The trendy supplement CBD gummies is nearly everywhere, so you may be wondering, “Do CBD gummies have THC?”
Yes, CBD gummies may contain very small amounts of THC (up to 0.3%), but cannabidiol (CBD) itself does not contain THC, as it is a distinct compound within the cannabis plant. You can find options with subtle amounts of THC (up to 0.3%) and some with no THC content at all.
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. THC is the psychoactive compound that produces a high.
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.
Do All CBD Gummies Have THC?
Not all hemp-derived CBD gummies have THC. You can find effective THC enhanced (0.3%) gummies through full spectrum variants, and then THC-Free options through isolate and broad spectrum variants.
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.
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?
If you are hoping for gummies with THC, Full spectrum CBD gummies may contain up to 0.3% THC and is your best bet, 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 to help pain, 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 THC gummies or 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.
We offer THC-free gummies that provide the full benefits of the hemp plant without the addition of THC.
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.
How much THC is there in CBD Gummies?
Full spectrum CBD gummies contain trace amounts of THC, up to 0.3% per gummy on a dried weight basis as allowed by the Farm Bill Act. The exact amount of THC in a bottle depends on the number of gummies and their size, but generally its always less than the 0.3% threshold.
For example, if a gummy contains 0.1% THC by weight, and each gummy weighs 3 grams, that would mean each gummy has approximately 3 mg of THC. For a 30-gummy bottle, this totals around 90 mg of THC. If each gummy contains the full 0.3% THC, it would be about 9 mg of THC per gummy, totaling 270 mg of THC in a 30-gummy bottle.
CBD Gummies with THC
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.
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.
