their products. Some manufacturers deliberately work to exploit consumers lack of knowledge, and we're here to make sure that doesn't continue to happen.

Many Terms, Often Misused

Not only are there a lot of terms to keep track of, but these terms are also frequently misused. One study found that as many as 70% of CBD products that are sold on the internet are not appropriately labeled. Why does this happen? There are at least two big reasons.

1| Lack of Experts

First, many branded retailers aren’t true experts, and they aren’t selling products they make themselves. Many “brands” are actually white labels reselling the same stuff from the same manufacturers. There’s nothing wrong with that, but if they aren’t testing their products, they can’t be certain what’s in them. And since the industry is not regulated, no one else is testing their products to hold them accountable. For example, unethical players may intentionally overstate CBD content. Similarly, an ignorant marketing team might slap the wrong term on a product, calling it CBD oil when it’s really just hemp seed oil (this happens a lot, especially on Amazon).

2| Disassociating from CBD

Second, before CBD went mainstream, some brands sought to avoid association with the compound and marketed their CBD products as hemp products. This practice can even be dangerous because some consumers exhibit sensitivity to CBD.

Choose Brands Dedicated to Quality

As the CBD and hemp industry matures, brands must begin following better practices and using clearer terminology. We recommend that you always choose brands dedicated to quality and transparency: brands that do their own testing and that offer Certified Organic CBD. Whether you choose us or another quality brand, you enhance the industry and encourage the less rigorous brands to step up.

Terms Defined

Until the industry as a whole does better with using these terms consistently, it’s hard to trust labels of products from brands whose reputations you don’t know. That said, these terms do have real meaning. Here’s what they mean—whether or not people are using the terms correctly.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil, sometimes just called hemp oil, is a nutrient-rich oil full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Not every part of the hemp plant contains cannabinoids. The seeds contain none, and since this product is made from the seeds alone, it doesn’t contain any CBD at all. HEMP SEED OIL IS FOR CULINARY USES ONLY. Not only does it not contain any CBD, it doesn't contain any single type of cannabinoid and therefore is not a dietary supplement. Check out this article to take a deeper dive into hemp seed oil and its uses.

Hemp Extract

The term “hemp extract” is a not particularly useful one. It generally refers to extracts from the parts of the hemp plant known to be high in cannabidiol. In other words, hemp extract and CBD oil usually mean the same thing. But they shouldn't as it relates to understanding CBD content and proper dosing recommendations. So, whenever you see the term “hemp extract,” you’re likely dealing with a product that contains CBD. But how much CBD is the question that sometimes goes unanswered. The MG level noted on a bottle of hemp extract doesn't always equal the MG level of CBD in that bottle. Hemp extracts can contain additional organic plant matter the reduces the percentage of the extract that actually contains CBD.

CBD Oil

CBD oil, including Certified Organic CBD oil, is a substance that is extracted from the cannabidiol-rich parts of the hemp plant (namely the flowers, along with stalks and stems). CBD oil is the substance that most people searching for CBD products are looking for, and it’s generally presented in in form of a sublingual oil or is infused with a topical salve. CBD Oil is comprised of two ingredients, the CBD-rich cannabinoid extract and an MCT carrier oil to dilute its potency and aid in digestion. It doesn't have an excess inactive ingredients that may be present in some Hemp Extracts.

The main thing about CBD oil, is that that if it's bottle states 1000 MG on it, it will contain at least 1000 MG of pure CBD. Hemp extracts may state 1000 MG on the bottle, but only 250 MG of it is actual CBD. Is it false advertising? No, because they didn't advertise it as CBD Oil. But if you were looking for CBD-rich products, Hemp extracts may not be what you're looking to purchase.

Quick Note: Most states do not allow legal hemp-derived CBD to be included in food or beverages, so make sure you know if your state has a ban on those types of products (lollipops, gummy bears, etc).

For a more in-depth comparison of Hemp Extract and CBD Oil products, click here.

Choosing the Best CBD Oil Products

As the industry continues to mature, we recommend you stay vigilant and do your research when choosing CBD oil products. It’s sad that we have to say it, but you can’t trust some brands to tell the truth on their labels. And in many cases there is no other entity (like the FDA, for example) verifying a company’s claims.

That said, there are steps you can take to make sure you’re choosing the best, highest quality CBD oil products. With a little effort, you can rest assured that the product you hold in your hand is genuine and lives up to what its label claims.

Here are a few tips for choosing the best CBD oil products:

Doing it right isn’t cheap. Therefore, inexpensive products are unlikely to be high in quality. If a product substantially undercuts the average pricing for its category, steer clear.
Distributors should be able to provide the manufacturer’s Certificate of Analysis for any CBD-related product they sell. Ask for it. If they can’t provide it, shop elsewhere.
When reviewing a Certificate of Analysis, read closely. Note the batch number on the certificate and compare it against the batch number on the product you’re considering to be sure it matches.
Don’t stop with just your desired product, either. Request to view certificates for multiple products to make sure they stand up to scrutiny. Unethical retailers may try to pass off one Certificate of Authenticity for all their products, and that’s not how this works.

Comparing Hemp-Based Product Differences

We expect that more regulation is coming in the future. When it does, quality brands will flourish, and sketchy ones will fail. In the meantime, we’re here to help you in any way we can. Do you have additional questions about hemp seed oil, hemp oil and CBD oil? We’re here to help. Give us a call today!

About Vitality CBD™

Vitality CBD exists to provide a healthy and natural alternative to the pharmaceutical industry. We embrace charity, sustainability, quality, trustworthiness, and domestic sourcing as our core operational values. All our CBD products are grown, harvested, extracted, and bottled all in American owned and operated facilities. Vitality CBD products are certified Non-GMO, Organic, Vegan, and Gluten-Free. We publish articles that provide consumers valuable information like Comparing Hemp-Based Product Differences to take the mystery out of your shopping experience.

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