Full spectrum CBD is widely regarded as the best CBD oil extract due to its cannabinoid and terpene diversity, however, it's trace THC content (0.3%) might not be desirable to all users.
There are a number of reasons people may choose to opt for a THC-Free CBD oil, including:
- High sensitivity to trace amounts of THC
- Mandatory workplace THC-drug testing
- Residence in an area where the compound is restricted.
In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about CBD oils without THC to help you determine which one is best for you.
Does CBD Oil work without THC?
Yes, CBD does have benefits to the ECS on its own.
However, full spectrum CBD or whole plant extracts are largely considered the superior choice when it comes to using CBD therapeutically. This is due to a phenomenon in herbal medicine known as plant synergy or the entourage effect.
The cannabis plant produces over a hundred cannabinoids and terpenes that have potential health benefits.
In 1998, researchers posited that the ECS responded better to a diversity of cannabinoids, which is why botanical drugs (with a naturally occurring range of plant compounds) performed better than its isolated components [5].
Compounds in hemp work together to facilitate their actions in the body, similar to how a band with varying instruments enriches the overall sound performance than one instrument can perform on its own.
You'll find CBD products listed as either full spectrum/whole plant extracts or CBD isolates. However, there is a lesser-known extract type that provides some of the benefits of the entourage effect without any traces of CBD.
What exactly is CBD and THC?
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) belong to a class of organic chemicals called phytocannabinoids (phyto, meaning plant-based) found naturally in cannabis.
These compounds behave similarly to neurotransmitters our body produces called endocannabinoids (endo, meaning internal).
While researchers investigated how plant-based cannabinoids interacted with mammals, they discovered that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in multiple tasks that regulate homeostasis (balance), which is needed for our bodies to run optimally.
The ECS is an intricate system that uses cannabinoids as chemical messengers to maintain the balance of processes that help to support:
- Mood
- Response to discomfort
- Appetite and metabolism
- Sleep
- Healthy immune response
How much THC is in Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
Full spectrum CBD, otherwise known as whole-plant extracts, contain only trace amounts of THC — up to 0.3%.
Worrying about getting high from this minuscule amount of THC is similar to worrying about getting drunk from the trace amounts of alcohol in kombucha [4]. It's safe to say that it's unlikely that you'll get any of the intoxicating effects of a full spectrum CBD oil especially when you choose a trusted brand that creates a good ratio of THC and CBD in a tincture for optimal wellness benefits.
What's the difference between CBD and THC?
To get a better grasp of the difference between CBD and THC and why CBD won't get you high, it's important to touch on the interactions these two cannabinoids have on the endocannabinoid system.
The interactions of THC in the body
THC is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis and primarily attributed to recreational marijuana use. Due to the euphoric high THC produces, it's also illegal throughout most parts of the world. Although THC has shown significant benefits in therapeutic uses, the mind-altering high makes it largely undesirable for most users.
An overview of CBD's interaction with the ECS:
- Imagine receptors as locks and cannabinoids as keys that unlock a specific actions in the body.
- THC primarily targets the CB1 receptors found in the brain and central nervous system.
- Activating this receptor supports a normal inflammatory response while inducing a euphoric, psychoactive state [1].
The interactions of CBD in the body
CBD, on the other hand, doesn't have much of an affinity to binding to ECS receptors, so its actions differ from THC slightly. CBD behaves like a modulator by strengthening areas of weakness in the ECS. This compound works alongside the plant-based and body-made cannabinoids to facilitate its ability to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors.
An overview of CBD's interaction with the ECS:
- CBD facilitates the CB1 and CB2 receptors' ability to bind to cannabinoids
- CBD stimulates the body's production of endocannabinoids
- CBD slows the breakdown of the endocannabinoid, anandamide [2].
What's the difference between Hemp And Marijuana?
Cannabis has been used both recreationally and medicinally for centuries. In fact, hashish, a cannabis resin with high concentrations of THC, has been found in ancient Egyptian mummies [3].
While hemp and marijuana are technically both Cannabis sativa plants, they differ in their phytochemical (plant chemical) makeup and uses:
- Hemp: farmed for its uses in the biodiesel, textile, food, and the wellness industry because of its low THC content and many practical uses.
- Marijuana: contains high levels of THC that can produce psychoactive effects when inhaled or ingested. As such, it remains a controlled substance in most parts of the world.
What does THC Free mean?
THC free meaning CBD oil with zero traces of the psychoactive compound, THC.
Hemp contains up to 0.3% of THC by dried weight. During the extraction process, THC-free extracts undergo additional steps to remove any presence of THC.
The benefits of using CBD Oils without THC:
Stress-free THC drug testing
The most popular reason people choose a THC free CBD oil is to eliminate the chance of failing a drug test. While trace amounts of THC (even taken in regular large doses) won't get you high, THC can be stored in body fat.
It's possible that prolonged use of full spectrum CBD oils can lead to a build-up of metabolites in your system, which may be problematic if you're getting drug tested for marijuana use.
To avoid this situation altogether, you should stick to a CBD oil without THC.
