THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — it has a reputation. Known for its psychoactive effects responsible for the cannabis high, THC has been stigmatized and, in certain concentrations, is still not legal in many states.
But you see CBD products, especially trendy CBD gummies, nearly everywhere, so you may be wondering, “Do CBD gummies have THC?” The short answer is yes, but sometimes, no.
Cannabinol, or CBD, does not contain THC because they are distinct compounds within the cannabis plant. Just as a fruit salad might contain both apples and oranges, the cannabis plant contains multiple cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, each with its own structure and effects.
However, it’s the extraction process of cannabinoids from the cannabis plant can yield varying levels of various cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, CBC, and terpenes. For example, full spectrum CBD products can contain up to 0.3% THC from hemp plants.
This threshold is compliant with the Farm Bill 2018, which is why hemp-derived CBD products are legal. Isolate CBD extracts require further processing to strip away all other cannabis components, leaving behind a nearly pure CBD powder.
Now that we’ve briefly explained that some CBD gummies may have THC and some may not, let’s dive a little deeper to understand why some CBD gummies contain THC and why some don’t.
Do Hemp Gummies Have THC?
CBD gummies aren’t the only trendy hemp-derived product recently — there has also been a rise in hemp gummies.
Hemp gummies are different from CBD gummies and actually do not contain cannabinoids or THC. This means they may also lack the additional benefits that you can find with cannabinoids and THC which primarily interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating many physiological processes.
On the other hand, hemp gummies often contain hemp seed oil as the primary ingredient, which is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They can be enriched with vitamins and minerals but do not offer the same cannabinoid-related benefits as CBD.
The absence of cannabinoids in hemp gummies makes them more accessible and allows them to be sold on platforms like Amazon, which does not permit the sale of cannabinoid products. However, this has also led to a lot of confusion among shoppers.
Some sellers might market hemp gummies in a way that suggests they offer similar benefits to CBD gummies with a higher markup. This is why it’s so important for consumers to read product descriptions and third-party lab reports to differentiate between hemp gummies and CBD gummies.
Do All CBD Gummies Have THC?
As we briefly talked about, not all hemp-derived CBD products have THC.
The main active ingredient of CBD gummies is CBD extract, but as we mentioned, various cannabinoid extraction processes produce different qualities of hemp extract, which can lead to varying subtle effects with your CBD products.
So, what are these extract types we’re talking about?
1. Full Spectrum CBD
Full spectrum CBD gummies contain trace amounts of THC — up to 0.3% on a dried weight basis as permitted by the Farm Bill Act.
Full spectrum extract is the least processed of the three extract types we’ll discuss. It aims to maintain the natural hemp cannabinoid and terpene profile, which means you’re getting CBD, many other minor cannabinoids, and trace amounts of THC.
Most experts believe that full spectrum CBD unlocks and enhances the potential benefits and effects of CBD on the endocannabinoid system through the entourage effect. This theory suggests that complementing hemp compounds can support the effects of CBD on the body more than any one compound can achieve on its own.
This means that full spectrum CBD gummies tend to have stronger effects than CBD isolate gummies, which only contain CBD as the active ingredient.
One thing to keep in mind before purchasing full spectrum CBD gummies is that while the THC amount is low enough not to produce psychoactive effects, if you’re a frequent user, THC could build up in your system, leading to a positive drug test.
If this is something you’d like to avoid, you’re better off sticking with these two other options.
2. Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad spectrum CBD gummies are actually quite similar to full spectrum CBD products. They also contain various cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds. However, they undergo an additional filtration process that removes all traces of THC.
Broad spectrum CBD gummies can be a good option for those who want some of the benefits of a full spectrum CBD product, but may have an upcoming drug test, or maybe just don’t jive with the idea of consuming THC.
3. CBD Isolate
CBD isolate means that the product is made with pure CBD and lacks some of the additional benefits that other hemp-derived CBD products offer.
CBD, even on its own, still has potential benefits, so CBD isolate can be great for those who want to experience CBD without additional cannabinoids or terpenes.
And specifically, in connection with the topic of this article, CBD isolate gummies are free from THC. That means you’re safe for drug tests.
What Gummies have THC and CBD?
So maybe you were asking, “Do CBD gummies have THC?” because you were hoping that CBD gummies do, in fact, have THC in them.
