It's no wonder since both come with outstanding benefits such as calming anxiety, pain, and even helping animals! But what exactly is the difference between the two?

If you're struggling to decide which one is best for you, then you’ve come to the right place. We'll be setting the confusion straight in this article.

We’ll also be covering trusted products that you can use — if you’re in the market for them.

In this guide, we’ll be covering:

What Is CBD Oil?
CBD Oil Benefits
CBD Oil Risks
Using CBD Oil — What to Know
What is Hemp Oil
Hemp Seed Oil Benefits
Hemp Seed Oil Risks
Using Hemp Seed Oil — What to Know
Hemp Oil and CBD Oil - What do they have in common?
Hemp Oil and CBD Oil - What are the differences?

What Is Cbd Oil?

So what is CBD oil?

CBD oil, also known as cannabidiol, is extracted from cannabis. CBD is a cannabinoid (chemical compound), just like THC. However, unlike THC, CBD doesn't get you high.

Instead, people use it as a remedy for things such as anxiety and pain.

If you’re interested in trying CBD for the first time, CBDReseller’s has a wide variety of CBD products to choose from.

How Is CBD Oil Made?

CBD oil is made by removing CBD directly from the cannabis plant. The CBD is then diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, hemp seed oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil.

Full-spectrum

Full-spectrum CBD is made containing all of the compounds found in the cannabis plant.

Since all the compounds are together, full-spectrum CBD has the most intense effects and provides higher levels of comfort.

If you're looking for a good full-spectrum CBD product, try Cbddy's Smore's Full-Spectrum CBD Oil or Mission Farm CBD's Full-Spectrum CBD Oil.

CBD isolate

The purest form of CBD is CBD isolate.

CBD isolate is the purest CBD because it's the only chemical compound removed from the plant when it's made.

Try CBD Oil Canada's isolate or The CBD Site's isolate.

Broad or partial spectrum

If you're looking for something in between full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate, then that's where broad-spectrum CBD comes in.

When making broad-spectrum CBD, every compound stays except THC. Excluding the THC still provides comfort, without the "high" effect.

For broad-spectrum products, check out NewEra CBD's Broad-Spectrum Lotion or Binoid's Orange Drops.

Is CBD Oil Legal?

So is CBD oil legal?

It depends on where you are.

As of today (August, 2020), in the United States, hemp-sourced CBD is legal in every state except Idaho and Nebraska. South Dakota is still unclear.

Marijuana-sourced CBD for medical use, however, is still illegal in a few states such as Indiana, Texas, and Kansas.

CBD vs. THC

CBD and THC are both compounds found in cannabis with very different effects.

THC is the compound in cannabis that gives the "high" effect. It makes you feel relaxed, hungry, euphoric, and paranoid (in high doses).

With that said, THC helps with appetite loss, insomnia, pain, nausea, depression, and more.

Some side effects of THC include dry mouth, red eyes, memory loss, slow reaction times, and anxiety.

CBD won't get you high, but it will help with relief. It can aid with seizures, inflammation, anxiety, depression, nausea, pain, and much more.

It's said that there can be some side effects to CBD such as fatigue, weight loss, and dizziness.

What is CBD oil used for?

The amount of CBD oil benefits are endless. People who like those benefits but don't want to feel the high effect of THC often use CBD oil.

CBD oil can be used for:

Anxiety
Depression
Seizures
Inflammation
Animals with anxiety
Multiple sclerosis
Insomnia
Drug withdrawal
Parkinson disease
Quitting smoking

6 CBD Oil Benefits

What is CBD oil good for? Well... a lot of things!

We spoke with Majid Boroujerdi, Vice President of Brand and Consumer Insights of CBDistillery who shared some important insights.

"CBD has helped a countless number of people with ailments ranging from pain after physical activity to mild anxiety, yet most Americans are still unaware of the benefits CBD can offer. Our survey data shows 88% of consumers report that CBD helps with mild or temporary anxiety as well as pain after physical activity. In addition, many people use CBD topical products for relief as well as enhancing the appearance of their skin. As CBDistillery has been leading the #CBDMOVEMENT, it has been quite challenging to educate the masses due to how complex the CBD category is. For example, many people purchase hemp seed oil assuming that it delivers the same health benefits as regular hemp oil, and in fact, they are completely different. One has CBD in it, and the other does not. This results in many people incorrectly deciding that CBD is not for them, when in fact, they never actually ingested CBD because hemp seeds, unfortunately, do not contain CBD."

Let's take a look at some of the best benefits of CBD oil — starting with anxiety.

1) Helps Anxiety

A study in 2019 shows that CBD can reduce anxiety disorder and even help with sleep.