Easy for those with THC Sensitivity
Although it's quite rare, there are people who experience adverse effects to THC, even in hemp-derived CBD oils. Opting for high-quality CBD oils with zero THC rather than a full spectrum oil may be the best option if you're sensitive to THC.
If you're taking CBD oil as part of therapeutic treatment, you should seek guidance from your health care practitioner, and ask about any possible drug interactions with THC.
Budget-friendly
CBD isolates begin as a whole plant extract and undergo further processing to remove all other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant esters to isolate CBD.
Because manufacturers don't have to worry about preserving sensitive cannabinoids and terpenes, they can process hemp on a larger scale to isolate CBD. The final product is a fine crystal that is often sold white-label in large quantities to brands looking to formulate CBD products.
However, though an Isolate CBD may be the most budget-friendly option, we strongly advise doing your homework as CBD isolates pose the risk of being over-processed.
Is Broad Spectrum CBD without THC?
You can think of Broad Spectrum CBD as a sort of a hybrid between full spectrum and CBD isolate products. It contains a range of cannabinoids and terpenes while guaranteeing the absence of THC.
Most broad spectrum CBD extracts are manufactured by isolating individual compounds and then recombining them into a proprietary blend to mimic a full spectrum extract's effects.
At Neurogan, our broad spectrum CBD is among the best because it starts out as a CO2-extracted full spectrum CBD extract before undergoing a distillation process that targets and removes THC.
Rather than impersonating a full spectrum extract by "Frankensteining" heavily stripped, low-quality compounds, we preserve the hemp plant's naturally-occurring phytochemical profile by only removing THC. You can extract all types of cannabinoids, such as CBG, CBN, CBDa, & more to use as a THC alternative without the high.
To show our commitment to delivering exceptional industry standards, we batch-test each product to ensure high-quality control standards remain consistent from the farming to bottling.
What to look for in a CBD Oil without THC Report:
If you're looking to purchase a quality THC-free broad spectrum CBD product, look for the following on the third party lab tests:
- Make sure the cannabinoid profile lists more than CBD, including CBG, CBDA, CBC, and more.
- The row that says THC, THCA, or THCV should either read 0 or ND (not detected).
When shopping for THC-free CBD oils, look for brands that provide third party lab testing to prove what they advertise matches its contents. These lab reports should be accessible on the company website and will provide an analysis of the cannabinoid profile, terpenes, and potential contaminants.
Unfortunately, the CBD industry is known for its lack of regulations when it comes to labeling and manufacturing hemp-based products.
We've encountered falsely labeled full spectrum oils that contained very few cannabinoids and terpenes, or even extracts that contained higher than the 0.3 THC limit.
When should I use THC-Free Broad Spectrum Extracts?
For most people, whole plant CBD oil is your best bet. They yield substantial effects, taste better (thanks to natural terpenes), and produce fewer side-effects. However, at Neurogan, we believe it's important to offer our customers a CBD oil option that avoids THC altogether, while still providing the holistic benefits hemp has to offer.
THC-Free Broad Spectrum CBD may be the option for you if:
- You need to pass a drug test that scans for THC
- You're highly sensitive to THC
- You live in an area that restricts any traces of THC
- Want to leverage the benefits of the entourage effect
Neurogan CBD oils without THC cost as much their full spectrum counterpart, so you don't need to consider price as another hurdle in your purchase. Both options yield exceptional effects and flavor profiles and have undergone strict quality control standards.
FAQ
What is the THC free meaning?
THC-Free means the product contains no detectable THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. It is non-intoxicating and suitable for individuals who want to avoid THC's effects.
What is the meaning of THC?
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It is responsible for the "high" or euphoric effects that people may experience when using marijuana or cannabis products.
What does CBD oil without THC do?
THC-free CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which regulates various physiological processes, contributing to its therapeutic properties without causing any psychoactive effects.
Is THC free same as CBD isolate?
No, THC-free and CBD isolate are not the same. THC-free products contain no detectable levels of THC, ensuring they are non-intoxicating. CBD isolate is a pure form of cannabidiol, free of all other cannabis compounds, including THC.
What is the best THC-free CBD oil?
THC-free CBD oil 12000mg offers the highest potency broad-spectrum CBD available in the market. It also features a rich blend of natural cannabinoids promoting profound relaxation and physical ease, allowing you to fully embrace the potential benefits of CBD without any traces of THC.
Does CBD work without THC?
Yes, CBD can work without THC. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that offers various potential benefits, such as relaxation, pain relief, and overall well-being, making it an effective option even when consumed without THC.
Is CBD oil with or without THC better for sleep?
CBD oil without THC is generally considered better for sleep, as THC can have stimulating effects that may disrupt sleep patterns. CBD promotes relaxation and may alleviate anxiety, potentially improving sleep quality. Opting for THC-free CBD oil ensures the calming benefits of CBD without the risk of unwanted psychoactive effects.
Is CBD effective without THC?
Yes, CBD can be effective without THC. It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to offer potential benefits such as relaxation, anxiety reduction, pain relief, and overall well-being, without any psychoactive effects. Many individuals prefer THC-free CBD products for a safe and effective wellness experience.
Resources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC58776...
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC33161...
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF011359...
- https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/09/health/kombucha-tea...
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls....
Disclaimer
The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.
