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THC-free CBD oils could include CBD isolates and broad-spectrum products, but isolates are the safest bet. These are our four favorites based on our most recent testing.
Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
If you’re new to cannabidiol (CBD), it can be difficult to wade through all the terminology.
Here’s the tl;dr:
CBD isolate products are made by isolating CBD from all the other plant compounds. They have the least risk of containing any THC. It’s currently the purest form of CBD you can find.
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products still contain other plant compounds like terpenes and other cannabinoids, including trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Broad-spectrum products contain fewer of these other compounds but are intended to be THC-free. THC often does not show up on lab test reports, but broad-spectrum products can include what’s referred to as “undetectable amounts” of THC.
Because CBD isolates are more likely to be truly THC-free, we’ve focused on isolate oils for this article. However, you could also explore broad-spectrum oils if you want a mostly THC-free product that contains other beneficial plant compounds. This includes very trace amounts of THC, but less so than what a full-spectrum product contains.
Let’s take a look at our favorite THC-free CBD oils.
We selected these THC-free CBD oils based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
any third-party certifications
the company’s reputation and business practices
any lab test results
marketing claims
We also had several Healthline editors take some of the oils for a spin so they could weigh in about how they stack up on taste and effectiveness.
CBD is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Research on CBD is still ongoing. But some studies show that it may have therapeutic potential for:
There are two types of THC-free CBD oil: isolate and broad-spectrum.
Isolate CBD oil contains only CBD. True isolate oil should contain zero THC or other cannabinoids besides CBD.
Broad-spectrum CBD oils also lack THC, but they may contain other cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG) or cannabinol (CBN). They may also contain cannabis compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that may have therapeutic benefits. Similarly, flavonoids, which are naturally found in all sorts of plants, may have therapeutic benefits.
THC-free oils are designed to be completely free of the cannabinoid THC. That makes them a good choice for anyone interested in exploring CBD without any exposure to THC.
It may also be a good option if you undergo drug testing, but keep in mind that even THC-free oils can contain trace amounts of THC. That’s why it’s important to check a product’s COA.
CBD isolate products, in particular, may be appealing if you dislike the earthy flavor of full- or broad-spectrum CBD.
Research on the benefits of THC-free CBD oils is limited. Here’s what we know so far.
An older 2015 animal study suggests that CBD isolate may offer health benefits, including minimizing pain and swelling, but not as effectively as a full-spectrum CBD product. Researchers also note that the isolate’s effects seemed to only be effective within a limited dose range, with no benefits at lower or higher doses.
People taking broad-spectrum CBD may benefit from the entourage effect. There’s research suggesting that the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids can help reduce anxiety, pain, inflammation, and other conditions.
While research suggests that CBD is generally considered safe, people may experience some side effects, including:
fatigue
diarrhea
changes in appetite
changes in weight
Before you try CBD, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional, especially if you’re taking any medications. CBD may interact with certain medications, including those with a grapefruit warning. Some research even suggests it may also interact with common OTC medications like ibuprofen.
Additionally, be careful if you’re ingesting CBD products along with high fat meals.
A 2020 study found that CBD blood concentrations dramatically increased when CBD was taken alongside high fat meals. This can increase the risk of side effects.
You’ll also want to avoid CBD if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant.
It’s possible.
Broad-spectrum products are marketed as free of THC, but the possibility of trace amounts of THC still remains. In rare instances, these products could still result in a positive drug test. Isolate CBD products do not contain any THC.
No. CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD oils don’t contain THC, which is the compound that causes a high.
In the rare instance that trace amounts of THC remain in isolate or broad-spectrum products, it shouldn’t be enough to make you feel high.
CBD isolate contains only CBD, with no other compounds from the hemp plant, including THC. True isolate oils are made with just CBD and a carrier oil.
Broad-spectrum CBD oils don’t have THC either. But they still retain other cannabinoids and compounds, such as terpenes and flavonoids.
No. Full-spectrum CBD contains all the compounds of the hemp plant, including up to .3% THC. If you want a THC-free CBD product, look for isolate products.
If you’re interested in trying THC-free CBD oil, look for an isolate or broad-spectrum product. There are lots of choices that vary by flavor, potency, and brand.
CBD oil may have the potential to alleviate pain and anxiety, but it may also cause side effects. Talk with a healthcare professional before trying CBD, especially if you’re taking any medications.
Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
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