# Cold-Pressed Hemp Oil (Cannabis sativa) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cold-pressed-hemp-oil **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-29 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Seed Oils **Also Known As:** Cannabis sativa seed oil, Hemp seed oil, Cold-pressed hemp seed oil, Cannabis seed oil, Hemp oil, Industrial hemp seed oil, Cannabis sativa L. seed oil ## Overview Cold-pressed hemp oil is derived from Cannabis sativa seeds and contains polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). The oil provides essential fatty acids and tocopherols, though no clinical health benefits have been documented in human trials. ## Health Benefits • No clinical health benefits documented - search results provide no human clinical trials or RCTs • Contains polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids (composition data only) • Contains tocopherols with potential [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties (no clinical evidence provided) • Contains trace polyphenols and cannabinoids (composition data only, no therapeutic evidence) • Preserves natural compounds through cold-pressing method (extraction method benefit only) ## Mechanism of Action Cold-pressed hemp oil provides linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, which serve as precursors for inflammatory mediators including [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s and leukotrienes. The tocopherol content may contribute to [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by neutralizing free radicals and protecting cell membranes from lipid peroxidation. However, specific molecular pathways and therapeutic mechanisms remain unestablished in clinical research. ## Clinical Summary No human clinical trials or randomized controlled trials have documented health benefits of cold-pressed hemp oil supplementation. Available research focuses primarily on compositional analysis rather than therapeutic outcomes. The evidence base consists of laboratory studies examining fatty acid profiles and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) content. Clinical efficacy, optimal dosing, and therapeutic applications remain unestablished due to lack of human intervention studies. ## Nutritional Profile Cold-pressed hemp oil is nearly pure fat (~99-100% of calories from lipids), with approximately 120 calories and 13-14g total fat per tablespoon (13.6g). Fatty acid composition is well-characterized: linoleic acid (omega-6, LA) constitutes approximately 54-60% of total fatty acids (~7-8g/tbsp), alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3, ALA) approximately 15-25% (~2-3g/tbsp), yielding an omega-6:omega-3 ratio of approximately 2:1 to 3:1, considered nutritionally favorable. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, omega-6) is present at approximately 1-4% (~0.1-0.5g/tbsp), a relatively rare plant-sourced omega-6. Oleic acid (omega-9, monounsaturated) contributes approximately 9-16%. Saturated fats are low at approximately 5-7% (palmitic and stearic acids). Stearidonic acid (SDA, omega-3) is present in minor amounts (~0.5-2%). Tocopherols total approximately 80-90mg/100g, predominantly gamma-tocopherol (~70-80% of tocopherol fraction) with alpha-tocopherol comprising a smaller share; gamma-tocopherol has [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) but lower vitamin E bioactivity than alpha-tocopherol. Beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols are present at approximately 40-80mg/100g. Trace cannabinoids including CBD and THC precursors may be present at very low levels (<10 ppm) in cold-pressed oil; concentrations vary by processing and are nutritionally negligible. Chlorophyll pigments contribute the characteristic green color. Contains no fiber, no protein, negligible carbohydrates. No significant vitamins beyond tocopherols; vitamin K present at trace levels (~1-2mcg/tbsp). Bioavailability note: ALA conversion to EPA and DHA in humans is inefficient (<10-15%), limiting omega-3 bioavailability relative to marine sources; GLA is more directly bioavailable for eicosanoid synthesis than LA. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are reported in the available research for cold-pressed hemp seed oil. Studies only report extraction yields (30.98% for supercritical CO2, lower for cold-pressing) without specifying therapeutic dosing or standardization. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Cold-pressed hemp oil is generally considered safe as a food ingredient with no established contraindications. Potential allergic reactions may occur in individuals sensitive to Cannabis sativa seeds. Drug interactions are not well-documented due to limited clinical research. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established through clinical studies, warranting caution in these populations. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were found in the search results for cold-pressed hemp seed oil. Available research focuses exclusively on extraction methods and oil composition rather than clinical outcomes. No PubMed PMIDs are available for clinical studies on this specific ingredient. ## Historical & Cultural Context Search results contain no information about historical or traditional medicinal uses of cold-pressed hemp seed oil in any medical systems. The available research focuses solely on modern extraction methods and chemical composition. ## Synergistic Combinations No synergistic ingredients identified in available research ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between cold-pressed hemp oil and CBD oil? Cold-pressed hemp oil is extracted from Cannabis sativa seeds and contains primarily fatty acids with negligible cannabinoids. CBD oil is extracted from hemp flowers and leaves, containing significant concentrations of cannabidiol and other cannabinoids. ### How much omega-3 and omega-6 is in cold-pressed hemp oil? Cold-pressed hemp oil typically contains 15-25% alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and 50-70% linoleic acid (omega-6). The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is approximately 3:1, though exact percentages vary by processing and source. ### Can cold-pressed hemp oil cause a positive drug test? Cold-pressed hemp oil from seeds contains negligible THC levels and should not cause positive drug tests. However, cross-contamination during processing may introduce trace cannabinoids, so third-party testing verification is recommended. ### What is the recommended dosage for cold-pressed hemp oil? No standardized dosage exists due to lack of clinical trials establishing therapeutic benefits. When used as a dietary supplement, typical serving sizes range from 1-2 teaspoons daily, though optimal dosing remains unestablished. ### Does cold-pressed hemp oil need to be refrigerated? Cold-pressed hemp oil should be stored in a cool, dark place and refrigerated after opening to prevent rancidity of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Proper storage extends shelf life to 12-24 months when unopened. ### Is cold-pressed hemp oil safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? While cold-pressed hemp oil is a food product derived from hemp seeds with minimal THC content, there is limited safety data specifically for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before use during these periods, as they can assess individual circumstances and potential interactions with prenatal care. ### Does cold-pressed hemp oil interact with blood thinners or other medications? Cold-pressed hemp oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may have mild anticoagulant properties; individuals taking blood thinners like warfarin should consult their healthcare provider before supplementing. As with any supplement, it is important to inform your doctor of hemp oil use to rule out potential interactions with your current medications. ### What are the best food sources of omega-3 and omega-6 to compare against hemp oil supplementation? Cold-pressed hemp oil provides a 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, making it comparable to other plant-based sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, though these sources vary in total polyunsaturated fat content. Other alternatives include fatty fish (higher omega-3), algae supplements, and canola oil, each with different omega ratios and nutrient profiles to consider based on individual dietary needs. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*