CBD Oil: How Much THC is in it?

CBD is jam-packed with terpenes that produce captivating fragrances while providing a host of healing properties. The cannabis plant seems to be the missing puzzle piece to human physiology, with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) working hand in hand with the many phytocannabinoids produced by the plant.

Cannabis is known to produce hundreds of various cannabinoids, some of which are found in large quantities, while others are a lot rarer. CBD and THC are by far the most loved cannabinoids, with millions around the globe hankering after their healing and recreational properties.

These two phytocannabinoids are also the most scientifically understood cannabinoids, however, these two compounds are completely unique in nature. THC is revered for its intoxicating effects and is primarily found in high concentrations in medicinal and recreational marijuana. However, it is occasionally found in high concentrations in hemp too. The level of THC found in either the hemp or marijuana plant is one hundred percent dependent on the farmer.

In recent times, society has embraced a variety of cannabis products extracted from hemp. While hemp oil has long been accepted by the mainstream health scene, CBD is newer to the market and many curious customers are looking into the pros and cons. After CBD was declared legal, more and more have been scientifically revealed about the multi-healing cannabinoids of the compound.

So far it seems that its benefits are multiple, but there is still a lingering question that prevents many consumers from experiencing the healing properties.

The question, of course, is: “Is there THC in CBD oil?”

However, the answer to this question is not as simple as you may think, with various products containing different trace amounts of THC, and some containing none at all. While this might seem like a straight-up yes or no answer, what you need to bear in mind is that THC can sometimes enhance CBD’s healing effects.

What Categories of CBD Oils are Out There?

There are three main categories of CBD oil to choose from:

Isolates: Isolates are the purest form of CBD products, and contain absolutely zero THC.

Full-spectrum: Full-spectrum CBD is derived from the hemp plant and contains all of the cannabinoids – including THC. Although THC is present in full-spectrum CBD products, it must still legally contain less than 0.3 %, meaning that it will not cause intoxication and one can only benefit from all the cannabinoids which work together to produce what is known as the entourage effect.

Broad-spectrum: Broad-spectrum CBD offers the best of both worlds, as it contains absolutely no THC, but still includes all of the beneficial cannabinoids – some of which are missing in isolates. This means that with broad-spectrum you can still experience the entourage effect, but don’t have to worry about any trace amounts of THC.

Depending on which category you choose, you are likely to get different amounts of THC. If you would prefer not to consume THC, then it’s important to do your homework before purchasing a product and to read the packaging to see if any THC is included.

Hemp Oil and CBD Oil: What’s the Difference?

As the name suggests, hemp oil is sourced from the hemp plant – as is CBD oil. As they are both oils, this has caused widespread misunderstanding in consumers, and the oils are frequently mistaken for each other. The key difference between these two hemp-derived oils lies in the extraction technique and also the amount of THC in each.

CBD and hemp are actually sourced from different parts of the hemp plant – as the leaves and flowers contain different compounds to the seeds. Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds, and CBD oil is derived from the leaves and flowers. While there is hardly any CBD in the seeds, hemp oil still contains a host of beneficial compounds.

While hemp oil is extracted with a cold press mechanism that crushes the seeds until they release the oil, CBD is typically extracted using the CO2 extraction method. This technique separates the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant from the cannabinoid compounds, using the CO2 solvent.

Hemp oil has a number of uses that span a wide range of categories. From beauty products such as soaps and shampoos to paints, inks, and lubricants, hemp oil is incredibly versatile. It can even be used to cook with and is incredibly healthy due to its large quantities of omega 3 and 6. There are so many products made with hemp oil that it would be impossible to list them all, but it’s safe to say that oil is an amazing and useful substance.

CBD Oil and Drug Tests

Using both CBD and hemp oil can result in a failed drug test. This is because even trace amounts of THC are known to influence tests, so it is always possible when using a cannabis-related product that you may fail a test without even getting high. Even using CBD or hemp oil beauty products could influence a test from a negative to a positive, although this is unlikely.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, if there are more than 50mgs of THC per 1 ml, you will fail the drug test. However, if a CBD product has less than 0.3 percent THC, it is incredibly rare for this to influence a test. It is only if one consumes an excessive amount of CBD in a short amount of time that you might result in a positive drug test.

