How Much THC Is On CBD Oil

Following the legalization of cannabis in Canada, hemp and other cannabis derivatives can be found on the market but sometimes it is hard to understand the packaging and what concentration of CBD to THC can be found in the product. This article will help break down the basics of THC and CBD and what to look for when identifying whether your CBD product has a THC content.

Firstly, what is a cannabinoid you ask?

Cannabinoids are any of the over 120 active molecules that are naturally occurring chemicals that can be found in the hemp and cannabis plants. Cannabinoids have a benefit in the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating physiological functions such as sleep, inflammatory responses, pain control, cognition, and memory. The two most popular cannabinoids that can be found on the market and have the most scientific evidence to support their benefits are THC and CBD.

The reason that these cannabinoids are the most frequently talked about becomes they have the highest composition in the hemp and cannabis plant compared to minor cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, and CBC. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid that has psychoactive effects and is responsible for initiating the “high” feeling experienced with consuming cannabis products. Cannabidiol (CBD) on the other hand, is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid that has been known for its analgesic (pain relief) and anti-inflammatory properties.

THC Content in Cannabis derived products v. hemp-derived

The amount of THC found in a CBD product will depend on where the CBD is derived from – the cannabis or hemp plant. Both plants are two different varieties of the cannabis Sativa species. What makes them different is the content of THC and CBD found in each species. Cannabis plants contain high levels of THC and low levels of CBD while hemp plants contain low levels of THC but high levels of CBD.

For a cannabis plant to be identified as a hemp plant, there must be below 0.3% THC found in the plant. It is also important to understand the growth factors of cannabis plants. If the cannabis plant has been bred to have high levels of THC, then it is evident that the CBD content will be drastically lower. Therefore, it is highly recommended that if you are looking for a product with high levels of CBD, your best bet is to look for a CBD product that is hemp derived.

So how much THC is in your hemp-derived CBD oil?

The amount of THC will depend on a wide range of factors, and these can include genetics and the type of extraction process the hemp plant has gone through. Genetics plays an important role in determining the content of THC in a CBD product. As mentioned before, if the plant is bred for THC, then you may not find as much CBD content as anticipated.

When working with the hemp plant, there are different varieties of CBD that can be the result of an extraction method. We know that there can only be 0.3% or less THC in the hemp plant which gives an initial understanding that there is little to no THC in your CBD product. Let’s look at the different varieties of CBD to understand where you will find that little content of THC:

CBD Isolate – CBD isolate has gone through something called a ‘winterization’ process in which only the stalks of the hemp plant are used to achieve a pure crystalline substance that contains strictly the cannabinoid CBD. The winterization process ‘isolates’ CBD from the remainder of the cannabinoids in the plant to eliminate THC from the biomass. When products are made with CBD isolate, you know for sure that CBD oil contains virtually no THC.

Broad Spectrum CBD – Broad spectrum CBD is a distillate instead of a crystalline substance because of the different extraction phases it undergoes. In this case, the stalks and leaves are used during extraction and the result is a sticky substance that will primarily have a high CBD content with other minor cannabinoids detected. Broad spectrum CBD tends to have little to no traces of THC but will have a blend of minor cannabinoids that are detectable and beneficial.

Full Spectrum CBD – is the least refined version of CBD and is normally extracted from the entire hemp plant. This too is a distillate and has a stinky composition, but the beauty of full spectrum CBD is that you can enjoy the hemp plant’s benefits in all its glory. Because CBD is extracted from the entire hemp plant, you will find traces of THC that are below the legal threshold (0.3%), CBD, other cannabinoids, a terpene profile, and other minerals that the hemp plant has to offer. Using a full spectrum of CBD will not get you high because of the variety of cannabinoids working together which balance out the psychoactive effects that THC carries.

Choosing what CBD oil is right for me

Always do your research to find a reputable source for your CBD products. One of the most important pieces of documentation to look for is a certificate of analysis (COA). The COA is a scientific document that breaks down the composition of the CBD product. A COA will help you decipher the content of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids that can be found in CBD products. Choosing what CBD product is right for you depends on your level of comfort and the purpose of its use. If you feel more confident in using a product without traces of THC then a CBD isolate product could be better for you. If you would like a touch of THC in your product and experience using a variety of cannabinoids altogether, then consider using a broad spectrum or full spectrum CBD.

Check out cbd2go.co for a variety of all-natural CBD products ranging from CBD isolate to full-spectrum CBD to find what product is best for you!