Is Hemp Seed Oil the Same as Cannabis Extract?
The cannabis plant produces many components suited for consumer products, leading to confusion over which parts are used for which purposes. Most products labeled “cannabis extract” are entirely different from hemp seed oil, for instance, but from one point of view, hemp seed oil could be considered a type of cannabis extract.
That’s just a sample of the complexity of the cannabis plant and its many uses. In this guide, we’ll transform the complex into the comprehensible, fully explaining the differences between “cannabis extract” and “hemp seed oil.”
Overview: Hemp seed oil vs. cannabis extract
1. Hemp seed oil is a cannabinoid-free extract of hemp seeds
2. “Cannabis extract” usually refers to cannabinoid-rich extracts of the cannabis flower
3. Cannabis flowers contain cannabinoids
4. Cannabis seeds contain nutritional compounds
5. Hemp seed oil has no psychoactive properties and contains no THC
6. Cannabis extracts can contain THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids
7. Hemp seed oil and cannabis extract are generally regulated similarly
8. The exception is cannabis extracts containing more than 0.3% THC
What is hemp seed oil?
Hemp seed oil is a relatively crude extract derived by pressing hemp seeds, which extrudes their oil. This oil is then usually filtered but not processed in any other way. Hemp seeds contain various nutritionally beneficial substances, including vitamins and minerals. They are also excellent sources of omega fatty acids.
Importantly, hemp seed oil does not have any psychoactive properties and does not contain any cannabinoids whatsoever. Hemp seed oil has no potential to get you high, and it will not make you fail a drug test.
What is cannabis extract?
The term “cannabis extract” usually refers to an extract of the flowers of the cannabis plant, rich in various bioactive compounds, some of which are unique to Cannabis sativa. Terpenes and flavonoids are also found in other plants, but cannabinoids are not.
The most famous cannabinoids are THC (intoxicating) and CBD (non-intoxicating). Cannabis extracts usually feature one or both of these compounds, but other cannabis-specific substances including cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN) are also gradually gaining in popularity.
Isn’t hemp seed oil technically a kind of cannabis extract, though? Yes, since it is extracted from the cannabis plant, hemp seed oil could be considered “cannabis extract” from a strictly literalist point of view. At least in the minds of consumers, however, cannabis extract is a product that contains cannabinoids while hemp seed oil is a product that does not.
Is hemp extract the same thing as cannabis extract?
No, despite technically being an extract of the cannabis plant, hemp seed oil is very different from other cannabis extracts. Do not use hemp seed oil expecting any psychoactive effects whatsoever. While hemp seed oil might be very good for you from a nutritional perspective, it will not have any effect on your mental state.
Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil?
In some cases, the term “hemp oil” might refer to a product that contains CBD, but it also might not. Don’t assume that any product labeled as “hemp oil” actually contains CBD, no matter how much the packaging or marketing associated with the product might imply this to be the case. Check the actual ingredients and lab reports to determine how much (if any) CBD is present in hemp oil products.
Similarities and differences between hemp seed oil and cannabis extract
Let’s further delineate the definitions of hemp seed oil and cannabis extract by breaking their similarities and differences down into bullet points:
Similarities
1. Products of Cannabis sativa2. Have considerable benefits
3. Classified as “industrial hemp”
Differences
1. Hemp seed oil contains no THC2. It contains no cannabinoids at all, actually
3. Cannabis extract can contain THC
4. So, it might make you fail a drug test
5, Hemp seed oil cannot cause psychoactive effects
6. Cannabinoid-rich cannabis flower extracts are devoid of nutritional value
7. … and more
Where do you buy hemp seed oil?
Hemp seed oil can be bought at any big box or specialty store. There is generally no special procedure for buying hemp seed oil since it does not contain any cannabinoids. Hemp seed oil is treated as a general goods product and has the same status as olive oil or avocado oil.
Where do you buy cannabis extract?
Cannabis extract may be bought in general retail outlets depending on the type, but it is usually purchased online or through medical and adult-use dispensaries. Cannabis extracts containing more than 0.3% THC are not eligible for general market sale and must be sold by state authorities. Cannabis extracts with less than 0.3% THC, however, are eligible for general sale under the 2018 Farm Bill and are most commonly sold online.
The bottom line: Are hemp seed oil and cannabis extract the same?
No hemp seed oil and cannabis extract are not the same thing, and confusing the two could lead to a very disappointing product experience. In the worst case, getting the difference between hemp seed oil and cannabis extract wrong could make you fail a drug test unexpectedly.
Another example of a cannabis experience gone wrong is buying hemp seed oil thinking it will get you high or provide the effects of CBD. Unclear product labeling can sometimes be to blame, but it’s also important to make sure you’re properly educated on the differences between these two products. If you still have any questions about the difference between hemp seed oil and cannabis extract, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support team.
Hemp seed vs. cannabis oil FAQ
Add to your collection of knowledge on the differences between cannabis extract and hemp seed oil in the FAQ section below:
Is hemp seed oil good or bad for you?
Hemp seed oil should generally be considered good for you due to its high vitamin and mineral content, though it may be unhealthy for certain individuals. Consult with your doctor if you are unsure whether or not hemp seed oil is healthy for you.
Can hemp seed oil cause a failed drug test?
No hemp seed oil cannot cause you to fail a drug test because it is an extract of hemp seeds, which do not contain any cannabinoids. Unlike the case with CBD products, hemp seed oil cannot even contain trace amounts of THC.
What is the difference between hemp oil and hemp extract?
Under most circumstances, the term “hemp oil” refers to hemp seed oil and the term “hemp extract” refers to cannabinoid-rich hemp flower concentrate. To make sure you are buying the right product, check the ingredients list. If that does not help, consult lab reports for the product you are considering.
Does hemp extract contain cannabinoids?
Products labeled as “hemp extract” can sometimes contain cannabinoids, but they don’t always. It’s important to research hemp extract products in detail to fully determine whether they contain cannabinoids or not.
Is cannabis extract the same thing as concentrate?
Yes, the terms “cannabis extract” and “cannabis concentrate,” refer to the same thing: a refined extract of the cannabis plant that contains heightened levels of cannabinoids. It’s important to determine which cannabinoids a cannabis extract product contains, however, before making a purchase.
What is the most powerful cannabis extract?
The most refined cannabis extracts can contain nearly 100% of a desired cannabinoid. The strength of a cannabis extract is not only determined by the concentration of its dominant cannabinoid, however, but also by the presence of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other natural cannabis compounds that contribute to the entourage effect.
