A significant concern for people when it comes to CBD, is the THC content in the products. People often ask, “Does CBD have THC?” Most people who take CBD purposefully choose it over THC for two reasons:
- They don’t want to get high
- THC isn’t legal where they live
There have been numerous reports of CBD products being sketchy, and even reports of people getting high after using CBD oil – which isn’t possible (unless there is a hidden THC content in it).
In today’s article, we explore whether or not there is THC in CBD items.
Does CBD Have THC?
CBD and THC are different cannabinoids, so no, CBD does not have THC in it. They are completely different chemicals.
That said, some CBD products have been mislabeled and can actually contain high amounts of THC in them. You have to be careful when purchasing CBD products. If you buy from a reputable dealer that has third party tested products, you’ll be safe from this happening to you.
Related read: CBD vs THC: What’s the Difference?
You see, cannabis has over 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids. CBD (cannabidiol) and delta-9-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two prominent compounds from cannabis. In the last few years, there has been much interest in the potential health benefits of cannabis, with the main focus being on those two compounds.
Numerous products have emerged containing both CBD and THC, and both help to alleviate conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, stress, and a range of other ailments. To better understand their benefits and side effects, it’s essential to understand their differences.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol is more often called CBD, which is the second most prevalent compound in cannabis. It can be extracted from either hemp or marijuana. Hemp-derived CBD will contain only trace amounts of THC (no more than 0.3% by law), whereas marijuana-derived CBD will naturally have more – way more.
Related: CBD for Sleep Disorders
What Is THC?
Delta-9-terahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is the primary psychoactive chemical in cannabis.
THC activates the brain’s reward system by signaling the brain to release the chemical dopamine. Dopamine is a monoamine neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in mood. This chemical compound triggers a higher-than-usual dopamine release that causes individuals to experience feelings of euphoria.
THC is released in more significant quantities by smoking marijuana, but it can be found in lesser amounts in capsules, oils, and edibles.
Is There THC in Hemp?
The hemp plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, the most significant being CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). However, CBD products cannot contain more than 0.3% THC by law. Full-spectrum may have a limited amount, broad-spectrum has close to 0.0%, and isolates contain no THC.
CBD can be derived from either hemp or marijuana, although it is usually extracted from hemp to avoid getting more considerable amounts of THC. CBD products made from marijuana naturally contain more THC than those coming from hemp, which may not be ideal for people who want to avoid that chemical.
The bottom line is, if you’re looking to avoid THC, buy hemp-derived CBD. It’s that simple.
How Does CBD Differ From THC?
Both CBD and THC affect the endocannabinoid system, thus affecting the body’s role in maintaining homeostasis.
Both chemical compounds have a structure similar to our body’s natural endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are endogenous cannabinoids that your body produces; they act as neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters play a vital role in relaying signals between nerve cells in the body, involved in various functions such as pain, appetite, sleep, mood, and the immune system.
While they both share similarities, there are some critical differences between the two:
THC
- Psychoactive, it produces a high
- Derived from marijuana
- Considered a controlled substance – not legal federally
CBD
- Non-intoxicating (it doesn’t produce a high)
- Generally derived from hemp
- Federally legal
Chemical Structure
CBD and THC are similar in structure. However, the molecules responsible for the differing effects they contain vary in how they are arranged.
By copying endocannabinoids, they join with the receptors to cause different effects on the body.
Potential Health Benefits Of THC And CBD
Research is ongoing on the potential health benefits of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids; however, there is evidence that these compounds may be beneficial for conditions including:
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel syndrome
- Pain
- Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
- Sleep issues
- Multiple sclerosis
- Mobility disorders
Related: CBD vs THC for Anxiety
CBD and THC may have similar effects on the body and are used to treat many of the same conditions. However, there are some differences. CBD mainly alleviates symptoms associated with:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Inflammation
- Seizures
- Migraines
- PTSD
THC may be used for numerous conditions, such as medical marijuana. It is helpful for ailments such as:
- Insomnia
- Glaucoma
- Nausea; may even help alleviate nausea due to cancer treatment
- Pain associated with arthritis, migraine headaches
- Poor appetite, such as poor appetite caused by cancer treatment
- Tremors
Discover: CBD for Sleep by New Phase Blends
Are There Side Effects Associated With THC And CBD?
CBD and THC are generally safe, resulting in few side effects. Nevertheless, some people experience unwanted side effects such as:
- Changes in appetite and mood
- Feelings of anxiety and other mood changes
- Nausea and dizziness
- Drowsiness
THC can leave behind some unpleasant side effects like dry mouth, memory loss, and increased heart rate. Marijuana can have both short and long-term side effects like altered judgement, short-term memory loss, and impaired coordination.
THC can alter how the orbitofrontal cortex and hippocampus operate. These areas in the brain are essential in the formation of new memories and the ability to focus our attention from one thing to the next. A person’s ability to learn, form new memories, and perform complex tasks may be affected.
Related: How Long Do CBD Edibles Stay in Your System?
Will CBD Cause Me to Fail a Drug Test?
Yes, CBD might cause you to fail a drug test.
You may test positive for THC, since trace amounts of THC are in some CBD products. Also, some poor quality urine tests will show a false positive for THC.
The Legalities Of CBD And THC
When selecting CBD or THC products, you must consider their legality. Although CBD is legal in most states in certain forms, CBD from hemp is federally legal in all 50 states. CBD products cannot have more than 0.3% THC in them, and marijuana-derived CBD, with high THC levels, is only legal in states that have legalized marijuana.
Discover: The Best CBD Gummies for Pain
All CBD oil sold by New Phase Blends is safe and considered THC-free ( it contains less than 0.3% THC).
Before Taking CBD Or THC
Keep in mind that CBD remains widely unregulated, and some companies will try to take advantage of people by selling fakes such as hemp seed oil under the guise of genuine CBD. You must ensure that you go with a reputable company selling legitimate products, before you take CBD.
New Phase Blends offers its customers only the best products that have been thoroughly tested, and contain less than 0.3% THC. At New Phase Blends, all products undergo rigorous testing to maintain high quality standards consistently. Their production facility even earned the highly coveted GMP certification; only a few CBD companies receive this certification.
Discover:Â The Best CBD Arthritis Cream
Summary – Does CBD Have THC in It?
No, CBD does not have THC in it. They are different compounds, and don’t come as one. Your CBD products will have a minute amount of THC in it (not enough to do anything) as long as you buy hemp-derived CBD. Marijuana-derived CBD will come with the chemical THC in it – and in large quantities. This is why marijuana is a controlled substance.
Related: CBD and Depression
Even though THC and CBD are in both hemp and marijuana and have the same chemical formula, they differ in how the atoms are arranged. These variations in the atoms affect our bodies differently. Both chemical compounds release neurotransmitters in the brain, including mood, sleep, memory, and pain.
References
National Institute of Health: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
Pub Chem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cannabidiol, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol
Research Report: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/how-does-marijuana-produce-its-effects
