As we head further into this new decade, there is one trend that seems like it is going to be pretty prevalent: the presence of cannabidiol (CBD) just about everywhere. If you have heard of CBD before, you have probably also seen it paired with another big word that gets broken down into an acronym, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). There are plenty of people who actively avoid THC and for some good reasons.
Let’s talk about what those reasons are and how to find types of CBD that are free of THC.
Let’s define CBD
If you are reading this article it is likely that you are already at least a little familiar with what CBD is. But in case you are completely new to this, we are going to go over the basics.
Cannabis plants, including hemp and marijuana, have a specific kind of chemical component known as cannabinoids. This is a diverse class of components , consisting of over 113 different ones. CBD is one of these cannabinoids.
It can be found in both hemp and marijuana. However, CBD and THC help define the differences between these two cannabis plants. Marijuana is bred to have high amounts of THC and low amounts of CBD. Hemp, as you may have guessed, is the opposite. It is bred to have low amounts of THC and high levels of CBD. As a result, most CBD manufacturers use hemp to extract the cannabinoid rather than hemp.
That difference between hemp and marijuana has also had a hand in the legalization of CBD products. In late 2018 hemp and hemp-derived products were officially legalized in the United States. Part of the reason for the legalization of hemp is that it has low levels of THC (the THC level is legally required to be less than 0.3%). Meanwhile, marijuana is still federally illegal due to its high THC concentration.
One really important fact about CBD that is always good to remember is that it is not psychoactive. That means it does not create the intoxication that is usually referred to as a “high.” The most that it may affect your mental state is that it may help you achieve a greater sense of calm. However, it should not have any negative impact on your cognitive abilities.
What about THC?
Now that we have spent some time going over CBD, let’s get into more detail about THC.
As you may have inferred from the above section, THC is a cannabinoid like CBD. However, they are still very different. Unlike CBD, THC is psychoactive. It does create a high. In fact, it is the cannabinoid that is responsible for the high that is so commonly associated with cannabis. These psychoactive properties are the reason why marijuana and THC are so tightly restricted.
Because of this lack of legality and the intoxication that comes with using THC, there are many people who want to avoid it. However, that does not mean that they do not want to use cannabis products. It also does not mean that they cannot use these products. But what options do they have?
What kind of CBD is THC free?
When CBD is extracted from hemp it is rarely alone. Usually other cannabinoids and components come out of the plant with the CBD, including THC. So, what kinds of CBD have THC and what kinds do not?
Full-spectrum
If you are looking to avoid THC, it is probably best to start with what kind of CBD you should try to avoid. Full-spectrum CBD has THC in it. As mentioned above, the THC level cannot be more than 0.3%, which is not enough to create a high in anyone. However, it may be enough to show up on a drug test. This kind of CBD also contains any of the other components and cannabinoids that may come with the CBD during the extraction.
Broad-spectrum
This strain of CBD is similar to full-spectrum, but if you are trying to stay away from CBD, you do not need to worry about broad-spectrum products. Like full-spectrum it has a majority of the cannabinoids and components that are extracted with the CBD. The one exception is that the THC is taken out of the extract. Broad-spectrum allows for a stronger effect, caused by the presence of the other cannabinoids, without the THC.
CBD isolate
It is likely that you have already guessed by the name what exactly CBD isolate is. It is CBD that has been completely isolated. There are no other components or cannabinoids in this extract. Everything, except the CBD, has been completely filtered out. This strain of CBD is often reported to not be as strong as the other strains. However, many also say that it provides a clearer, purer CBD experience.
How much CBD is too much?
This is a very prudent question to ask, as CBD does have some side effects that are usually associated with taking too much. They tend to be things like changes in appetite and gastrointestinal upset. While these side effects do not appear to be all that serious, they are still not fun to deal with and you probably will want to avoid them.
The best way to do that is by starting the amount you take small. Then, once you know how that amount sits with you, you can try taking a little bit more. This may take days or even weeks to figure out what exactly is the right amount for you. It is also important to remember that certain CBD products take longer than others to start working. For example, edibles take longer than tinctures. Allow for the appropriate amount of time to pass before upping the amount you take.
If you want to give CBD a try, but the possibility of THC being in the product has been holding you back, there is no need to worry about it. As long as you look for CBD products that are made with broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate, there should be no THC in them whatsoever. There are CBD products out there for just about everyone. Feel free to explore and find what is the best product for you. Learn more about pain management strains of CBD here.