CBD uplifts serotonin levels, which play a big part in mental health. Not having enough serotonin can cause anxiety.

There isn't clear information on how much CBD you should take for anxiety, but it's recommended to start with a low dosage and go from there.

If you have anxiety and are wondering where to start, BODY100 is a CBD brand that carries a CBD oil roll-on, which has excellent CBD oil anxiety benefits.

Some other great CBD products for anxiety are:

2) Reduces Pain

While more research is needed, a lot of studies show that CBD has promising results for reducing pain.

A 2019 study says that 80% of people who suffer from chronic pain have replaced their pain medications with cannabis.

Researchers say that CBD may interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which collects signals that help your cells react and creates pain-relieving results.

If you're looking into CBD oil for pain, Velobar is one of the best CBD brands of 2020. Their CBD protein bars relieve pain, and have the reviews to back it up!

Here are some other products that help with pain:

3) Treats epilepsy

CBD is one of the most promising treatments for epilepsy. While it's still not clear why CBD treats epilepsy so well, there's no question that it can help reduce seizures.

If you're looking for CBD oil that will help with epilepsy, consider CBD TRU’s CBD hemp oil.

4) Relieves symptoms for patients undergoing cancer treatments

CBD can help relieve nausea, appetite loss, pain, depression, stress, and insomnia, which are all symptoms that cancer patients typically experience.

There isn't enough evidence to prove that CBD can cure cancer — however, it can help support cancer patients with relief.

If you're interested in using CBD to help relieve cancer treatment symptoms, then it's best to discuss it with your doctor before purchasing CBD.

5) Helps people suffering from PTSD

How can CBD help people suffering from PTSD?

CBD helps with insomnia, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. There's even a study that shows CBD can help with fear and memory, which can immensely support people with PTSD.

While CBD isn't a cure for PTSD, it does help calm the symptoms.

If you have PTSD and don't know where to start, Have a Nice Day CBD has CBD edible gummies that are supportive in relieving PTSD.

Here are other products that can help PTSD symptoms:

6) Improves skin

As if CBD didn't do enough already — it also can improve skin!

CBD can help with inflammation, dry skin, and eczema. There are also signs it might even help reduce aging and acne too.

While there isn't enough evidence to prove that CBD is the best choice for your skin, it probably isn't going to hurt to try it out.

ViveCBD has some nice skincare products, including their CBD Salve.

You can also try these products for skincare:

Other CBD oil benefits

The benefits of CBD oil doesn't stop here! Let's take a look at some other uses for CBD oil.

Pets

Our pets are a lot more like us than we think — some even suffer from anxiety.

If you have a dog that's afraid of fireworks or a cat that doesn't want to accept the new kitten you just adopted — then you might want to check with your vet if CBD can help.

CBD is often for pets with stress or pain. But no worries, it won't get them high.

Dogs

There are all kinds of CBD products for dogs with anxiety, pain, seizures, and trouble sleeping.

Just like with people, there aren't enough studies to prove that CBD helps dogs. However, the results speak for themselves, and a lot of pet parents swear by giving CBD to their dog.

It's important to research and consult with your vet before you give your dog CBD. Watch out for anything with xylitol, as it can be extremely toxic to dogs.

If you get the approval from your vet, you can try these products for your dog:

Hemp oil vs. CBD oil for dogs: Which one is better?

Both hemp seed oil and CBD are safe for dogs. When choosing between the two, it depends on the reason you're treating your dog.

CBD is better for pain, stress, and anxiety. Hemp oil for dogs is ideal when it comes to health because it's extremely nutritious.

Using hemp oil for dogs can promote a healthy heart, brain, skin, and fur.

Cats

Do you have a cat that needs to chill out? Good news!

There are CBD products for cats with anxiety, stress, aggression, and pain relief.

Cats can be stubborn, but that's not their fault. You can make your life and their life easier by giving them something even better than catnip!

Keep in mind that CBD products aren't regulated by the FDA, so there's no proof that they help your cat. However, just like with dogs and humans, CBD seems to improve the quality of life for cats too.

Just make sure to speak with your vet before treating your cat with CBD.

If your vet approves, you can try these products for your cat:

Diabetes

Most studies on CBD for diabetes have been on animals and not people. However, the results are promising.

A study in 2010 said that CBD helped reduce the inflammation in diabetic mice. It also lowered the chances of cardiovascular disease.

Another study in 2019 shows that CBD can help prevent inflammation and improve memory.

If you have diabetes and are interested in CBD, make sure to check with your doctor if it's right for you.

Substance Abuse

A study from the National Institute of=n Drug Abuse shows that CBD may help with drug addiction.

We all have neurotransmitters that control our sleep, appetite, and mood. CBD can influence glutamine and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that are connected to addictive behavior.

