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Last reviewed: October 2026
“Hemp oil” is one of the most confusing terms on Irish shop shelves. It can mean a cold-pressed cooking oil made from hemp seeds, which contains little or no CBD, or it can be used loosely to describe a CBD oil made from hemp extract. The two products are made differently, used differently and priced very differently. This guide explains the difference, so you know exactly what you are buying.
The key difference in one table
| Hemp seed oil | CBD oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Pressed hemp seeds | Extract of hemp flowers and leaves, in a carrier oil |
| CBD content | Little or none | Stated in mg on the label |
| Main use | Food and cooking; skincare | Food supplement |
| Typical size | 250ml or 500ml bottle | 10ml or 30ml dropper bottle |
| Typical price | About €8 to €20 per bottle | About €30 to €140 per bottle |
| Lab report | Nutrition label | Certificate of analysis showing CBD and THC |
What is hemp seed oil?
Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant, much like rapeseed or olive oil is pressed from seeds and fruit. It is a dark green to golden oil with a nutty, grassy flavour. Hemp seeds themselves contain no meaningful CBD, so hemp seed oil is a food oil, not a CBD product.
Nutrition
Hemp seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats, including the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid and the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, in a ratio of roughly three to one. It also contains some gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and vitamin E. Like all oils, it is high in calories, about 120 per tablespoon.
How to use it in the kitchen
- Drizzle it over salads, soups, roasted vegetables or porridge.
- Mix into dips such as hummus or pesto.
- Add a spoonful to smoothies.
- Do not use it for frying: its low smoke point means it breaks down and tastes bitter when heated.
In skincare
Hemp seed oil is a common ingredient in moisturisers, lip balms and soaps because it is light and absorbs well. Always patch test a new skin product.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is made by extracting cannabinoids, mainly CBD, from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, then mixing that extract with a carrier oil. The carrier is often MCT oil (from coconut) or hemp seed oil, which is where some of the confusion comes from. A CBD oil should state on its label how many milligrams of CBD are in the bottle and in each drop, and come with a lab report.
In Ireland, CBD oils are sold as food supplements. They should not contain THC and cannot claim to treat any illness. For a guide to choosing one, see best CBD oil in Ireland compared.
How to avoid buying the wrong one
- Check for milligrams of CBD. If the label does not state CBD in mg, it is almost certainly hemp seed oil.
- Look at the bottle size and price. A large bottle of “hemp oil” for €10 is a food oil. A 10ml dropper bottle for €50 should be a CBD oil and show its CBD content.
- Read the ingredients. Hemp seed oil lists “cannabis sativa seed oil”. CBD oil lists a hemp extract or cannabidiol plus a carrier oil.
- Watch online marketplaces. Some listings use “hemp oil” with pictures of cannabis leaves and vague claims about “high strength” without stating any CBD. These are usually hemp seed oil sold at inflated prices.
- Ask for the lab report. A genuine CBD oil comes with a certificate of analysis.
Is hemp oil legal in Ireland?
Hemp seed oil is an ordinary food in Ireland and the EU and is legal to buy and use. CBD oil is legal as a food supplement when it contains no THC and is correctly labelled. Hemp grown in Ireland must be licensed, and only varieties on the EU Common Catalogue with low THC may be grown.
Irish hemp
A small number of Irish farmers grow licensed hemp, mainly for seed, fibre and food products. Buying Irish-grown hemp seed oil supports local growers. Ask producers where their seed was grown and pressed, and look for cold-pressed oils stored in dark bottles.
Storing hemp seed oil
Because it is high in polyunsaturated fats, hemp seed oil spoils faster than most cooking oils. Keep it in the fridge after opening, in a dark bottle, and use it within a few months. A bitter or paint-like smell means it has gone off.
Where to buy in Ireland
Hemp seed oil is sold in health food shops, some supermarkets and online. CBD oils are sold by specialist Irish CBD companies, health food shops and some pharmacies; our guide to where to buy CBD in Ireland covers each option.
Hemp seeds and hemp protein
Alongside the oil, hulled hemp seeds (sometimes sold as “hemp hearts”) and hemp protein powder are popular foods. Hulled seeds have a mild, nutty taste and can be sprinkled on salads, yoghurt or porridge. Hemp protein is a plant protein used in smoothies and baking. Like the oil, these are foods, not CBD products.
Choosing a good hemp seed oil
- Cold-pressed: pressing without heat keeps the flavour and the delicate fats intact.
- Dark glass bottle: light speeds up the oil going rancid.
- Pressing or best-before date: fresher is better; avoid bottles close to their date.
- Unrefined: unrefined oil is green and nutty; refined oil is paler with less taste and fewer nutrients.
- Origin: look for EU or Irish seed and a named producer.
- Organic certification: optional, but some buyers prefer it.
Simple ways to use hemp seed oil
Everyday dressing: mix three tablespoons of hemp seed oil with one tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a little honey, salt and pepper. Shake and pour over a green salad or roasted vegetables.
Green pesto: blend basil, a handful of hemp seeds or pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan or nutritional yeast, lemon juice and hemp seed oil.
Breakfast: stir a teaspoon into porridge or yoghurt once it has cooled slightly, or add it to a fruit smoothie.
Why the confusion exists
The word “hemp” covers the whole plant, and both products come from it. In the early days of CBD, some sellers used “hemp oil” on CBD products to avoid the word “cannabis”, while others used the popularity of CBD to sell ordinary hemp seed oil at high prices. Regulators in Ireland and the UK have since pushed for clearer labelling, but the old terms still appear online. The simple test remains the same: a CBD product tells you how much CBD it contains.
Hemp seed oil vs other cooking oils
Compared with olive oil, hemp seed oil has more polyunsaturated fat and less monounsaturated fat, which is why it suits cold use rather than cooking. Compared with flaxseed oil, it has less omega-3 but a more balanced mix of omega-3 and omega-6. Many people keep olive oil for cooking and use hemp seed oil as a finishing oil for flavour and variety.
Hemp oil for pets
You may see “hemp oil for dogs” on sale. As with products for people, check whether it is hemp seed oil (a source of fatty acids, sometimes added to pet food) or a CBD product made for pets, and speak to your vet before adding either to your pet’s diet.
Frequently asked questions
Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil?
No. Hemp seed oil is a food oil pressed from seeds with little or no CBD. CBD oil is an extract of the hemp plant with a stated amount of CBD.
Does hemp seed oil contain CBD?
Little or none. Hemp seeds do not contain meaningful amounts of CBD.
Does hemp oil get you high?
No. Hemp seed oil contains no meaningful THC. Legal CBD oil in Ireland should also contain no THC.
Can I cook with hemp seed oil?
Use it cold, for dressings and drizzling. It has a low smoke point and should not be used for frying.
Is hemp oil good for skin?
It is a common moisturising ingredient in skincare. Patch test new products.
How can I tell if a product is CBD oil?
Look for CBD stated in milligrams on the label and a lab report. If there is no CBD figure, it is likely hemp seed oil.
Is hemp seed oil legal in Ireland?
Yes, it is an ordinary food.
How should I store hemp seed oil?
In the fridge after opening, in a dark bottle, and use within a few months.
Related guides
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. CBD products sold in Ireland are food supplements or cosmetics, not medicines. Speak to your GP or pharmacist before using CBD, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.