Hemp Seed Oil
Cannabis sativa
TL;DR
Cold-pressed oil from hemp seeds with an ideal ~3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio and meaningful GLA. A reasonable culinary oil for skin and general health, but not a concentrated therapeutic — and it contains no CBD.
Ideal For
- People wanting a skin-supportive dietary oil
- Those seeking a plant-based omega source with GLA
Avoid If
- Need for high-heat cooking oil (low smoke point)
- Expecting CBD-like effects — hemp seed oil contains none
Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds of Cannabis sativa and, importantly, contains no cannabinoids — CBD, THC, and related compounds live in the flowers and leaves, not the seeds. Its nutritional case rests on its fatty acid profile: roughly 55% linoleic acid (omega-6), 20% alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), plus 1–4% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA), the latter of which converts to EPA more efficiently than ALA. Small human trials suggest benefits for atopic dermatitis and skin dryness at doses around 20–30 ml/day, plausibly via GLA and improved skin fatty acid composition. For cardiovascular markers the evidence is thinner. It is best viewed as a high-quality dietary oil rather than a targeted supplement, and like all unsaturated oils it oxidizes easily — buy cold-pressed, dark-bottled, and refrigerate.
How It Works
- Provides GLA and SDA, which convert to anti-inflammatory eicosanoids and EPA respectively
- Supplies linoleic acid, a structural component of the skin barrier (ceramides)
- Modest antioxidant content (tocopherols, polyphenols) in unrefined oil
Health Concerns Addressed
No linked health concerns yet.
Supporting Research5 studies
Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis
Callaway J, Schwab U, Harvima I +4 more
Hempseed oil increased plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids and reduced skin dryness, itchiness and dermal medication use.
Effects of dietary hempseed oil on serum lipids and fatty acid composition in healthy adults: a randomised crossover trial
Schwab US, Callaway JC, Erkkila AT +3 more
Hempseed oil did not significantly improve total or LDL cholesterol compared with flaxseed oil.
The cardiac and haemostatic effects of dietary hempseed
Rodriguez-Leyva D, Pierce GN
Human clinical data on hempseed and cardiovascular endpoints are very limited.
Cannabis sativa seed oil in dermatology: systematic review of topical and oral clinical evidence
Baswan SM, Klosner AE, Glynn K +4 more
Evidence for hempseed oil in skin barrier and inflammatory skin conditions is limited to a few small trials.
Hempseed as a nutritional resource: an overview of composition and gamma-linolenic acid content
Callaway JC
Hempseed oil contains roughly 55% linoleic acid, 22% alpha-linolenic acid and 1-4% gamma-linolenic acid.
Safety Information
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: likely_safe
Breastfeeding: likely_safe
Detailed safety information not yet available. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Dosage Guidelines
Dosage Used in Studies
Consult healthcare provider
Forms Compared
Standard culinary form; use unheated, 1–2 tbsp/day
Convenient but require many capsules to match oil doses
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.