Buying the best CBD products for your needs is a difficult journey if you’re unsure about what you’re doing, especially if you come across many technical terms that you don’t understand or you feel confused about the caveats of using the different kinds of CBD oils.
For the uninitiated, CBD products may seem like a scary venture because they often contain THC, which is the main psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant. Others may be unable to use it for one reason or another.
Fortunately, THC-free CBD oil exists, but can substitute CBD products with THC? That’s what we’ll discuss in this post, so stick around. And if you find yourself wanting to learn more about CBD products, check out our blog.
Understanding CBD and THC
First, let’s look at what the words CBD and THC mean so you can get a better understanding of this industry.
What Is CBD?
Cannabis contains more than 100 compounds called cannabinoids. These include cannabidiol, or CBD, which is one of the main elements of the plant.
However, this is not to say that CBD is harmful, as it’s not what causes the infamous high of marijuana. In fact, CBD can have benefits, such as the ability to promote relaxation and relieve anxiety symptoms.
What Is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s also the primary driver of the high people get from smoking weed.
Many options, even approved nonprescription CBD products, contain small amounts of THC, which may not be harmful to most consumers, but some people could do with avoiding it altogether.
CBD Products Explained
CBD products come in three primary forms: isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum CBD. Here are the differences between each:
What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the naturally occurring compounds of cannabis, including terpenes, flavonoids, and, of course, THC.
However, the THC content of this type is typically kept under 0.3%, which is the legal limit in most states.
But because all the compounds are present, full-spectrum CBD products are the best for the entourage effect, which happens when the various compounds in the hemp plant react together to create amplified health benefits, as scientific evidence shows.
What Is Broad-Spectrum CBD?
Broad-spectrum CBD products are pretty similar to their full-spectrum counterparts in most ways, but one crucial detail: the (almost) complete lack of THC.
We say almost because although the main point of broad-spectrum CBD is to be THC-free, it may still contain trace amounts of the compound.
However, these amounts are so negligible that they’re unlikely to have undesirable effects.
What Is CBD Isolate?
If you want to ensure you’re getting completely THC-free CBD oil, then look for CBD isolate.
A typical CBD isolate product will typically be 99-100% pure CBD, as all the other chemicals and compounds from the hemp extract are delicately filtered.
As such, a THC-free product could only be pure CBD isolate or a broad-spectrum product.
Why Would I Use THC-Free CBD Products?
Are there valid reasons why some people should opt for THC-free CBD oils? Yes, and here are the main ones:
For People With High Sensitivity to THC
Some people are sensitive to THC, and even small amounts can cause symptoms like an upset stomach due to digestion problems, respiratory issues, skin issues, problems with vision, or even migraines.
While most hemp-derived CBD products shouldn’t cause these issues as they only contain tiny amounts of THC, some people have hypersensitivity to the compound that could trigger adverse effects.
Avoiding the Side Effects of THC
Regular CBD oils and products that contain THC may cause you to feel super relaxed after taking them. And in some cases, this can even impair your concentration, making tasks like driving or even walking feel slightly off.
These side effects are quite faint, but if you want to avoid the possibility entirely, you could choose THC-free CBD options.
Passing a Drug Test
You may need to undergo drug testing for various reasons, such as applying for a job that requires it, playing in a highly organized sports event, or if the court orders it.
In that case, you’ll want to avoid any CBD product with THC as it may result in a positive drug test.
Even broad-spectrum CBD oils may contain tiny amounts of THC, so check their certificate of analysis before taking them.
Legal Considerations Surrounding THC Content
Depending on where you live, CBD oil may be illegal or only allowed under a certain THC content. So, if you want to enjoy the benefits of CBD without worrying about the potential legal headache, you could consider THC-free oils.
THC-Free CBD Oil: Pros and Cons
Before we finish, here’s a rundown of the benefits and potential drawbacks of choosing a THC-free CBD product:
Pros
- Doesn’t contain THC
- No risk of experiencing psychoactive effects (highness)
- Easier to take with other medications or oils
- It will let you pass drug tests
- No odor or flavor
Cons
- Weak or non-existent entourage effect
- The benefits could be much fainter
- It can be more expensive
Conclusion
Most companies produce CBD oil with less than 0.3% THC, which isn’t enough to experience any adverse side effects in most cases.
However, some people might want a completely THC-free CBD oil, such as broad-spectrum products, which contain the broad range of cannabinoids found in hemp extract but specifically made to exclude the psychoactive THC. However, these may still contain negligible amounts of THC that aren’t even noticeable in most cases.
So, if you want to avoid THC, your best bet is CBD isolate, which is almost THC-free. However, these tend to be more expensive as the filtration process is delicate and time-consuming, which reflects on the manufacturers’ costs.
If you’re in the market for premium CBD oil, shop here at Chariswell!