How Much THC Is in CBD Oil? Understanding CBD Products

Airi Macaluso

Airi Macaluso

Medical Hemp Expert, Hemp Wellness Consultant, and Long-Time Cannabinoid Writer

How Much THC Is in CBD Oil? Understanding CBD Products

CBD oil, a natural wellness gem, has been turning heads for its knack for supporting overall well-being and delivering holistic health benefits. 

With a variety of top-notch CBD goodies up for grabs, you should know what goes into the production of CBD oil and how it might differ in THC content.

CBD oil mainly comes from the hemp plant, a cannabis variety bred for higher CBD and lower THC levels. In this guide, we’ll spill the beans on the differences in THC content among CBD products so you can make a savvy choice about your CBD intake.

What Sets CBD and THC Apart?

The cannabis plant boasts two key compounds: cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Hemp and cannabis are often used synonymously, but hemp denotes cannabis plants bred for higher CBD and lower THC levels, while marijuana plants are grown for higher THC and lower CBD levels. 

The main distinction lies in their THC content, as THC is the psychoactive compound behind the “psychedelic” effects linked to marijuana use.

On the other hand, CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant, so it won’t get you “high” because it has much lower THC levels (less than 0.3 percent by dry weight). This meager THC content isn’t enough to induce intoxicating effects.

Although CBD oil is generally safe and non-psychoactive, it’s crucial to weigh the odds of flunking a drug test if you consume CBD products. Full spectrum CBD products do contain a small amount of THC that may accumulate within your body with regular use.

Most drug tests zero in on detecting THC, but some might test for CBD too. The likelihood of failing a drug test hinges on various factors, including the specific product’s THC content, your usage habits, and the test’s sensitivity. If you’re concerned that CBD use may affect the results of your drug test, just be honest before your test. CBD use is fairly common and completely legal. The person administering your drug test has likely encountered CBD use many times before.

Do All CBD Products Share the Same THC Levels?

The market is brimming with a variety of CBD products, each with its own unique medley of cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. There are three distinct types of CBD products available: full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. Grasping the differences between these products can help you make informed decisions about the best option for your needs and preferences.

Full spectrum CBD

Full spectrum CBD products pack in all the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of THC (<0.3%). These products are believed to deliver the highly sought-after “entourage effect.” Hold that thought as we’ll dive more into that shortly. 

The only potential hiccup is that since full spectrum products contain a smidge of THC, they might not be the best fit for those looking to sidestep any psychoactive effects or potential issues with drug tests.

Broad spectrum CBD

Broad spectrum CBD products also feature various cannabinoids and terpenes, but they’ve undergone extra processing to eliminate THC. These products still offer many of the perks tied to the entourage effect, but without the risk of psychoactive effects or failing a drug test due to THC.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate products are crafted by extracting only the cannabidiol compound from the cannabis plant, resulting in a product that’s 99% pure CBD. This type of CBD product contains no THC, making it a top choice for those wanting to dodge even trace amounts of THC.

So What Exactly Is the Entourage Effect?

The entourage effect is this super cool phenomenon where various compounds in cannabis products, like cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytonutrients, team up to boost the therapeutic benefits of CBD. It’s like a superhero squad of cannabis compounds, and when they join forces, they create a more significant impact than if they went solo.

As we mentioned even earlier, full spectrum CBD products have all the naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant, including that sneaky THC, and are thought to provide the entourage effect. These products offer a broader range of benefits compared to CBD isolates or hemp oil, which only have CBD. Medical marijuana and medical cannabis products also often contain a wider spectrum of cannabinoids, contributing to the entourage effect.

Are All These CBD Products Legal, Though?

Yes! Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD products with levels of THC less than 0.3% are A-OK under federal law. So, products like full spectrum CBD oil, topicals, drops, gummies, and even vaping products are in the clear in some states. You can even treat your fur baby to some CBD products! But keep in mind that state laws can be a bit more strict when it comes to CBD products and THC content.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates CBD products as supplements. While they’re still working on official guidelines for CBD product labeling and servings, their legality isn’t in question whatsoever on a federal level. 

As a savvy consumer, make sure to buy CBD products from reputable sources, like Veritas Farms, that provide third-party lab testing results so you know you’re getting the real deal.

And remember, THC’s psychoactive effects and potential side effects of cannabis use aren’t for everyone. Chat with a healthcare professional before adding CBD products to your wellness routine, and always double-check product labels and lab results to ensure you’re consuming the right THC content for your needs.

