Do you know what’s in your CBD oil? According to info recently released by the FDA, they found that more than half of the CBD products they reviewed were inaccurately labelled, in many cases containing significantly more or less CBD than indicated on the packaging. So, how exactly do you know what you’re getting?
Cannabis products produce over 100 cannabinoids, but CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) often receive the most attention. CBD products have become widely available after the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived products in the United States, and due to the calming and balancing effects of CBD, it’s become a staple of wellness and self-care routines.
When many of us look to incorporate CBD into our lives—whether to help quiet an anxious mind, improve sleep, or manage pain—a common question is “so exactly how much THC is in CBD oil?” Many of us have different reasons for asking this question. While some are interested in the incorporation of THC in CBD oil, some may have other reasons for avoiding it. The short answer is CBD oils must contain less than 0.3% of THC to be considered federally legal, but the precise amount of THC present, if any at all, depends on the type of oil.
Let’s delve a little deeper into how much THC is in CBD oils, the three main types you’ll see out there, and how to determine what a high-quality product is.
How Much THC Is in CBD Oil?
While all federally legal CBD oil products must contain less than 0.3% THC, it’s important to know the three common types of CBD to determine what will provide you with the highest benefit. CBD products are available in three forms:
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Full-spectrum CBD
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Broad-Spectrum CBD
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CBD isolate
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD oils contain all compounds which naturally occur in the hemp plant they were extracted from. These oils will include other compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids which give the oil its unique scent and flavor and also provide greater benefits when utilized together.
When multiple cannabis compounds are integrated, the benefits and effects are enhanced. This phenomenon, called the entourage effect,suggests that when CBD, THC, other cannabinoids and terpenes are all taken together they become more effective and provide greater benefits than when taken alone.
While CBD oil is typically not intended to be a treatment for any diseases or disorders, it’s believed that synergistic interactions may be present between cannabinoids and terpenes. While more research is needed to fully understand this synergistic effect, many consider full-spectrum CBD to be much more effective.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Similar to full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum oils and products contain additional compounds found in the hemp plant, including terpenes and other cannabinoids. However, broad-spectrum is further refined to remove THC. Therefore, while broad-spectrum CBD products are less likely to contain THC, many question whether or not the entourage effect is as strong without the small amount of THC contained in full-spectrum CBD.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is exactly what the name implies—it’s pure, isolated CBD, meaning it doesn’t contain any other compounds from the cannabis plant, such as other cannabinoids, flavonoids or terpenes. It doesn’t contain any THC and is thought to be less effective due to no benefits provided from the entourage effect.
Considerations for Choosing a CBD Oil
It’s important to choose a product from a company that is transparent about their testing practices for THC levels because otherwise you may not know exactly how much is in your CBD oil—and not every CBD company does this. Always ask for a Certificate of Analysis to ensure you’re buying a product that does have less than 0.3% THC.
Certified third-party testing ensures purity and consistency of the product and tests for aspects such as cannabinoid potency, terpene potency, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, microbiological contaminants, and residual solvents.
There should never be more than 0.3% of THC in CBD oils to be considered federally legal. However, even with testing and low levels, some people will respond differently and possibly be more sensitive to how much THC is present just like with how caffeine affects different people differently. While there are plenty of CBD oils available from hundreds of CBD companies in the United States, not all CBD oils are created equal.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a CBD oil:
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Safety and Quality: CBD companies should include third-party testing for safety and quality.
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Extraction Method: The current industry standard is the CO2 extraction method, which uses pressurized carbon dioxide to extract CBD from the hemp plant.
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Ingredients: Always check that the CBD oil is clearly labeled and doesn’t contain added chemicals, fillers, or byproducts.
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Concentration: Opt for products with higher concentrations listed by per dose or per bottle. CBD oils with more than 60 MG per dose will provide the greatest benefit.
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Type: full- and broad-spectrum CBD oils offer the full range of health benefits.
Discover What Feals Can Do for You
At Feals, we believe you deserve a better way to feel better. Whether you’re new to CBD or looking to discover the benefits of full-spectrum CBD, we’re here to help you feel your best. Our CBD oils contain only full-spectrum hemp and USDA-certified organic MCT oil and nothing else. Quality and safety are two of our core values—we complete rigorous internal testing in addition to third-party testing to ensure THC levels are less than 0.3%. We’re dedicated to providing you with the purest, highest-quality product available.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
