Hemp seed oil and hemp seeds

What is hemp seed oil?

There are so many associations with the word ‘hemp,’ but this incredible natural resource has up to 50,000 known uses, from textiles and building materials, to skin care and omega-rich food. Two common hemp products are hemp seed oil and hemp oil. Currently, Khush Mountain sells hemp seed oil products, but we’ll explain the difference between hemp seed oil and other hemp-derived products below. 

What’s the difference between hemp and marjiuana?

Hemp is not marijuana. Hemp and marijuana come from different varieties of the cannabis plant. The distinction is the chemical composition of each plant. A cannabis hemp plant is cultivated completely differently to a cannabis marijuana plant, which means a product derived from a marijuana plant will be totally different to a product derived from the hemp plant. 

Hemp seed oil

Hemp seed oil is made by cold-pressing the seeds of the hemp plant. Hemp seeds contain fibre, protein, and vitamin E. Hemp seeds are also very rich in essential fatty acids like linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3).

Hemp seed oil is often added to foods and drinks for its health and anti-inflammatory benefits. Aromatic compounds called terpenes can be added to hemp seed oil and are thought to enhance the benefits of this nutrient-dense substance. 

Hemp seed oil has a strengthening and hydrating effect, which is why it’s used in so many topical creams, ointments and serums.

Additionally, hemp seed oil can help with dry skin, itchy skin, acne, and scarring. It moisturises without clogging pores, and can assist with fine lines and wrinkles. Recently hemp seed oil has been getting a lot of attention as a face oil, but is relatively new to the market compared to other face oils. (Compare hemp seed oil with other face oils.)

See why some people think hemp seed oil is the best face oil in Australia.

Hemp oil (also known as CBD oil)

The term ‘hemp oil’ is often used interchangeably with the term ‘CBD oil,’ and every site seems to use the terms differently. Some people even use the term ‘hemp oil,’ when the product they’re selling is actually ‘hemp seed oil.’ 

But within an Australian context, hemp oil and hemp seed oil are different products. Hemp oil is extracted from the flowers (or buds) stems, stalks and leaves of the hemp plant. Hemp seed oil is extracted only from the seeds of the hemp plant. 

What is CBD?

CBD is one of the many cannabinoids (chemical compounds) in the hemp plant. Khush Mountain hemp seed oil products don't contain CBD.

CBD isn’t psychoactive (ie. it won’t get you high) but CBD has recently gained notoriety as a compound that could have a positive effect on anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, epilepsy, and even as chemotherapy relief-aid. 

CBD is legal and easy to buy in parts of the USA and the UK. Independent research and anecdotal evidence has a lot of people excited about CBD, but the results of research are still inconclusive and more tests need to be done. 

Khush Mountain doesn’t sell CBD products, but we’ll keep you updated as the CBD situation evolves in Australia. 

What is THC?

Another compound you might have heard of is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Khush Mountain hemp seed oil products don't contain THC. 

THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid/cannabis compound, which means it gives users a high by stimulating cells in the brain to release dopamine. This activates a feeling of euphoria.

THC is found in marijuana and can be used recreationally, but medical marijuana has also been gaining a lot of attention. Sometimes you can also buy off-label, illegal cannabis oil. This is often confused with CBD oil, but cannabis oil is not CBD oil. 

Cannabis oils can vary greatly in their composition because there is no legal route in Australia to obtain this product but they will contain both THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD. 

What is the difference between hemp seed oil and hemp oil?

Hemp seed oil is made only from the seeds of the hemp plant. This is different to hemp oil/CBD oil which is extracted from the flowers and other parts of the hemp plant.  Because it’s extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, hemp seed oil contains no or trace amounts of CBD, or any cannabinoids like THC. 

Hemp seed oil is not considered a drug  and does not contain any cannabinoids, and is legal to use in Australia. In contrast, because hemp oil/CBD oil contains CBD, it is considered a drug. However, you can legally obtain hemp oil/CBD oil if you have a prescription from a doctor who has been granted Special Access Scheme Approval or is an Authorised Prescriber. 

Regardless of the differences, both hemp seed oil and hemp oil/CBD oil have their own unique health benefits. We’ll keep you updated about hemp oil/CBD oil as the laws evolve in Australia. 

Know what you’re buying

The hemp industry is relatively new and exciting - but with so many similar-sounding terms, it can be hard to know what you’re buying. 

Many retailers in Australia will name a product ‘hemp oil’, when it’s actually  ‘hemp seed oil.’ This often misleads people into believing their product has CBD in it. 

While the kinks are being ironed out, it’s important to check the ingredient list on anything that you buy. Hemp seed oil should be labelled as Cannabis sativa hemp seed oil. Also, hemp seed oil isn’t as cheap as some other oils, so check that your chosen product has a high hemp seed oil content so you can properly reap the benefits of using this amazing oil. 

Proper hemp oil/CBD oil isn’t easily obtained in Australia, but if you do somehow get your hands on a product containing CBD, the label should use terms like ‘cannabidiol,’ or’ full-spectrum/broad-spectrum hemp,’ or ‘PCR (phytocannabinoid-rich)’, or ‘PCR hemp extracts.’ Remember, unless you obtain your hemp oil/CBD through legal channels in Australia, it’s difficult to know exactly how much CBD is in the bottle. 

Now that you know the difference between hemp seed oil, hemp oil/CBD oil, and you’re well-versed about CBD and THC, find out all about hemp seed oil and the wonderful world of terpenes.

 Or, if you're ready to buy a Khush Mountain product, head over to our shop.