Full spectrum CBD gummies may contain up to 0.3%, which doesn’t seem like a lot but can support the entourage effect.
Our full spectrum CBD gummies are a strong example of the beneficial relationship that can occur when combining CBD oil with THC [1]. People like to consume full spectrum gummies because of their reported health benefits [2]. Some people also gravitate toward gummies that contain both CBD and THC because even with the same dosage and duration as other gummy products, the effects of the combination may feel stronger.
With cannabinoid extraction becoming more sophisticated, it’s also now possible to have CBD hemp gummies with THC levels that produce mild to psychoactive effects while complying with the 0.3% threshold.
This category of CBD gummies has become popular in states where THC-focused products aren’t legalized yet.
And finally, you can purchase CBD with THC gummies at registered cannabis dispensaries. These are typically made with high-THC cannabis flowers, which are only legal in certain states and may require cannabis licenses.
The dosages of these gummies will be different than typical CBD gummies because of the higher THC content, and you will need to check your state laws to see if it is legal for you to purchase and consume these types of gummies.
What CBD Gummies Don’t Have THC?
Broad spectrum CBD gummies and CBD isolate gummies will be 100% THC-free, but it’s still important that you reference the product’s Certificate of Analysis (COA) conducted by an accredited third-party lab to make sure.
Consuming gummies with THC in them may not be the right move for you for a variety of reasons. Some people with anxiety may be more sensitive to the effects of THC, and others may have to avoid THC for employment reasons.
If you have to choose one of the two CBD gummy options, we recommend broad spectrum over isolate because it still maintains other non-psychoactive cannabinoids and terpenes for a more well-balanced effect profile.
We offer broad spectrum THC-free gummies that provide the full benefits of the hemp plant without the addition of THC.
Where Can You Find CBD Gummies with THC?
You can find hemp-derived CBD products with THC, like full spectrum CBD gummies, at health food stores these days, but the best place to purchase them is online through reputable manufacturers that can deliver fresh batches of products with third-party lab testing results at competitive prices.
If you’re looking for THC-forward gummies made from marijuana with CBD, you’ll need to follow the regulations under the Controlled Substances Act and purchase these at registered dispensaries where marijuana is legal.
It’s still important to make sure the product you are purchasing complies with local and state laws, as CBD and THC regulations can change.
Whenever we mention online retailers, we must be clear that we aren’t including some popular online shopping spaces. CBD gummies with THC cannot be sold on online retailers such as Amazon, so it’s important to stay away from their site when shopping for CBD gummies with THC.
We’ve harped on it a bit now, but just a reminder— although most CBD gummies contain THC in small amounts to adhere to federal law, drug tests may still be able to detect THC, so if this is a possible concern, then it may be best to steer clear of products with any THC.
The Takeaway: Do CBD Gummies Have THC?
As you can see, there’s not one easy answer to the question, “Do CBD gummies have THC in them?” Full spectrum CBD products do contain small amounts of delta-9 THC in them. Broad spectrum or CBD isolate CBD gummies are your THC-free options.
There are many potential health benefits to CBD gummies that contain THC. While the Food and Drug Administration has not currently approved any CBD product for the treatment of health conditions, recent studies have shown positive results that consuming CBD may positively benefit various aspects of our wellness [3].
The CBD industry has developed CBD gummies for consumers of all lifestyles to make the potential wellness benefits of CBD accessible to everyone. The psychoactive properties of THC can be intimidating, and even though CBD products with THC usually have small amounts of THC. They will not experience psychoactive effects. There are some people who want to avoid it altogether.
If you’re curious about trying CBD gummies, and you’re either really excited about the idea of added THC or completely against it, there are options for you.
References:
- Freeman, A. M., Petrilli, K., Lees, R., Hindocha, C., Mokrysz, C., Curran, H. V., ... & Freeman, T. P. (2019). How does cannabidiol (CBD) influence the acute effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in humans? A systematic review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 107, 696-712.
- Louis, B. W. S. Full Spectrum Cannabis-Benefits Beyond THC & CBD.
- Williams, C., & Nutbrown, D. L. (2021). A Review of Research into the Health Benefits of Cannabidiol (CBD). The Neighborhood Academy: Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
