Everything you need to know about hemp oil

Are cannabis and hemp oil the same thing? Can you get high on hemp? What is hemp seed oil used for? What is hemp oil exactly?

Pull up a pew, we’re going to answer your burning hemp oil questions right here…

Q1. What is hemp oil?

Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is an oil that’s widely used to help with certain health issues, especially common skin concerns. It’s packed full of essential fatty acids, including Omega 3 and 6, both of which can help soothe the skin when applied topically.¹

Hemp seed oil is largely made in the same way as other seed oils, by putting the seeds through a press. So in this case, pressing the seeds of hemp plants.²

Q2. What can you use hemp oil for?

There are lots of hemp oil benefits:

You can use it on your skin

Hemp oil is renowned for its skin-supporting properties. Because of its fatty acid make-up, it can work wonders with moisturising dry skin, balancing out oily skin, repairing skin cells, and even, minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.^3,4 (Extra tip: massage it into your nails and cuticles to keep them healthy and strong).⁵

Another reason why hemp oil is so good for skin and skin issues, is because of its ability to moisturise without clogging pores. What’s more, it can regulate your skin’s oil production too.⁶

You can use it to for heart health

As well as the two Omegas (3 and 6), hemp oil also contains alpha-linolenic acid, which may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, Omega 3 and 6 can help with blood cholesterol levels, further promoting healthy heart health.⁷

You can boost your brain

The lovely healthy fats that are in hemp are reportedly good for maintaining optimal brain functionality, as well as providing some form of protection. It’s thought that it’s the polyphenol properties that are to thank for this. However, research on this is very much at an early stage at present.⁸

You can calm your nerves

Hemp oil is said to be able to influence the part of the brain that’s responsible for our ‘fight or flight’ reaction. According to one study in particular, hemp oil can calm public speaking-related anxiety too.⁹

You can cook with it

You can actually take hemp orally, simply swallow one to two teaspoons of it daily or pop it in soups, smoothies or salad dressings.¹⁰

Q3. What’s the connection with cannabis?

Ok, so, hemp oil are part of the same family; they both happen to come from the plant species, Cannabis Sativa.¹¹

Hemp isn’t the same thing as cannabidiol (CBD).¹² CBD is made from the leaves, flowers and stalk of hemp plants (this is the only part of the plant that contains cannabidiol). Hemp oil, on the other hand, is made from hemp seeds, meaning there’s little to no CBD content.¹³ (This also means it’s not possible to get ‘high’ on it either).¹⁴

Q4. How can I get my hands on hemp?

Hemp is available in all sorts of different things. In terms of hemp oil for hair, there are many shampoo and conditioner products to choose from.

And in terms of hemp for skin, there are eye serums, lip balms, lotions, body washes, soaps, deodorants, and more.

You can drink it, snack on it, sprinkle it in your soup for a protein boost, boost your energy levels, or enjoy it neat. Believe it or not, you can even buy bottles of hemp water. (Another fact for you – hemp seeds contain as much protein as soybeans).¹⁵

Q5. How do you use hemp?

Well, we’ve sort of just covered some of the many ways you can use hemp on your hair and skin and consume it. If you’re wondering how to begin your hemp journey, here are some pointers on how to use hemp oil:

On your skin and hair

Apply a small amount of oil to dry skin and gently massage in (wash off with warm water if)¹⁶
Rub it into cracked heels and extra dry hands and leave overnight¹⁷
Massage a tablespoon of hemp into your scalp, leave for 10 minutes and then shampoo it out to condition your hair¹⁸