CBD isn't addictive like THC and can help improve mood, stress, compulsiveness, and overall quality of life.

CBD also makes fighting drug addiction easier and can be used for opioids, cocaine, alcohol, tobacco, and even marijuana addiction.

CBD Oil Risks

While CBD oil has a lot of benefits, it also has some risks.

To know if CBD is right for you or not, you need to know the side effects, if it's harmful, and reasons why someone should stay away from it.

Is CBD harmful?

CBD can be harmful as it can cause liver damage.

It can also be dangerous if you mix it with other drugs or alcohol, causing severe side effects.

What are the side effects?

Some side effects of CBD are drowsiness, diarrhea, loss of appetite, liver damage, mood swings, and irritability.

Who Should Not Use CBD Oil?

Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding shouldn't use CBD oil.

One study from ResearchGate shows that using cannabis during both pregnancy and breastfeeding can hurt neurodevelopment. It can also lead to lower birth-weight.

You also shouldn't use CBD if you're taking other prescriptions, drugs, or alcohol. The side effects can be extremely dangerous and may even lead to injury.

Using CBD Oil — What To Know

Now that you know about the benefits and risks of CBD oil — let's dig deeper and find out what to expect when taking CBD oil.

How Cbd Oil Should Be Taken

If you're wondering how CBD oil should be taken, you're in luck!

We'll break it down for you.

There are a few ways you can take CBD oil:

Sublingual - This is done by dropping the oil underneath the tongue and holding it for 90 seconds. The mucus membranes in your mouth absorb the CBD, and it then goes straight to your bloodstream. It's ideal for those who want quick effects.
Topical - You'll apply the CBD directly to your skin like a lotion or cream. Topical CBD is for direct pain relief or skin conditions.
Ingestion - Ingesting CBD oil means to take it orally like a vitamin. They typically come in edibles, capsules, gels, or gummies.
Inhalation - You can also take CBD by inhaling it from a vaporizer. It will go into your lungs and then your bloodstream. It's another way to receive fast effects from CBD. You would take the CBD oil by using a table-top vaporizer or a portable vape pen.

If you’re interested in CBD’s vapes, try out Extract Lab’s CBD vape selection.

CBD Oil vs CBD Gummies

CBD oil will affect you much faster than CBD gummies. However, CBD gummies last way longer.

You can only eat CBD gummies, while you can take CBD oil in a few different ways. CBD gummies might not be ideal for those on a diet or who have diabetes since they tend to have sugar.

When it comes to choosing between the two, go with what works best for you.

How Long Does CBD Oil Last?

The duration of CBD oil depends on how you're taking CBD.

Here's what to expect:

Tinctures or drops - 2 to 4 hours
Edibles - 4 to 6 hours
Inhalation (Vape oils) - 30 minutes to an hour
Topicals - 5 or more hours

How Much Cbd Oil Should I Take?

The amount of CBD oil you take depends on a few things: Your weight, how you're taking the CBD, your tolerance, and the reason you're using it.

If you're new to using CBD, you want to start at a very low dosage and go from there. 20 to 40 mg is usually ideal for beginners!

Even if you're not new to CBD, starting at a low dosage and raising the amount slowly from there will help you decide on your ideal amount.

Just make sure you don't take a high dosage right away! While taking too much CBD won't make you feel "out of control," it can hurt your liver.

Why Cbd Oil Potency Matters

First of all, CBD with higher potency is more expensive. If you go straight to using the strongest potency, you could be wasting money!

Let yourself start low. If you don't feel the effects, then you can raise it from there.

Another reason that potency matters is because it's easy to build a tolerance to CBD. If you start with the highest dosage, you won't be able to raise it.

What Is Hemp Oil?

Hemp seed oil is an oil made from compressing hemp seeds.

Just like CBD, hemp oil has its own set of amazing benefits. It's extremely nourishing and is rich in fiber, vitamin E, protein, and omega fatty acids.

You might be wondering what the difference is between hemp oil vs. hemp seed oil.

They're the same thing! Sometimes we call it hemp oil, and other times hemp seed oil.

If you're wondering how much CBD is in hemp oil, the answer is none! Hemp oil is made from hemp seeds, which don't contain CBD.

How Is Hemp Oil Made?

While CBD oil is made from the plant — hemp oil is made from the seeds. It's created by cold-pressing the hemp seeds.

Is Hemp Seed Oil Legal?

Does hemp seed oil contain THC?

Good news!

Hemp seed oil contains no THC, which means it's perfectly legal.

What is Hemp Seed oil used for?

So what is hemp oil used for?

Hemp seed oil can be used for PMS, menopause, inflammation, and skin.

