Difference Between Hemp Seed and CBD in Australia

Hemp seed and CBD are two popular products in Australia with a wide range of applications. However, many people often confuse these two products, which have different sources, uses, and legal regulations. This article will provide an in-depth look at the distinctions between hemp seeds and CBD oil, focusing on their production, uses, and the regulations governing them in Australia.

1. What are Hemp Seeds?
2. What products are made from hemp seeds?
3. What is the difference between cosmetic products made from hemp seed and pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil?
4. Difference between Hemp Seed Oil and CBD oil?
5. Is CBD oil a prescription medication in Australia?
6. Marketing tricks to confuse hemp seed oil with CBD oil
7. Conclusion

1. What are Hemp Seeds?

Hemp seeds are the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, which is a variety of the cannabis plant. Hemp seeds, also known as hemp hearts, are small, brown, and nutty-flavored seeds that are packed with numerous nutritional benefits (1). They contain high-quality plant-based protein, essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, and various other nutrients, such as vitamin E, dietary fiber, and minerals (2).

Hulled hemp seeds, which have their outer shell removed, are commonly used in various food products and can be found at most health food stores and grocery stores. Consuming hemp seeds has been associated with potential health benefits, such as improved heart health, higher bone mineral density, and better digestive health (3).

2. What products are made from hemp seeds?

Hemp seeds can be used to make a variety of food products and supplements, including:

• Hemp milk: A dairy-free milk alternative made by blending ground seeds and water (4).
• Hemp protein powder: A plant-based protein supplement made from ground seeds, containing all essential amino acids (5).
• Hemp oil (hemp seed oil): An oil extracted from hemp seeds, which contains essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, as well as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) (6).
• Hemp hearts: Shelled hemp seeds, which can be eaten raw, added to smoothies, or used as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, and salads (7).
• Whole hemp seeds: Can be used as a crunchy topping for salads, yogurt, or oatmeal, or ground into a meal for baking (8).

Hemp seeds can also be found in various cosmetic products, such as creams, lotions, and lip balms, due to their moisturising and anti-inflammatory effects (9).

3. What is the difference between cosmetic products made from hemp seed and pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil?

Cosmetic products made from hemp seed, such as hemp seed oil, contain only trace amounts of CBD, the primary therapeutic compound found in the cannabis plant (10). In contrast, pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil is a highly concentrated extract of CBD, derived from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the cannabis plant (11).

Pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil is used as a prescription medication in Australia to treat various medical conditions, such as epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety disorders (12). On the other hand, hemp seed-based cosmetic products are primarily used for their moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties and do not have the same therapeutic effects as CBD oil (13).

4. Difference between Hemp Seed Oil and CBD oil?

The primary difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil lies in their source and composition. Hemp seed oil is extracted from hemp seeds and contains a high concentration of essential fatty acids, such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, but only trace amounts of CBD (14). CBD oil, on the other hand, is derived from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the cannabis plant and contains a high concentration of CBD, which has various therapeutic effects (15).

While hemp seed oil has several nutritional benefits and is commonly used in food and cosmetic products, CBD oil is primarily used for its therapeutic effects in treating various medical conditions (16).

5. Is CBD oil a prescription medication in Australia?

Yes, CBD oil is considered a prescription medication in Australia. It is regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which oversees the production, distribution, and use of therapeutic goods, including prescription medicines (17). CBD oil is used to treat various medical conditions, such as epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety disorders, under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional (18).

6. Marketing tricks to confuse hemp seed oil with CBD oil

Some companies may use misleading marketing tactics to confuse consumers about the differences between CBD oil and hemp seed oil. These tactics can include:

• Ambiguous labelling: Companies might use vague terms, such as "hemp extract" or "hemp oil," on their product labels without clearly specifying whether the product contains CBD oil or hemp seed oil (19).
• Highlighting the cannabis connection: Some companies may emphasise the fact that both CBD oil and hemp seed oil come from the Cannabis sativa plant to create confusion between the two products (20).
• Exaggerating health claims: Some companies may make unsupported or exaggerated health claims about hemp seed oil products to make them seem more similar to CBD oil, even though the scientific evidence supporting these claims may be limited (21).
• Using similar packaging and branding: Companies might package hemp seed oil products in a way that resembles CBD oil products, making it difficult for consumers to differentiate between the two (22).

To avoid falling for these tactics, consumers should carefully read product labels and look for clear information about the product's ingredients and concentrations of CBD, if any.

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the differences between hemp seed and CBD oil is crucial for consumers looking to make informed decisions about these products. Hemp seeds are a highly nutritious food source that can be used to create various food and cosmetic products, such as hemp milk, hemp protein powder, and hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil contains essential fatty acids and other nutrients but only trace amounts of CBD.

On the other hand, CBD oil is a concentrated extract of CBD derived from the cannabis plant, used primarily for its therapeutic effects in treating various medical conditions. In Australia, CBD oil is a prescription medication, while hemp seed oil and other hemp seed products are widely available without a prescription.

To avoid being misled by marketing tactics that blur the lines between these two products, consumers should carefully read product labels and seek accurate information about the ingredients and concentrations of CBD, if any, in the products they are considering.