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Does CBD Oil Have THC in it?
Learn the facts from our pharmacist
When people want to try CBD oil, they may have a lot of questions about THC content. Thanks to the stigma the government placed on marijuana in the early 20th century, many people remain wary when it comes to THC exposure. So naturally people want to know: Does CBD oil contain THC?
The answer: Federally legal full spectrum CBD oil does in fact contain trace amounts of THC.1
But you may be surprised to learn how important THC is to get maximum benefits from CBD products!
What is THC?
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)2 is an intoxicating compound that causes the euphoric effect commonly associated with marijuana intoxication. It can cause mild hallucinations, and it can distort space and time.3 It’s been the fuel of the American counter-culture since before Woodstock.
Until just a couple of years ago, any amount of THC was 100 percent illegal under federal law. But the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, otherwise known as the Farm Bill, changed the legality of THC to not entirely illegal. This legislation changed the definition of "hemp" to mean any cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3 percent THC. As a result, hemp products with low THC content, like full spectrum CBD oil, are now legal at the federal level.4
Since the passage of this legislation, hemp-derived CBD products containing trace amounts of THC hit the market hard and fast. So fast that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to pass any regulations on hemp-derived CBD products. The CBD industry anticipated the FDA to issue regulations in 2019, but years later Americans are still waiting.
What is CBD?
THC and CBD are just two of nearly 150 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plants.5 Cannabidiol (CBD) is the main compound thought responsible for many of the potential health benefits cannabis plants may provide.6
Both CBD and THC are known to interact with the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, a network of cannabinoid receptors in the human body. The cannabinoid receptors in this system interact with these compounds to relay messages between cells to bring the systems of the body into balance, according to preliminary research. This may result in higher quality sleep cycles, an enhanced feeling of well-being, and an improvement on day-to-day aches and pains, according to anecdotal reports.7
CBD and THC interact with the ECS in different ways. THC more commonly affects CB1 receptors in the brain, hence the feelings of “getting high.”8 And CBD tends to bond with CB2 receptors elsewhere in the body. Because of this, CBD has many different potential applications9 and can be used in tinctures, capsules, edibles, and lotions.
Does CBD have THC?
Any legal CBD product labeled “full spectrum” will contain THC in trace amounts.13 There are also CBD products labeled “THC-free,” such as “broad spectrum,” and “CBD isolate.”14 Broad spectrum hemp products have the THC removed, leaving it with only CBD and a few minor cannabinoids. CBD isolate products contain just the single CBD compound by itself.15
However, these products are considered to have inferior efficacy when compared to full spectrum CBD products, according to anecdotal reports and preliminary research. The trace amounts of THC found in our CBD products is not enough to get you high.
Does CBD Oil Need THC to Be Effective?
Studies show that all cannabinoids work best when they are working together. The combined effect of all cannabinoids together is known as the “entourage effect.”16 A CBD oil that is labeled as “full spectrum” will have the full range of cannabinoids and provide the best results.17 So choosing to avoid THC could result in wasting money on an inferior product.
Can I Fail a Drug Test from CBD Oil?
Since CBD products are becoming more prevalent in mainstream wellness supplements, some companies have implemented CBD drug test guidelines. These suggest a cutoff amount where THC content can be admissible in negligible quantities.
There are new drug tests that can determine that the trace amounts of THC are low enough to be consistent with full spectrum CBD oil use. However, there are still lots of workplaces that do not yet have access to these more sophisticated drug tests. And there are those that don't care to update their policies regarding CBD use at all.
So the chances are high that you will get a positive drug test result because of CBD oil, regardless of if you try to avoid THC by using broad spectrum products or not. It is best to consult with your company’s HR department to determine if their drug tests can tell the difference between legal CBD use and illegal medical marijuana drug use. When talking to HR about using CBD oils or tinctures, always get their guidance in writing.
CBD Oil Side Effects
CBD can be taken safely in large doses without risk of overdose since it does not affect the circulatory or respiratory systems, and CBD oil doesn't have intoxicating effects.18 However, some people may experience negative side effects when they take too much CBD. Research also suggests that many CBD oil side effects could be the result of an interaction with prescription medications.19
Side effects from too much CBD oil include drowsiness or an upset stomach that could result in diarrhea.20 Negative side effects can also occur if you are allergic to medical cannabis. One of the most important things to note when taking CBD oil - there is zero risk of overdose from cannabis products, and most side effects can be avoided with careful use.
Is CBD Oil Legal?
Yes, CBD is legal under federal law so long as it has small amounts of THC, no more than 0.3 percent.21 However, cannabis laws are constantly evolving at a rapid pace at the state level. At least 36 states have legalized marijuana for medical use by registered patients with prescriptions. At least 11 states have legalized marijuana for recreational use.22 But there are some states that aren't even on board with CBD legalization.
It is best to check the cannabis laws for your state (and the state laws of places you may travel to) when seeking any cannabis plant derived CBD product. You also want to purchase from a reputable company that provides third party lab reports to prove the CBD content, and the THC content, of all their products.
How to Shop for CBD Oil
Family-owned Cornbread Hemp is the first CBD oil brand from Kentucky to offer USDA certified organic CBD oils. We are dedicated to providing high quality CBD oil made from Kentucky-grown USDA organic hemp flowers. This is different from many companies who don't choose organic or source their hemp from overseas, and from companies who use stems and leaves in their extract.
The supercritical CO2 extraction method that many companies employ can produce a harsh, bitter product. Cornbread Hemp chooses to use organic sugarcane ethanol to gently extract cannabinoids from organic hemp flower. This potent extract is mixed with organic MCT coconut oil for optimum bioavailability. As a result, their USDA certified organic CBD oils are smooth and taste great naturally - no need for additional flavors or sweeteners.
Third-party lab test results are available via scannable QR code leading to each CBD product's certificate of authenticity. The Kentucky laboratory they partner with does a thorough job of testing Cornbread Hemp CBD products for the presence of pesticides, residual solvents, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants. Lab test results also prove each product's potency, both for THC content and CBD content. All of Cornbread Hemp's products are full spectrum and guaranteed to less than 0.3 percent THC.
Conclusion: Does CBD Oil Contain THC?
So, does CBD oil contain THC? It depends. Federally legal full spectrum CBD oil contains no more than 0.3 percent THC.23 This a high enough percentage that you will reap the benefits when it comes to your rest, stress, and well-being. These trace amounts of THC in CBD oil are not enough to make anyone feel "high." However, even trace amounts of THC in CBD products may trigger a positive drug test result. For example, taking one to two of our CBD gummies everyday for a month is certainly enough to cause you to test positive!
You may think you need to avoid THC for whatever reason; maybe you still think you can pass drug tests with THC free products, or maybe you're still skeptical of THC use because of its years of legal turmoil. Just keep in mind that the full wellness properties of marijuana derived CBD products can only happen with all of the cannabinoids working together.
For the best results when using CBD oil, look for an organic full spectrum product from Cornbread Hemp. Their legal hemp oil CBD products have the widest range of cannabinoids, including small amounts of THC.
