Hemp Oil Guide

Hempseed oil is pressed from the seed of the hemp (cannabis) plant irrespective of the strain of cannabis. However there is an extremely low or undetectable level of any psychoactive molecules in hemp seed oil as the seeds themselves do not contain psychoactive molecules. Cold pressed, unrefined hemp oil is dark to clear light green in color, with a pleasant nutty flavor. The darker the color, the grassier the flavour.

Refined hempseed oil is clear and colorless, with little flavour and lacks natural vitamins and antioxidants. Refined hempseed oil is primarily used in body care products. Industrial hempseed oil is used in lubricants, paints, inks, fuel, and plastics. Hempseed oil has found some limited use in the production of soaps, shampoos and detergents. The oil is of high nutritional value because its 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids, which matches the balance required by the human body.[1] It has also received attention in recent years as a possible feedstock for the large-scale production of biodiesel.[2] There are a number of organisations that promote the production and use of hempseed oil.[3]

Hempseed oil is manufactured from varieties of Cannabis sativa that do not contain significant amounts of THC, the psychoactive element present in the cannabis plant. This manufacturing process typically includes cleaning the seed to 99.99% before pressing the oil. There is no THC within the hempseed, although trace amounts of THC may be found in hempseed oil when plant matter adheres to the seed surface during manufacturing. The modern production of hempseed oil, particularly in Canada, has successfully lowered THC values since 1998.[4]

Hemp oil is made from the bud and leaves of the cannabis plant. Hemp oil, not to be confused with hempseed oil, produces a much higher THC content and is known to have greater medicinal properties than that of hempseed. Hemp oil is made by extracting the THC from the cannabis plant, and producing an oil so that the THC can be taken orally, used topically, or vaporized instead of smoked to produce psychoactive effects. The medicinal benefit of the oil is currently under study but it has shown great results related to the treatment of cancers and diseases. Hemp oil is considered a schedule I drug in the United States as a result of the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act....