When starting the journey into the great wide world of CBD products, one of the main questions that tends to pop up is, “How much THC is in CBD oil?” Every CBD consumer, whether new or experienced, will have different reasons for asking this question.
Some consumers prefer the inclusion of THC in their CBD products, while others would rather avoid THC altogether. To put it simply, the 2018 Farm Bill that federally decriminalized hemp dictates that CBD oil must legally contain 0.3% THC or less. With this in mind, this article will be shining a light on a few other areas to give you an in-depth understanding of the amount of THC in CBD oil.
Table of Contents
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is a compound from the hemp plant that belongs to a category of chemicals called “cannabinoids.” CBD is a naturally occurring substance that can be (and is often) used in edibles, vapes, capsules, and oils to impart a feeling of calm and relaxation to the consumer.
CBD’s more famous cousin is the primary active ingredient in marijuana, THC (clinically recognized as tetrahydrocannabinol). Unlike THC, cannabidiol (CBD) will not get you high because it is non-psychoactive and contains only trace amounts of THC.
Types of CBD Oil
Anyone interested in the world of cannabidiol will run into three primary types of products on their journey through the CBD market. While there are many hemp-derived products available (such as Rick Simpson oil or Delta-8 THC), the most common types of CBD products you’ll encounter are full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Keep reading below for more information on the most common types of CBD products.
Full Spectrum
Full spectrum CBD products contain a complete profile of beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. Responsibly made full spectrum CBD products will only contain up to 0.3% THC, which is nowhere near enough THC to get you high.
Broad Spectrum
Broad spectrum CBD is the middle ground between isolate and full spectrum products. It starts as a full spectrum oil, initially offering the full range of beneficial terpenes and cannabinoids. The manufacturer will then put it through a refinement process where all present THC compounds are removed. The end product is CBD oil free of THC that still retains its natural cannabinoids.
Isolate
Both isolate and broad spectrum formulations are fantastic options for individuals concerned about passing a drug test. Isolate refers to a type of CBD isolated from the other cannabinoids typically extracted from the cannabis plant. Isolate CBD products are unique because they only contain CBD molecules with no other terpenes or cannabinoids present.
What’s in Hemp?
Some cannabidiol formulations contain a trace amount of THC, and others don’t. Still, the vast majority of CBD products don’t leave you feeling groggy or intoxicated. So you may be asking, “What’s the difference between the different types of CBD products?”
Well, when it comes to the difference between products, it’s all about the entourage effect. Before we start explaining the entourage effect, we should first get a better look at some of the other various compounds extracted from the hemp plant.
A cannabinoid is any compound derived from the cannabis plant, and there are over 100 cannabinoids that we know of. Hemp contains low amounts of THC and high levels of CBD, which are both examples of cannabinoids. Each of hemp’s different compounds come with their unique benefits and effects on the human body.
Other compounds, known as flavonoids and terpenes, are also extracted from hemp plants. Flavonoids influence its color, while terpenes affect the plant’s smell and flavor. These terpenes and flavonoids are often repurposed and used in various CBD products, adding to the product’s flavor and other overall benefits.
How Much THC is in Hemp?
To compliant with the Farm Bill and federally legal, hemp must contain 0.3% THC or less. Marijuana, on the other hand, typically contains 5% – 30% THC. Due to its low THC content, hemp-derived CBD oil is non-psychoactive and lacks THC’s signature intoxicating effect known as a “high.”
What is the Entourage Effect?
When all of the cannabinoids in cannabis are ingested simultaneously, they work together to boost the overall effectiveness of the CBD product. This synergy is recognized as “the entourage effect” and it is strongest when CBD and THC work side by side.
Broad spectrum products are completely THC-free while still containing all of the plant’s other highly beneficial cannabinoids. As a result, broad spectrum products tend to offer a “partial entourage effect.” Full spectrum products contain just the right amount of THC to induce the full force of the entourage effect without exceeding the legal THC content (0.3%). Though, broad spectrum products are the best bet for most since many would rather avoid THC.
Isolate and broad spectrum products are a fantastic alternative for those who wish to avoid THC altogether. CBD isolate formulations are made up of 99.9% CBD, meaning they contain no other flavonoids, terpenes, or cannabinoids. While isolate products don’t have the strongest entourage effect, they still provide the full benefits of CBD.
What is THC?
THC (scientifically recognized as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) is a compound similar to CBD in that it is also extracted from the cannabis plant. Unlike CBD, though, THC is responsible for the psychoactive and intoxicating effects of marijuana.
Effects of THC
While there are both negative and positive effects of THC, your experience with THC generally depends on a few factors:
- The amount you take
- Your body’s reaction to the cannabinoid
- The quality of the ingredients
THC promotes calming and tranquil feelings when taken in trace amounts (0.3% or less) and combined with CBD. It supports the functionality of a natural system in our bodies that regulates functions in our bodies, such as digestion, mood, sleep, and skin health. Called the the endocannabinoid system (ECS), this vital system supports the internal balance within our bodies, otherwise known as homeostasis.
When combined with CBD and taken in small amounts, THC’s effects may include:
- Reduced skin irritation
- Decreased nervous tension
- Enhancement of mood
- Relief from physical discomfort
- Boost of appetite
Though THC was illegal in all parts of the country in past years, it is now being studied for its many potential medical uses. Ingesting more than the recommended 0.3% of THC may cause intoxicating effects and a “high.” Some of these effects may be:
- Altered sense of time
- Impaired memory
- Impaired body movement
- Shifting mood
How Much THC is in CBD Oil?
The THC content has to be low enough to preserve the CBD’s positive effects in CBD products, but it cannot be high enough to induce any negative effects, and thus the balancing act begins. This is why legitimate full spectrum CBD products should only ever contain up to 0.3% or less THC.
We consider 0.3% THC to be the “sweet spot” for THC/CBD balance, as it often results in the best possible cannabidiol experience. Broad spectrum CBD oil also offers CBD’s same wonderful benefits without any unwanted THC sneaking into your system. Although the entourage effect may not be as strong when it comes to broad spectrum products, fear not, it is still hard at work.
Final Thoughts – How Much THC is in CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a convenient and versatile method of cannabidiol consumption for many people. When shopping for CBD, consumers should always be on the lookout for THC levels of 0.3% or less, a Certificate of Analysis, and American-grown hemp.
Follow these simple guidelines and buy from trustworthy and reputable manufacturers. This will ensure the most legal, safe, and enjoyable CBD experience possible!
