Can CBD Have 0 THC In It?

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the second most common of the active ingredients of Cannabis, besides THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Cannabidiol is a fundamental element of medical marijuana, but it is also derived directly from the hemp plant. There is strong scientific evidence that suggests CBD is effective in combating anxiety, insomnia, and even epilepsy syndromes.

For those who are out of the loop or if you are unaware of how safe CBD products are, we will try to summarize what has been happening regarding CBD products and their changes. And we address the question, “Can CBD have 0 THC in it?”

The Farm Bill

The Farm Bill is a collection of legislation related to food and agriculture of the U.S. and it started in the 1930s. Its main goals were to establish an appropriate food supply, keeping fairness in food prices for farmers and consumers, as well as protect and sustain the natural resources of the country. 

In 2014, one of the Farm Bill’s objectives was the creation of research into hemp plants. Agricultural hemp was permitted on experimental basis only. That means farmers had to prove that the hemp was grown for research or educational purposes, or in agreement with the state’s probing program. Under state law, hemp plants should have less than 0.3% THC in their genetic makeup. If the percentage is higher than that, it is legally categorized as marijuana, a schedule 1 controlled substance.

However, in 2018, President Donald Trump signed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, declaring that commodity hemp production (trading) was federally legalized. Yet, the requirement of less than 0.3% THC still applies.

Hemp and Marijuana: The Difference

Hemp and marijuana are both derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Generally, marijuana is high in THC and low in CBD. On the other hand, hemp is high in CBD and low in THC. Due to this, hemp is the most sought-after source of extraction for CBD products. That is the reason why CBD oil doesn’t cause psychoactive effects. Basically, legally authorized hemp shouldn’t get you “high”.

Does CBD Oil Have THC?

Yes and no. THC is a natural component present in hemp. Upon extraction, THC, CBD, and other elements are present, such as phytocannabinoids. Some companies sell full-spectrum CBD oils, meaning CBD oils have all of the organic compounds found in hemp, including THC, up to 0.3%. It seems harmless, but depending on the quantity taken over a period of time, let’s say a month, it can be traced in drug tests, for instance.

Some companies go through purification processes, removing mainly THC, but also other phytocannabinoids from the formula. This way, it’s created broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolated products. 

Broad-spectrum CBD products may contain variations of CBD (minor cannabinoids) and low levels of terpenes (unsaturated hydrocarbons found in the essential oils of plants) but exclude THC. The major difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD is the compounds they consist of. 

CBD isolate products go further in the refining process and consist of pure cannabidiol. Recently, one CBD hemp oil company has developed a hemp oil product that is 100% THC free. After the oil extraction from hemp plants, manufacturers isolate CBD compounds. This process eliminates the THC and all other plant components, leaving pure CBD. 

Before You Try

If you are willing to try any CBD oil, first you need to ensure that the product has a Certificate of Analysis (COA), which is normally run by a third-party lab. The results should be publicly available. It will specify the percentage of CBD and its strength, if the products are free from harsh solvents and pesticides,  and also if THC is present. Check the products’ labels to ensure how much CBD is in the flask and how much is found in each dose. 

But be aware! Many brands use “THC-Free” on their products for marketing purposes, however, the concentration of THC is 0.3% or less, which consequently will still have small traces of THC in the composition.

Not all brands will have COAs, so you may want to stay away from these products as you don’t know what is exactly inside, their strength, or real benefits.