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Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in the Cannabis sativa plant that some people prefer to avoid. THC-free cannabidiol (CBD) oils are available, and we review some of the best available options here.
When making CBD oil, manufacturers can isolate CBD from other cannabinoids and mix it with oil. By doing this, they can produce CBD oil that does not contain THC.
This article describes CBD oil and its effects and also lists THC-free CBD oils that people may wish to try.
There are two types of THC-free CBD oil: CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD.
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD oil. These products do not contain any other cannabinoids aside from CBD.
Broad-spectrum CBD, on the other hand, will typically contain all cannabinoids apart from THC.
While THC-free products exist, there is always a risk that they may contain trace amounts of THC. It is possible, though rare, that this may result in a positive drug test. People who undergo drug testing may wish to avoid these products altogether.
CBD resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
Why use CBD?
Research states that CBD is effective for various health conditions despite the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only approving one prescription product for rare forms of epilepsy.
According to
- anxiety
- sleep problems
- stress
- general health and well-being
The researchers of an animal study from 2020 concluded that CBD oil may be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other related psychotic disorders. However, they also say that further research is necessary.
CBD may also help to improve sleep quality, reduce sleep disturbances, and decrease the amount of time it takes to fall asleep.
Learn more about CBD and sleep.
Who should use THC-free CBD?
THC-free CBD may be more suitable than other forms of CBD for certain people.
THC-free CBD is more unlikely to appear on drug tests as it contains no THC. THC is the compound in CBD that causes euphoria and shows up on most drug tests.
Additionally, THC-free CBD products often have less CBD per dose than broad or full-spectrum CBD products. A lower dose may be more beneficial for people just starting to use CBD products, as they can begin with smaller amounts of CBD and increase as necessary.
However, a person should discuss CBD products with a healthcare professional. A qualified healthcare professional can advise people if the product is likely to interact with any medication and inform them about potential risks.
The following table compares the THC-free oils in this article.
| Price | CBD strength per serving | Active ingredients | COA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extract Labs | $69.99 | 66 mg | hemp extract isolate, MCT coconut oil | available online |
| MedTerra | from $39.99 | from 16 mg | MCT coconut oil and CBD | available online |
| Joy Organics | from $44.95 | from 15 mg | organic extra-virgin olive oil and hemp extract | available online |
| Lazarus Naturals | from $34.99 | 25 mg | MCT coconut oil, CBD, and natural flavors | available online |
| CBDistillery | $65 | 33 mg | MCT coconut oil and CBD | available online |
| Bluebird Botanicals | $49.95 | 25 mg | MCT coconut oil and CBD | available online |
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
Read more about how we vet products and brands.
A person may wish to consider the advantages and disadvantages of THC-free CBD oil.
Pros
- No high: THC is the compound in cannabis that produces euphoria or a high. Even though THC levels in CBD are often 0.3% or less,
some users still report feeling high . THC-free products should eliminate such reactions. - Drug testing: CBD isolates are less likely to contain traces of THC that may appear on a drug test.
- Process of elimination: While using THC-free CBD products, a person can determine whether the CBD alone suits their needs, as they do not contain any other active ingredients.
Cons
- No entourage effect: THC and CBD are just two of the many compounds found in cannabis. The term
entourage effect describes the way interactions between these compounds enhance the health benefits of CBD. THC-free CBD oils come from CBD isolates, which means they cannot provide users with the potential benefits of other compounds. A lack of entourage effect may also lead to people taking higher doses to achieve the desired effect, but this could cause adverse reactions. - Lack of scientific evidence: Proponents of CBD claim that it can treat many health conditions. However, according to the
FDA , more scientific research must verify these claims.
People need to consider their CBD tolerance to find a THC-free CBD oil that meets their needs. Those just starting to use CBD might prefer a product with a lower dosage.
People need to only purchase CBD products with a COA from an independent third party. A COA determines that the ingredients in the product are what the manufacturer claims and checks that there are no impurities.
Learn more about buying CBD products.
The body of research specifically exploring CBD oil is still small. However, scientific research on the effects of CBD can suggest what potential benefits the oil might offer.
Research looking at CBD has found that it might have the following benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory:
Research indicates that CBD may help to alleviate inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. - Reducing anxiety: CBD may help
decrease symptoms of anxiety. - Sleeping: A 2019 review states that CBD may improve sleep quality and reduce sleep disturbances. However, the researchers highlight the need for further studies due to small sample sizes and these findings being the secondary outcome.
- Reducing acne: CBD may help
maintain a normal level of sebocytes — cells that secrete sebum, which can contribute to the development of pimples. - Pain: Research suggests that CBD has analgesic potential, meaning that it may be useful in treating pain.
Learn more about the benefits of CBD oil.
Even though scientific research exploring the effects of CBD in humans is increasing, much more is still necessary, as undiscovered short-term and long-term side effects may exist.
In rare cases, CBD oil may cause an allergic reaction. If a person starts using CBD oil and experiences the following symptoms, they should discontinue their use of the product and seek emergency medical attention:
- swelling of the throat, lips, or mouth
- itching in the mouth
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
Learn more about the effects and potential side effects of CBD oil.
The amount of THC in CBD products is unlikely to produce the “high” feeling that people often associated with cannabis, and THC levels must be no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis to comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
As THC is the plant’s psychoactive compound, choosing a THC-free product should help a person to avoid these types of side effects.
THC-free CBD may help with pain management.
A 2022 review on the efficacy and safety of CBD for chronic pain management concludes that CBD can help people manage pain and can serve as a suitable alternative to opioids. Additionally, CBD is nonintoxicating, and people are less likely to become dependent on THC-free CBD.
Yes, it is possible to use THC-free CBD oil to help support sleep.
People should use the lowest possible dose and gradually increase it until they reach their desired effect.
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the plant compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, THC-free means that the product has no detectable traces of THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD contains most plant compounds except THC. However, broad-spectrum CBD products may contain trace amounts of this compound.
People need to carefully read COAs and the ingredients list of any products that claim to be full-spectrum and THC-free. It is unlikely that full-spectrum CBD products do not contain any THC.
Drug tests that screen for cannabis detect levels of THC in the body. CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD should not contain THC.
However, there is always a small chance that these products may have tiny trace amounts of THC.
People who need to return a negative drug test may wish to stay clear of CBD products.
There is little scientific evidence on whether THC-free CBD can help relieve anxiety symptoms.
A 2020 review of studies suggests that CBD may be a promising therapy for managing anxiety disorders. However, the authors note the need for more studies in this area.
CBD isolate is free from THC. The only cannabinoid it contains is CBD.
If a CBD isolate product contains other forms of CBD, it may no longer be free of THC.
MedTerra Isolate CBD Oil and Extract Labs CBD Isolate Oil Daily Support are two examples of CBD isolate products that do not contain THC.
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil may offer a range of benefits, including improving sleep, reducing acne, and relieving pain. For personal reasons, a person may not wish to use a CBD oil that contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD oil manufacturers can isolate CBD from THC to create a THC-free product. They may also choose to isolate CBD from the other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant to produce a product containing only CBD.
Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of cannabis in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of cannabis, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Individuals should check state laws, especially when traveling. People should also keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.