CBD oil, hemp seed oil, cannabis oil: the differences

All three oils derive from Cannabis sativa L., but from different parts of the plant: CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves and bracts of a low-THC variety; hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds alone; cannabis oil most often refers to a high-THC extract from psychoactive varieties. Hemp seeds contain neither CBD nor THC in significant quantities: the plant's cannabinoid profile is concentrated in the trichomes of the flower heads.

Often labelled "hemp seed oil", this food oil is obtained by cold-pressing hulled seeds, in the same way as olive oil. It is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) in a ratio close to 1:3, and in vitamin E. It is legally distributed without any Novel Food restriction, hemp seed having been consumed historically in Europe. On grocery shelves, the mention "hemp oil" with no further detail almost always denotes this food oil, not a CBD oil.

CBD oil results from an extraction (supercritical CO2 or ethanol) applied to hemp flowers and leaves, then diluted in a carrier oil (MCT, olive, hemp). In France, its marketing depends on the format of the claim: sold as an ingested food supplement, it falls within the scope of the Novel Food regulation and has been withdrawn from the market since 15 May 2026 in the absence of European authorisation; sold as a cosmetic or an external oil, it escapes that regime, provided it carries no therapeutic claim. In full-spectrum form, it must comply with the THC threshold of ≤ 0.30% set by the Conseil d'État decision of 29 December 2022.

In everyday use, "cannabis oil" most often refers to a high-THC extract. Free THC remains a narcotic substance in France in any commercial form. Since the European notification of March 2025, certain cannabis-based medicines have benefited from a specific authorisation issued by the ANSM, restricted to precise indications (refractory neuropathic pain, severe epilepsies, spasticity) on hospital prescription. RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) and other unregulated extracts remain illegal as soon as they contain psychoactive THC.

The botanical origin gives the first clue: "hemp seeds" signals a food oil, "hemp flowers and leaves" or "hemp extract" signals a CBD oil. The CBD concentration shown in mg or as a percentage is absent from the food oil and present at 5-30% on CBD oils. The mention of a spectrum (full, broad, isolate) is exclusive to CBD oils. The declared use — cosmetic, external or food supplement — determines the applicable legal regime. Our article on the differences between full-spectrum CBD oil and isolate completes these pointers.

CBD is not a medicine. For any specific use, consult a healthcare professional.

Does hemp seed oil contain CBD?

No, or only in negligible amounts. The seeds do not carry the cannabinoid-producing trichomes. Any mention of CBD would stem from accidental contamination or misleading labelling.

Is French CBD oil made from cannabis?

It comes from Cannabis sativa L. varieties selected for their low THC content, known as industrial hemp, listed in the European common catalogue. Botanically the same species, legally a distinct regime.

Which oil can still be sold for ingestion in France?

Hemp seed oil, which contains no CBD. Ingested CBD oils have been withdrawn from the market since 15 May 2026 for want of Novel Food validation.

Are medical cannabis and wellness CBD the same thing?

No. Medical cannabis contains THC at active doses, on hospital prescription, for five precise indications. Wellness CBD is an everyday product made from low-THC hemp, with no prescription.