What is Hemp Oil and is it Safe?

There are so many different names for CBD products that trying to understand what it is you’re buying can be downright baffling. For instance, you’ve probably heard a lot of talk about hemp oil, hemp seed oil, hemp extract, and hemp oil extract and wondered, “Are they talking about one product or four?” Then throw the term “CBD oil” in the mix and things get more confusing. Worry not, because this article explains the differences between these terms so you can understand what it is you’re buying. If you want more information on this topic, you’ll want to check out our blog “The Difference Between Hemp and CBD.”    

Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil?

The term “hemp oil” is often used to mean “hemp seed oil.” But technically, it isn’t correct to refer to hemp oil as hemp seed oil because it’s the seeds that make the difference. Hemp seed oil is a product made from only the hemp plant’s seeds, which do not contain CBD. Hemp oil, on the other hand, is a product made from the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant, which do contain CBD. That’s why you sometimes hear CBD oil referred to as hemp oil, which if it’s made from the plant and not the seeds, is a correct synonym. 

In addition, hemp oil and CBD oil are both sometimes referred to as “hemp oil extract” or simply “hemp extract.” These four terms are synonymous. For clarity and consistency, this article will refer to hemp oil as “hemp oil extract.” 

Do hemp oil extract and hemp seed oil have the same benefits?

Hemp oil extract and hemp seed oil have different benefits: Hemp oil contains CBD, which is used to support the endocannabinoid system that regulates pain, mood, sleep, and more. Hemp seed oil is used in skin care products and as a cooking oil. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid, antioxidants, and essential amino acids that may help as a moisturizer as well as promote constipation relief and benefit the cardiovascular system.

Are there different types of hemp oil extract?

There are three types of hemp oil extract. None of these products is better than any of the others; it’s just that their compositions are different. Here’s what that means:

Full Spectrum

If a product is labeled “full-spectrum” that means it contains all of the hemp plant’s 113+ phytocannabinoids along with numerous terpenes, flavonoids, and other natural compounds found in the hemp plant, including a <.3% negligible amount of THC.

Broad Spectrum

A broad-spectrum product contains everything found in a full-spectrum product, except for THC, which is completely removed for those who prefer a true THC-free product.

Isolate

An isolate is a product that contains only one cannabinoid. Therefore, a product labeled CBD isolate will contain only the cannabinoid CBD and none of the other natural compounds found in full- or broad-spectrum products. Incidentally, CBD is not the only cannabinoid that can be made into an isolate, but at the moment, it is the most common. Sometimes, the terms “CBD isolate” and “CBD oil” are used interchangeably. To be sure your product is CBD isolate, check the label. It should mention “isolate” in the ingredients.

Is hemp oil extract safe?

Yes, hemp oil extract is safe, and its potential benefits are many. To reap the most benefit, recommended daily ingestion of hemp oil extract is between 30-150 milligrams. And if you use a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum hemp oil extract product, you’ll receive the added benefit of something called “the entourage effect.” This is a phenomenon that occurs when the plant’s cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids combine to work synergistically, thus increasing the overall effects.

In addition to its low incidence of side effects, hemp oil extract interacts with the human endocannabinoid system. 

Just as you would with any new over-the-counter supplement or medication, you want to talk to your primary physician before using hemp oil extract products, so they can adjust your other medication accordingly.  

How can I be certain my product is safe?

Knowing that hemp oil extract in and of itself is safe to ingest is important, for sure. But you also want peace of mind knowing that your manufactured product is all-natural and pure and that the labeling is accurate. That’s why ALL G guarantees its products are made from legal 100% U.S. grown industrial hemp that’s non-GMO, gluten-free, and tested twice–once at the raw material stage and once as a finished product. A Certificate of Authenticity from each test is offered to customers and easily accessed through a QR code found on every product.

Final thoughts

So despite the confusing terminology used to describe products derived from the hemp plant, there is no confusion that products made with hemp oil extract (or hemp seed oil, for that matter) are safe. Just make sure to purchase your products from a reputable seller who stands behind their products. Never settle for anything less.