Can CBD Really be 100% THC Free? Benefits of 100% THC Free CBD

If you’re reading this article, you are probably already at least a little familiar with CBD and it’s apparent benefits. You likely have read personal stories on the internet that discuss CBD’s popularity and apparent ability to help people deal with a slew of physical or emotional challenges. And you may know that there are multiple studies that demonstrate that CBD may have real potential to help people.

However, what you may not be aware of is the different types of CBD out there. For example, some CBD has THC, while other brands do not. What exactly does that mean, and how will that affect your CBD experience?

Read on for the answers to those questions!

Different Types of CBD

All CBD ultimately comes from the cannabis plant. Remember, CBD itself is actually similar to THC in that both are types of cannabinoids.

Whether or not THC is in the CBD oil that you have ultimates comes down to the method by which the CBD is processed. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD must contain no more than .3% THC in order to be legally purchased and consumed in the United States. It’s important to note that the THC levels found in CBD are well short of what is typically found in marijuana today. As such, consuming any legally produced CBD that contains THC will not result in any sort of intoxication.

Whether or not there is any THC in CBD is ultimately determined by how the CBD is processed. CBD can be processed in a way that removes all THC or limits it to the legally required .3% levels.

If a CBD product has THC (in addition to its natural chemicals, flavonoids, and terpenes), it is referred to as a Full Spectrum. If all THC has been removed by other products remain, it is called Broad Spectrum.

The Debate Over the Entourage Effect

The reason that some CBD users prefer Full Spectrum CBD is because of the so-called Entourage Effect. This is an interesting debate within the CBD community. Believers in the Entourage Effect essentially argue that CBD is only good when it has all of its naturally occurring components, including CBD. Essentially, they argue that Full Spectrum CBD is the CBD embodiment of the phrase, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Scientific evidence for the effectiveness of the Entourage Effect is decidedly mixed. On one hand, some studies have found that the Entourage Effect does provide users with a more positive CBD experience. However, that’s not a conclusive perspective. Other studies have found that users experience no difference when taking Full or Broad Spectrum CBD.

More research is needed in order to prove whether or not the Entourage Effect truly does make a difference for users.

Benefits of 100% THC-Free CBD

Since there is considerable debate about whether or not the Entourage Effect is real, it’s important to examine the specific benefits of taking THC-free CBD.

• No risks of drug test failures: Generally speaking, even if you consume Full Spectrum CBD, the amount of THC in the product is so low that it makes it extremely unlikely that you could fail a drug test. However, while it is unlikely, it is still possible. This depends on a variety of factors. It includes your metabolism, the strength of the CBD you consume, the sensitivity of the drug test and more. For individuals who hold certain jobs that require regular drug testing, this could have devastating professional or legal results. As such, if you consume Broad Spectrum CBD, you remove any risk of failing a drug test.
• Potential for fewer side effects: THC use unquestionably comes with numerous side effects, including reduced concentration and drowsiness. CBD also has similar side effects. To reiterate, the THC levels found in legally produced CBD are nowhere near the levels necessary to result in intoxication. However, it is a possibility that THC-free CBD will have fewer side effects. And it may result in a more pleasant CBD experience.
• Less pungent smell: As anyone who has ever used marijuana or CBD knows, the product can have a very noticeable smell. This aroma comes from CBD’s natural terpenes and flavonoids, and that does include THC. Some users have reported that Broad Spectrum CBD contains a less noticeable odor. Depending on your personal preferences – and the preferences of those around you – using THC free CBD may be a real benefit in that regard!

Getting more than you bargained for

• Easier for first-time users: At the end of the day, some people are still uncomfortable with the thought of using any sort of THC, given the fact that it is a psychoactive chemical. As such, THC-free CBD offers all of the benefits of CBD, but without any of the THC components.
• Reduced legal questions: Again, CBD – including that with up to .3% THC – was legalized at the federal level in the United States with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. However, some local governments and at least three states in the United States still have relatively harsh or confusing CBD regulations. Consuming THC-free CBD may remove some of the legal questions surrounding this type of CBD.
• No worries about THC sensitivity: Some people have allergies or other bad reactions when consuming THC. These individuals can have an extremely negative experience if they do consume THC. As such, using Broad Spectrum CBD certainly makes more sense.

One Final CBD Warning

While there is no shortage of ways to purchase CBD, there are far too many CBD sellers out there who just want to make a quick buck. That may mean that they don’t properly label their products or engage in industry-accepted manufacturing procedures in order to filter out the THC. In 2017, the University of Pennsylvania conducted a study in which they tested 81 CBD products. Astonishingly, nearly 70% of the products tested were mislabeled for a variety of ingredients, including THC.

This is why you should only purchase CBD from reputable vendors who make a Certificate of Analysis available. This Certificate is produced by an independent, third-party who will conduct lab tests on the CBD batch in question and confirm its ingredients. If a product is truly THC-free, it should have “ND” (or none detected/non-detect) under THC.

Is THC-free CBD Worth It?

Ultimately, whether or not you use THC-free CBD comes down to personal preference. The best thing you can do is try CBD which contains THC and products that do not. From there, track your experiences, and determine what’s right for you.

The research on THC in CBD is still unclear, so the decision about what kind of CBD to consume ultimately comes down to personal experience. Many individuals prefer one brand over the other, but there is no question that you can get a positive CBD experience by having THC-free CBD.