Hemp oil vs CBD oil – All You Need to Know

Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, has gained popularity among those seeking natural products due to its mild nature, versatility, and affordability. However, hemp oil is distinct from CBD oil. Hemp oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant and contains negligible levels of cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol) or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) (Cerino et al., 2021).

Hemp seeds contain 0% THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis that results in a “high” feeling, and only contain trace amounts of CBD. While hemp oil also provides a range of health benefits, the oil is usually utilised in food products, as an addition to cooking, and even in skincare or beauty products.

Because of its versatility, hemp oil is one of the most used plant oils available on the market. Despite this, many people are still unsure of the exact hemp oil benefits and how it can improve their health and wellbeing. 

Benefits of Hemp Oil

Here are some possible benefits of hemp oil that can improve your wellbeing. You can get these benefits from topical application or consumption.

1. Heart Health

Hemp seeds are packed with nutrients that may provide heart-friendly benefits. Several compounds found in hemp seeds, including Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), arginine (an amino acid), and omega fatty acids, may play a role in lowering inflammation and relaxing blood pressure. A study on obese male Zucker rats found that hemp oil decreased blood plasma triglycerides, and calculated atherogenic parameters (Majewski & Jurgoński, 2021).

2. Brain Health

The omega-3 fatty acids present in hemp seeds may contribute to brain health. Hemp seeds are considered one of the highest plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, making hemp oil a potentially beneficial choice for vegetarians or vegans (Farinon et al., 2020).

3. Digestion

The anti-inflammatory properties of hemp oil may help ease digestive discomfort symptoms, including bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements. Hemp oil contains significant amounts of fatty acids like Omega-3, which may help fight inflammation across the body. Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in reducing intestinal inflammation and improving the quality of life for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (Marton et al., 2019).

4. Weight Management

Hemp oil’s nutrient profile may help regulate appetite. The polyunsaturated fatty acids in hemp oil are considered a healthy fat compared to saturated or trans fatty acids. Adding hemp oil to your diet may create a satiating effect, potentially helping you feel fuller for longer.

5. Skin Conditions

Hemp oil has several potential skin benefits, whether applied topically or consumed. These may include moisturising and soothing the skin, combating acne, and potentially helping with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Hemp oil contains high amounts of GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid that may help fight inflammation while encouraging skin renewal.

Hemp oil may also offer potential benefits for people with atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by skin barrier dysfunction.

The high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in hemp oil, particularly the favourable ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, may contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties (Rustad et al., 2022).

A review of oral vitamins and supplements in the management of atopic dermatitis found preliminary evidence for the use of hempseed oil to decrease AD severity. However, the authors noted that more randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm these effects (Reynolds et al., 2019).

In a study examining the tolerability of topical cannabidiol (CBD) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) formulations, which included products containing hemp seed oil, researchers found no evidence of skin irritation or sensitisation in healthy adults. However, they cautioned that these results may not necessarily apply to individuals with existing dermatological conditions (Maghfour et al., 2021).

6. Nutrition

Hemp oil is considered one of the most nutritious plant oils. It retains much of the nutritional profile of hemp seeds, including proteins, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and a range of minerals (Farinon et al., 2020). Hemp seeds contain a large amount of protein (26.3%), dietary fiber (27.5%), and fatty acids (33.2%), including linoleic, α-linolenic, and some amount of γ-linolenic acid (Majewski & Jurgoński, 2021).

7. Pain and Inflammation

Preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that hemp oil, when applied topically or taken orally, may help alleviate chronic pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory compounds. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that a combination of hemp oil, calamari oil, and broccoli was associated with a 52% decrease in pain intensity and several parameters of pain interference, including quality of sleep (Carlisle et al., 2023).

Research has shown that gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a component of hemp oil, can inhibit inflammatory responses. GLA has been found to significantly reduce the expression of inflammatory mediators and decrease the activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors like NF-kappaB and AP-1 in laboratory studies (Chang et al., 2010). This suggests that GLA in hemp oil may have potent anti-inflammatory effects, which could contribute to its potential in managing pain and inflammatory conditions.

Hemp oil can be used both topically and orally. For topical application, it’s recommended to do a patch test first to ensure no adverse reactions. For oral consumption, a typical amount is 1-2 teaspoons daily, although it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

• Before applying over your body, a patch test is recommended. You can do the patch test somewhere on your upper arm. 
• For the patch test: apply a small amount of hemp oil on cleaned and dried skin. Then leave it in place for up to 24 hours. If redness, burning, or itching occurs, you shouldn’t use it. Remove it immediately and wash the area.
• If no reaction occurs, you can assume the hemp oil is safe to use.
• Continually apply hemp oil to your skin whenever you need it. There are no adverse side effects to consistent topical application!