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Hemp Seed Oil (Cannabis sativa)
Oil pressed from Cannabis sativa seeds, prized for a balanced ~3:1 omega-6:omega-3 ratio plus gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). It contains negligible cannabinoids — this is NOT CBD oil. Small human trials hint at skin and lipid-profile effects, but the overall evidence is thin.
What the evidence says
Most Hemp Seed Oil studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from medium-quality randomised trials published 2005–2021.
Based on 4 studies · 2 RCTs
Confidence
LowBy outcome
Hemp Seed Oil has an evidence score of 2.5/10 — emerging evidence based on 4 indexed studies. Oil pressed from Cannabis sativa seeds, prized for a balanced ~3:1 omega-6:omega-3 ratio plus gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). It contains negligible cannabinoids — this is NOT CBD oil. Small human trials hint at skin and lipid-profile effects, but the overall evidence is thin. Representative study: PMID 22336810.
The commonly studied dose of Hemp Seed Oil is Commonly ~15-30ml (1-2 tablespoons) daily as a dietary oil; trial doses ran up to 30ml/day. Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
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Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 4 studies · how we score
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
Hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of Cannabis sativa (industrial hemp). Its appeal is its fatty-acid composition: a roughly 3:1 ratio of omega-6 (linoleic acid) to omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid), considered favorable, plus gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 with anti-inflammatory signaling. Crucially, hemp SEED oil is a culinary/nutritional oil with only trace cannabinoids — it is not CBD oil and is not psychoactive. Human evidence is limited and comes from small studies: a 20-week single-blind crossover suggested dietary hemp seed oil improved atopic dermatitis symptoms and skin dryness, and a small crossover showed it shifts the serum fatty-acid profile (raising GLA) with only minor effects on total cholesterol. A Cochrane review of dietary supplements for eczema — which included a hempseed oil trial — found no convincing benefit across supplements as a class. Treat it as a healthy cooking oil with plausible but unproven targeted benefits, not a validated therapeutic.
Supplies linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) in a roughly 3:1 ratio, a composition often considered favorable for fatty-acid balance.
Contains GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid that feeds into anti-inflammatory eicosanoid pathways and supports skin-barrier lipids.
How Hemp Seed Oil works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
Commonly ~15-30ml (1-2 tablespoons) daily as a dietary oil; trial doses ran up to 30ml/day
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💧Cold-pressed hemp seed oil | Recommended |
| 💊Hemp seed oil softgels | Alternative |
Hemp SEED oil is not CBD oil — it contains only trace cannabinoids and is not psychoactive.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Best taken with food as a dietary fat; keep refrigerated and use cold.
Dose-response data unavailable. The current published research for Hemp Seed Oil does not provide sufficient dose-specific outcome data to generate reliable dose-response curves.
Refer to the Dosage & Timing section above for recommended dose ranges based on available evidence.
May reduce dryness, itch, and need for topical medication in atopic dermatitis — from one small crossover study.
Raises serum linoleic acid and GLA; effects on total/LDL cholesterol are minor in small human data. (serum fatty-acid profile shifted significantly, but total/LDL cholesterol changes were non-significant)
Human trials are few and small; a Cochrane review found no convincing benefit of supplements (including hempseed oil) for eczema.
Quality hemp seed oil has negligible THC; reputable products are very unlikely to cause a positive test, but choose tested brands if this is a concern.
Hemp seed oil as a food is generally regarded as low-risk, but dedicated safety data are limited — use culinary amounts and consult a clinician.
Polyunsaturated oils may modestly affect platelet function; theoretical additive effect with blood thinners at high intakes.
Tip: Start with a smaller amount; take with food
Hemp seed oil supplies plant omega-3 (ALA) plus GLA; marine omega-3 supplies preformed EPA/DHA that the body converts ALA into only inefficiently.
Broader essential-fatty-acid coverage, pairing plant ALA/GLA with preformed EPA/DHA.
Both are GLA-containing oils studied for skin/atopic conditions via similar fatty-acid pathways.
Overlapping GLA-mediated skin-barrier and anti-inflammatory support (both modestly evidenced).
The best time to take Hemp Seed Oil is with meals. Take it with food. As a dietary fat, it is best taken with food; do not use for high-heat cooking as PUFAs are heat-sensitive.
Hemp Seed Oil is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most healthy adults at recommended doses. The most commonly reported side effects are mild digestive upset / loose stools. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Allergy to hemp/cannabis seeds.
Rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that supports women's hormonal health, skin conditions, and inflammation.
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