There is a lot of confusion in the CBD landscape today especially when it comes to terminology. Sadly, manufacturers are cashing in on this confusion by selling hemp-based goods that are not true hemp extract products.
When you hear the term “hemp oil” it could either denote hemp seed oil or referring to a hemp-based CBD (cannabidiol) extract.
Hemp seed oil is a dietary oil that's rich in omega-3. It's consumed as cooking oil or used as an ingredient in the skin and beauty industry. Hemp seed oil is made by pressing the seeds of the plant to extract the oil. Since cannabis seeds do not contain cannabinoids, there are no traces of CBD or THC.
Hemp extract is harvested from the resin found on the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant and is rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. These raw extracts are bitter and potent, making them extremely difficult to use as a pure extract, which is why it's often combined with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil, olive oil, or MCT coconut oil to make dosing and palatability more enjoyable.
We create all Comfort Zone products by extracting cannabinoids from raw hemp for either a full spectrum or a THC-free broad spectrum extract. From here, our formulators create signature CBD products that are innovative and effective.
If you feel unable to make the distinction between whether you’re buying hemp seed oil or hemp-based CBD extract, ask to see lab reports for the product in question. While sharing independent lab testing is not yet a requirement in the industry, it's becoming a standard for products containing cannabis compounds.
It's no secret that the cannabis market is full of deception, which is why referring to a product's certificate analysis from a third-party lab can tell you exactly what's in your product from cannabinoid and terpene profile to residual solvents (from extraction) and pesticides or other potential contaminants from farming and processing.