However, there are selected tests that are on the lookout for cannabinoids other than THC. This is quite unfair, because it is the only THC that would make a person high, and yet on these tests using CBD will certainly result in a positive drug test. There is an overlap between terpenes found in cannabis and terpenes found in other edible plants such as fruit, and any of this could in fact lead to a failed drug test.

CBD Oil: How To Avoid THC

The CBD market is pretty much unregulated, so it’s a good idea to know exactly where your CBD is coming from. There are many companies out there who will do anything for a profit, including selling you bogus or untested products! To avoid this, take a quick read of this checklist that will help you to avoid products high in THC:

• Prioritize buying CBD oil from reputable brands.
• Avoid CBD companies that make any type of medicinal claims without scientific proof. There are hardly any CBD oils and products that are FDA approved or even tested.
• Figure out which products have a low dose of CBD, the less CBD, the less THC. Bear in mind that some CBD products contain no THC.
• Opt in for CBD isolates and be sure to check the label so you don’t accidentally buy full or broad spectrum. Isolates are THC free.
• Double-check the packaging. It’s important to check whether the oil is sourced from hemp or marijuana.
• Always opt for CBD companies that offer third-party lab results. This guarantees the purity of the product and regulated CBD and THC percentage.
• Check where the product is manufactured because not all states have the same regulations when it comes to testing. Colorado and Oregon are good options when it comes to the USA.

You can also check out our dedicated guide to CBD oil without THC.

CBD Oil: What if I want THC?

In any state where recreational and medicinal cannabis has been legalized for purchase and consumption, it is probable that the CBD in that area may contain high levels of THC.

According to research, THC and CBD cannabinoids work hand in hand to enhance holistic benefits. This is known as the entourage effect, and many believe it is the most potent way to reap the healing properties of CBD oil. In other words, trace amounts of THC are thought to increase the overall healing powers of CBD in various health conditions.

That being said, high levels of THC will make you high and can even cause quite serious experiences of paranoia. If you are a novice to cannabis, these experiences can seem quite disturbing and are worth avoiding at all costs!

Seeing as the levels of THC differ dramatically between various CBD oils, it is a good idea to figure out what the right product is for you and your unique needs. To do this, consider factors such as the dosage, taste, budget, and THC content according to your preferences.

Do Different Countries have Different THC Levels?

Depending on the different laws in different countries, the THC content found in CBD products tends to vary widely. For example, when buying CBD in the US, according to federal law products cannot contain more than 0.3 percent THC. However, when buying CBD in Europe, the law states that products cannot contain more than 0.2 percent THC. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rules, and depending on the country of purchase you will need to be aware of them.

• Like the USA, in Luxembourg and Austria, you can find CBD products with a THC content of 0.3%.
• In France, you will only be able to purchase CBD isolate legally. According to French law, zero THC is allowed to be present in any CBD oil.
• In Switzerland, the THC content must be below 1%.
• In Lithuania and Slovakia CBD is illegal, no matter how low (or non-existent) the THC content.
  

THC: Does Dosage Affect It?

There is no one size fits all when it comes to dosing with CBD, and everyone responds to varying amounts differently. This is because a number of factors influence dosing, including a person’s size, the severity of their symptoms, their regular diet, and also genetics. For this reason, it can take a little experimentation to find the right dosage for you and your unique needs.

However, bear in mind that full-spectrum CBD or oils that are derived from marijuana, generally contain higher levels of THC. If recreational or medical cannabis is illegal in the state you wish to purchase from, then CBD with high levels of THC is illegal too.

Even in states where the substance is legal, it is still wise to err on the side of caution. This is due to the fact that there is no regulated limit on daily dosage, so it is best to start out with a light dose, and then work your way up week by week if necessary.

The Bottom Line

There is no straight answer when it comes to the question of whether there is THC in CBD oil. Different products contain varying levels of THC, with some offering no THC at all!

However, if you wish to avoid THC at all costs, and still experience the entourage effect, then broad-spectrum CBD offers the best of both worlds. It contains no THC, but still has the hundreds of cannabinoids that make up CBD and the entourage effect.