Since the farm bill passed making hemp-based CBD products legal to sell in all 50 states, we’ve seen an explosion of hemp-based beauty and wellness items hit store shelves. But there is a lot of confusion around what exactly people are buying, especially when the product they see in stores or online claims to be “hemp oil,” but it’s listed as a “hemp seed oil” in the ingredients.

What is the difference between CBD gummies and CBD oil?

Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds of the cannabis sativa plant—the same species that yields marijuana—and contains little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound that gets you high. It’s rich in minerals and healthy omega fatty acids. In fact, one tbsp of hemp seed oil provides more than double your daily value of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help keep blood pressure low.

The cannabidiol rich hemp oil is also a complete protein, and some anecdotal reports suggest that it helps your skin, hair, and nails by fortifying cell membranes, but further research is needed to confirm this benefit. Hemp seed oil has a relatively low flash point, meaning it goes rancid quickly, so it must be stored in a dark place to preserve its quality and nutritional benefits.

CBD oil, on the other hand, uses stalks, leaves, and flowers from the cannabis sativa plant to extract cannabidiol (CBD), a naturally occurring compound with potential therapeutic effects. Its most notable property is its anti-inflammatory properties, but it may also offer a range of other potential health benefits, according to scientific studies and anecdotal evidence. Typically, CBD oil is diluted with carrier oils like coconut or olive oil to reduce the risk of taste and odor. Premium brands often publish third party test results with a breakdown of their cannabinoid and terpene profiles for transparency.