Hemp oil, or hemp seed oil, is a cold-pressed culinary oil from the hemp plant's seeds. It is rich in polyunsaturated fat with an omega-6:3 balance of around 3:1. Hemp oil should not be confused with CBD oil, which is a cannabinoid extract from the hemp flower — they are two entirely different products.
What is hemp oil?
Hemp oil is pressed from the hemp seed, usually cold-pressed to preserve the fatty acids. It has a nutty flavour and a green hue and is used as a culinary oil. Because it comes from the seed, it contains virtually no cannabinoids — those are in the flower, not the seed.
What is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?
| Hemp oil (seed oil) | CBD oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | the hemp plant's seeds | the hemp flower |
| Content | fat, fatty acids | cannabinoids (CBD) |
| Use | food | extract |
The confusion is common in marketing. If you want to understand the cannabinoid side, see cannabinoids explained.
Can you fry with hemp oil?
Less suitable. Hemp oil's polyunsaturated fat is heat-sensitive and has a low smoke point, so it is best used cold — in dressings, dips or over finished food — rather than for frying.
What is hemp oil used for?
As a flavouring culinary oil. Nutritionally it mirrors the seed's fat profile (see hemp's nutritional profile). Helsama sells hemp seeds and flower powder, not seed oil.
Frequently asked questions
What is hemp oil? Cold-pressed culinary oil from the hemp plant's seeds, rich in polyunsaturated fat.
Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil? No. Hemp oil is seed oil for food; CBD oil is a cannabinoid extract from the flower.
Can you fry with hemp oil? Less suitable — it is heat-sensitive and best used cold.
Source: the seed's fat profile according to Callaway, J.C. (2004), Euphytica 140:65–72 — see hemp's nutritional profile. Further reading: CBDA and CBD.