What is THC-Free CBD?
In the CBD world, there are a lot of terms to learn. One of the most common (and important) is “THC-free CBD”. Oil tinctures with that label are of a special class that many users prefer. But why is that, and is THC-free CBD oil the right choice for you?
In this article, we cover the different types of THC-free CBD, how they differ from each other and from non-THC-free products, and give a few tips on how to make the best choice for your particular needs.
So without further ado, let’s dive into this important topic!
CBD and Other Cannabinoids
Cannabidiol, or “CBD”, is one of over a hundred natural compounds, called cannabinoids, that appear in the hemp plant.
But hemp isn’t the only source of cannabinoids! In fact, humans and other animals produce their own cannabinoids, which work with their endocannabinoid systems to regulate and maintain many vital bodily functions!
When ingested, CBD and other hemp cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Different cannabinoids have different effects on the body, and some are better suited for particular purposes than others.
Hemp Cannabinoids and the Entourage Effect
When taken together with CBD, other hemp cannabinoids can synergize, working together to create a result that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
This potential is known in the CBD community as the “entourage effect”. What’s more, many experienced CBD users believe that the entourage effect is the key to unlocking all of CBD’s therapeutic potential!
Different blends of cannabinoids can create different therapeutic effects, increase the potency of CBD’s effects, or round-out the experience and make it a bit more pleasant. It all comes down to the particular cannabinoids in question!
THC-free CBD oil harnesses the power of CBD and, often, many other hemp cannabinoids. But as the name suggests, one hemp cannabinoid is deliberately left out of the mix: THC.
What is THC?
THC is perhaps the most famous (or infamous) of CBD’s cannabinoid cousins.
That’s because THC is responsible for the “high” that users experience after using marijuana, a cousin of hemp.
But THC isn’t just for recreation. In fact, THC has many medical applications, some of which may even complement CBD’s own, as explained in the “Entourage Effect” above!
But, even if your CBD oil contains THC, it won’t get you high! At least, not if your CBD product is sold from a reputable vendor whose products follow the 2018 Farm Bill.
Even full spectrum CBD oils, which contain trace amounts of THC, will not cause any sort of high or mental impairment. That’s because legal CBD oils are made from hemp, which contains far too little THC to cause inebriation.
Nonetheless, these trace amounts of THC can benefit the entourage effect. Many experienced users, or those with the most acute symptoms, swear by full spectrum CBD oil as the best option for their needs.
But that’s far from the consensus.
THC-Free CBD Oil, Is It Right For You?
Although many users swear by full spectrum oils and the trace amounts of THC they contain, many users opt for a completely THC-free CBD oil experience.
The reasons for this are varied, but the most common include:
- A heightened sensitivity to even trace amounts of THC
- Treatment needs that are not benefited by THC
- Fear that even trace amounts of THC will cause them to fail a workplace drug test or similar evaluation (though legal CBD products will not cause drug test failures, even if users take full spectrum oils)
- Disliking the entourage effect or finding it is unnecessary for one’s treatment needs (users of this sort are best served by CBD isolate products; more on that below)
Regardless of the individual user’s reasons for using THC-free CBD oil, you’ll find a wealth of THC-free CBD products that cater to any user’s needs.
The Two Types of THC-Free CBD Oil Extracts
Not all THC-free CBD is created equal! Users should be aware of two different types of CBD extracts, both of which fall under the “THC-free” label: broad spectrum CBD and CBD isolate.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad spectrum CBD is essentially identical to full spectrum CBD, with one exception: all trace amounts of THC have been carefully removed!
However, broad spectrum CBD oils still contain all of hemp’s other natural cannabinoids and terpenes. Because of this, they will contribute to the entourage effect.
You can find all manners of broad spectrum CBD products, from oils to gummies to dog treats even.
Broad spectrum CBD is the preferred THC-free CBD oil for most users. If you want to experiment with THC-free CBD oil, we recommend that you start with a broad spectrum option, as they tend to have the most community support and backing by clinical studies.
CBD Isolate Oil
CBD isolate oil products are made from only one part of the hemp plant: pure CBD.
This type of THC-free CBD oil will not contribute to the entourage effect! As such, its therapeutic uses are somewhat more limited than full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD products.
However, that’s not to say that CBD isolate products are of inferior quality. For many users’ needs, CBD isolate products may be an ideal tool for managing symptoms. It’s all a matter of individual need and preference, and only first-hand experience can determine whether CBD isolate products are the right THC-free CBD oil choice for you!
THC-Free CBD Oil, in Closing: the Right Choice?
THC-free CBD oil products come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re a fan of CBD tinctures, edibles, vapes, drinks, or what have you, you’ll find a wealth of THC-free CBD products that fit the bill!
But is it the right choice for you? Ultimately, only first-hand experience will determine whether THC-free CBD addresses all of your symptoms. But if you looked over the bullet points above and saw yourself there, odds are that it’s worth a try!
When taking your first foray into THC-free CBD oil, be sure to consider whether you’d prefer a broad spectrum or CBD isolate based product. While most users end up choosing broad spectrum for its entourage effect, you might just be surprised by how well a CBD isolate works for you!