What Affects the THC Levels in CBD Products?

A few key factors can affect the THC levels in CBD products, such as the cannabis plant used (Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, or a hybrid), the extraction technique, and the manufacturing process. 

High-THC cannabis strains may yield products with higher THC levels, while hemp-derived goodies typically have lower THC amounts.

The Plant in the Spotlight

The two primary cannabis plants are Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Each boasts its unique cannabinoid profile, including THC and CBD. Hemp, a Cannabis sativa variety, is specially bred for higher CBD content and lower THC levels. By law, hemp-derived CBD products must have less than 0.3% THC.

When CBD comes from hemp plants, it usually has minimal THC, making it perfect for those dodging psychoactive effects or potential drug test complications. On the flip side, marijuana plants often have higher THC levels and lower CBD content. Currently, marijuana is considered a Schedule I controlled substance, making it illegal on a federal level. 

However, state laws can vary significantly, with some allowing for cannabis-derived edibles and tinctures.   

The Extraction Method

The extraction method matters since some techniques retain more THC in the final product than others. 

There are three main extraction methods:

      • CO2 extraction: This method uses pressurized carbon dioxide to snatch CBD from plant material. It’s the gold standard in CBD extraction due to its efficiency and ability to produce a clean, pure product with minimal THC.

      • Ethanol extraction: Here, ethanol acts as a solvent to extract CBD from plant material. Ethanol is food grade alcohol often used to make things like vanilla extract for baking This process can also create a high-quality product with low THC content but may leave behind some residual solvents.

      • Hydrocarbon extraction: This technique employs hydrocarbon solvents like butane or propane to extract CBD from plant material. It’s less popular because of potential residual solvent contamination and its inability to selectively extract compounds, which could result in higher THC content in the final product.

    The Manufacturing Process

    Finally, the manufacturing process, including extraction, filtration, and purification steps, can further tweak the THC content in CBD products. During manufacturing, it’s possible to refine the extracted CBD to remove or reduce THC content. 

    This can lead to products like CBD isolate, containing only CBD, or broad spectrum CBD, which has non-detectable THC levels and retains other beneficial compounds like terpenes and minor cannabinoids.

    However, the product’s labeling quality and accuracy, as well as third-party lab testing results, can also play a crucial role in determining the actual THC levels in a CBD product. So, consumers should stay alert to the possibility of mislabeling and inaccurate lab results when picking a product. It’s best to buy your hemp-derived products from places that obey very strict quality control guidelines

    How To Pick Your CBD Dream Team

    Choosing the right CBD product can feel overwhelming, but keep these factors in mind: first, decide if you’re a full spectrum, entourage effect fan, a THC-free broad spectrum lover, or a CBD isolate purist. Next, think about what you want to get out of your CBD experience and the desired effects, as some products might be better suited for specific purposes or conditions than others.

    If you’re not a fan of THC’s psychoactive effects or worried about drug test drama, go for a product with minimal or no THC content. For folks exploring the potential benefits of medical marijuana or medical cannabis, consult a healthcare professional or visit a dispensary for some expert advice. 

    And remember, always buy CBD products from trustworthy sources with transparent third-party lab testing results. Keep these factors in mind, and you’ll find your perfect CBD match in no time.

    Unlocking CBD’s Potential: Final Thoughts and Your Next Move

    To wrap it up, understanding the intricate dance between CBD and THC is vital for picking the right product to support your overall wellness. By considering factors like the entourage effect, extraction methods, and THC levels, you’ll make an informed decision that suits your unique needs. If you need more guidance, check out this helpful guide to answer any lingering questions.

    Ready to embrace the power of CBD and unlock its potential for whole-body wellness? Explore our selection and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Let the CBD adventure begin!

    Sources:

    Cannabis, a Complex Plant: Different Compounds and Different Effects on Individuals | NCBI Bookshelf

    Potency and Therapeutic THC and CBD Ratios: U.S. Cannabis Markets Overshoot | PMC

    Cannabidiol Primer for Healthcare Professionals | PMC

    FDA Concludes that Existing Regulatory Frameworks for Foods and Supplements are Not Appropriate for Cannabidiol | FDA

    Drug Fact Sheet: Marijuana/Cannabis | DEA

    Processing and Extraction Methods of Medicinal Cannabis: A Narrative Review | PMC

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