Does Hemp Seed Oil Have CBs? Unpacking the Common Confusion

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite market confusion, hemp seed oil is extracted from the cold-pressed seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, which means it contains virtually no significant levels of cannabinoids (often mistaken for 'CBs'), THC, or CBD. It's primarily valued for its exceptional nutritional benefits rather than therapeutic cannabinoid effects.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies that hemp seed oil, derived from hemp seeds, lacks meaningful cannabinoid content, including THC and CBD. It is instead a nutritional powerhouse, rich in omega fatty acids, and distinctly different from CBD oil, which is extracted from the plant's flowers and leaves.

Key Points

No Significant Cannabinoids: Hemp seed oil contains virtually no CBs (cannabinoids), including CBD and THC, because it is made from the plant's seeds.
Nutritional Powerhouse: The primary benefit of hemp seed oil is its nutritional value, being rich in essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), protein, and vitamins.
Source Matters: True cannabinoid-rich CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant, not the seeds.
Read the Label: Look for "hemp seed oil" versus "hemp extract" or "CBD" on product labels to distinguish between the two products.
Cost Difference: Hemp seed oil is significantly less expensive than cannabinoid-rich CBD oil, with prices often comparable to other culinary oils.
Potential Confusion: The term 'CBs' is not a scientific term for cannabinoids, but likely a user-created abbreviation. The acronym CBS actually stands for Columbia Broadcasting System.

The Common Misconception: CBs vs. Cannabinoids

The query "Does hemp seed oil have CBs?" often stems from a combination of two common misinterpretations. First, the abbreviation 'CBs' is not a standard scientific term. Searchers are almost certainly referring to 'cannabinoids'—the family of compounds found in cannabis plants, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Second, many people mistakenly equate hemp seed oil with CBD oil, believing they offer similar therapeutic benefits. The truth is, these are two very different products derived from separate parts of the same plant species. The acronym 'CBS,' for example, refers to the Columbia Broadcasting System, a media company, and has no relation whatsoever to hemp products.

The Critical Difference: Where They Come From

The fundamental distinction between hemp seed oil and true CBD oil lies in the source material used for extraction.

Hemp Seed Oil: This oil is produced by cold-pressing the seeds of the industrial hemp plant, similar to how olive or sunflower oil is made. Hemp seeds themselves contain only trace amounts, if any, of cannabinoids, as these compounds are not synthesized in the seed. The resulting oil is a rich nutritional supplement, not a cannabinoid product.
CBD Oil: This type of oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant, where the cannabinoids are concentrated. The extraction process for CBD oil is far more complex than cold-pressing seeds and is designed to isolate the cannabinoids.

The Nutritional Profile of Hemp Seed Oil

While it doesn't offer the effects of cannabinoids, hemp seed oil is far from useless. It is a highly nutritious, food-grade oil with numerous health benefits.

Rich in Essential Fatty Acids: Hemp seed oil is particularly rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, including an optimal 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, which is excellent for heart and brain health.
Source of Protein: While the oil itself is mainly fat, hemp seeds are a complete protein source, offering all nine essential amino acids.
Vitamins and Minerals: It contains a valuable profile of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and B vitamins.

How to Tell the Difference When Shopping

Given the deliberate confusion caused by some marketers, consumers must be vigilant when shopping for hemp products. Many brands use the general term "hemp oil" on packaging to create ambiguity, but checking the label and price can reveal the truth.

Check the Label: Look specifically for the ingredient list. If it lists "hemp seed oil," it contains negligible cannabinoids. If it mentions "hemp extract," "full-spectrum hemp oil," or "CBD," it is likely a true cannabinoid product. Reputable companies will often provide third-party lab results to verify the cannabinoid content.
Consider the Price: The extraction of CBD is a more involved and costly process than cold-pressing seeds. If a product is labeled as "hemp oil" and is sold at a suspiciously low price point (similar to olive oil), it is almost certainly hemp seed oil and not a cannabinoid-rich extract.

Hemp Seed Oil vs. CBD Oil: A Comparison


Feature	Hemp Seed Oil	CBD Oil (Hemp Extract)
Source	Cold-pressed from hemp seeds	Extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant
Cannabinoid Content	Negligible or trace amounts of cannabinoids like CBD and THC	Rich in CBD and other cannabinoids, legally containing less than 0.3% THC
Main Benefits	Nutritional support (omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals), skin and heart health	Therapeutic effects associated with cannabinoids (pain, inflammation, anxiety, etc.)
Primary Uses	Dietary supplement, cooking (low heat), skincare, salad dressings	Sublingual tinctures, topicals, edibles, capsules
Cost	Relatively inexpensive and widely available	Significantly more expensive due to complex extraction and higher demand

Conclusion: Know Your Oil, Understand the Source

In conclusion, the answer to "Does hemp seed oil have CBs?" is a clear no, in any meaningful sense. The misconception arises from confusing it with CBD oil, which is derived from different parts of the cannabis plant. Hemp seed oil is a valuable nutritional supplement, praised for its heart and skin benefits derived from omega fatty acids and other nutrients. For those seeking the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, the correct product is a CBD oil or hemp extract, which is deliberately made from the cannabinoid-rich parts of the plant. A simple understanding of the source material is the most reliable way to differentiate between these two very distinct products and make an informed purchasing decision.

Learn more about the nutritional properties of hemp seeds on WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, hemp seed oil and CBD oil are not the same. Hemp seed oil is pressed from hemp seeds and lacks significant cannabinoids, while CBD oil is extracted from the leaves, flowers, and stalks, where cannabinoids are concentrated.

No, hemp seed oil will not make you high. It contains negligible or non-existent levels of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.

Yes, hemp seed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and protein, offering benefits for cardiovascular health, brain function, and skin.

Theoretically, it is highly unlikely to fail a drug test from standard hemp seed oil. Reputable hemp seed oil contains negligible THC, but cross-contamination from flowers is a very minor risk in poorly regulated products.

Misleading marketing practices are often the cause of confusion. Some brands exploit the interchangeable use of the term "hemp oil" to make consumers believe they are buying a cannabinoid product.

Always read the ingredient list carefully. Look for terms like "hemp extract," "full-spectrum hemp," or "CBD" for a true cannabinoid product. If the label only specifies "hemp seed oil," it will lack cannabinoids.

Hemp seed oil is legal and widely available as a nutritional food product and cosmetic ingredient. Its low THC content (less than 0.3%) distinguishes it legally from marijuana.