You can also use hemp oil for the following amazing benefits:

6 Hemp Seed Oil Benefits

Now that we know more about hemp seed oil — let's look at some of the hemp seed oil benefits.

1) Promotes new cell generation

Hemp seed oil is abundant in gamma-linolenic acid (GLC), which is an omega-6 fatty acid that helps support new cell generation.

2) Prevents dry skin

Hemp seed oil contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which hydrates skin.

Whether you have dry skin or eczema, applying hemp oil daily will help keep your skin moisturized and healthy.

Reakiro is a CBD brand that has nourishing hemp skincare products such as their body cream and facial cream.

3) Relieves arthritis pain

A study in 2016 states that hemp seed oil has anti-rheumatoid effects on MH7A cells, which are linked with rheumatoid arthritis.

If you have arthritis, using hemp oil for pain might just be what you need!

Here are some helpful products for arthritis pain:

ShowGrow Marketplace’s Body Soothe Hemp Oil
CBD Essence’s Edible Candy
Canna Living’s Hemp Cold Therapy Gel

4) Helps with anti-aging

One of the best hemp oil benefits is that it helps with anti-aging.

Hemp seed oil contains Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress and keeps it looking young.

If you're looking for a good hemp product for anti-aging, try the Time-Reversing Face and Neck Cream from CBD Online Store.

5) Treats eczema

Hemp seed oil can also help with eczema or dermatitis.

One 20-week study compared olive oil and hemp seed oil as treatments for eczema symptoms. The patients who took the hemp seed oil saw amazing results such as less irritation, itchiness, and dryness!

CBDMEDIC has an Eczema Therapy Medicated Ointment with a lot of positive reviews if you're interested in hemp oil for eczema.

6) Relieves PMS symptoms

PMS can hurt physically and mentally. Luckily, hemp oil aids both!

A study in 2011 says that gamma-linolenic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid in hemp oil, helped women experience fewer PMS symptoms.

Here are some products that will help with PMS symptoms:

Hemp Seed Oil Risks

Now that you know about the benefits of hemp seed oil, it's time to learn about the risks so that you can determine if it's right for you or not.

Is Hemp Seed Oil Harmful?

Hemp seed oil typically isn’t harmful, but shouldn’t be taken if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications.

What are the side effects?

People who use hemp seed oil may experience the following symptoms:

Diarrhea
Nausea
Slow heart rate
Throat irritation
High blood pressure

Who Should Not Use Hemp Seed Oil?

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn't take hemp oil.

It also should be avoided if you’re taking certain medications such as cardiac glycosides or diuretics.

Using Hemp Seed Oil — What To Know

You've learned about the benefits and risks of hemp seed oil. Now it's time to learn how to take it and how long it lasts.

How Hemp Seed Oil Should Be Taken

Hemp seed oil can be taken in three different ways: orally, topically, or sublingually.

Choosing between the three depends on your preference.

If you take hemp oil orally, it'll take a while for the effects to kick in, but they will last a long time once they do.

If you have itchy skin or your knees hurt, then you'll most likely want to apply it topically like an ointment. It will help soothe the pain directly.

To take it sublingually, you'll drop the oil underneath your tongue for about 90 seconds. The effects will hit immediately, but won't last long as it would if you took it orally.

How Long Does Hemp Seed Oil Take To Work?

The time it takes hemp seed oil to work depends on how you're taking it.

Ingesting hemp oil will take the longest while sublingually will be the quickest. Applying it topically might be on the slower side too.

Hemp Oil and CBD Oil - What do they have in common?

So what do hemp oil and CBD oil have in common?

Both have a lot of amazing benefits
They're both oils
They don't get you high
They can be taken orally, sublingually, or applied topically

Hemp Oil and CBD oil - What are the differences?

What exactly are the differences between hemp oil and CBD oil?

Hemp oil is legal in all 50 states. Meanwhile, CBD oil is still illegal in a few states.
CBD oil comes from the plant while hemp oil comes from the seeds
You won't find THC in hemp oil products, but you will in some CBD products.
CBD is mostly used for pain and anxiety, while hemp is mainly used for skin care and health.

Conclusion

Now that you know the difference between CBD oil and hemp seed oil, you can choose which one is right for you!

No matter what, it's safe to say that both come with their own set of amazing benefits.

Make sure to refer back to this article if you ever have a question about the two.

Written by Sara Altschule

Sara's mission is to create helpful resources and guides for Knoji. Her goal is to help consumers pick the best product or service that's right for them. Sara aims to uncover truths about industries and help guide readers to make the best purchasing decisions. She creates long-form how-to guides and research-heavy articles to help readers gain more knowledge and become masters of the products and services they use.