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Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are active compounds that derive from the Cannabis sativa plant. THC causes the “high” that people often associate with cannabis.
- Best for a lower dose of CBD: CBDistillery THC-Free Pure CBD Oil Tincture — 500 mg | Skip to review
- Best for vegans: Joy Organics Unflavored Organic CBD Tincture | Skip to review
- Best for a higher dose of CBD: Extract Labs CBD Isolate Oil | Skip to review
- Best for organic ingredients: MedTerra Isolate CBD Oil | Skip to review
- Best for aiding sleep: Charlotte’s Web THC Free CBD Oil — 25 mg | Skip to review
- Best for a neutral taste: Bluebird Botanicals THC-Free CBD Oil | Skip to review
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. It also lists THC-free CBD oils that a person may wish to try.
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.
There are two types of THC-free CBD oil: CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD.
Isolated CBD is the purest form of oil. These products do not contain any other cannabinoids other than CBD.
Broad-spectrum CBD, on the other hand, will typically contain all the cannabinoids, such as terpenes, in the plant except THC.
Terpenes are aromatic oils that provide the Cannabis sativa plant with its smell and taste. These compounds are abundant in the cannabis plant but also present in many other plants, including fruits and herbs.
While THC-free products exist, there is always a chance they 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 product.
According to
- anxiety
- sleep problems
- stress
- general health and wellbeing
The researchers of an animal study from 2020 conclude 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.
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.
Before purchasing THC-free CBD oils, a person may wish to consider the advantages and disadvantages.
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. - Lack of scientific evidence: Proponents of CBD claim that it can treat many health conditions. However, according to the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , more scientific research must verify these claims.
Medical News Today’s methodology
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage.
- Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage.
- Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
The following table compares the THC-free oils in this article.
| Price | Strength | Active ingredients | COA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBDistillery | $42 | from 17 mg of CBD per serving | MCT and CBD | available online |
| Joy Organics | from $44.95 | from 15 mg of CBD per serving | organic extra-virgin olive oil and hemp extract | available online |
| Extract Labs | $69.99 | 66 mg of CBD per serving | hemp extract isolate, organic fractionated coconut oil | available online |
| MedTerra | from $39.99 | from 16 mg of CBD per serving | organic medium-chain triglyceride MCT oil (coconut derived) and CBD | available online |
| Charlotte’s Web | $59.99 | 25 mg of CBD per serving | MCT, CBD, and flavor oil | available online |
| Bluebird Botanicals | $49.95 | 25 mg of CBD per serving | MCT and CBD | available online |
People should consider their CBD tolerance to find a THC-free CBD oil that meets their needs. People who are just starting to use CBD might prefer a product with a lower dosage.
People should 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.
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.
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 here.
Below are some common questions about THC-free CBD oils.
Can full-spectrum CBD be THC-free?
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the plant compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD contains most plant compounds except THC. However, broad-spectrum CBD products may contain trace amounts of this compound.
People should 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.
Can THC-free CBD help relieve anxiety symptoms?
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.
How much CBD should I take?
No scientifically recognized dosage of CBD is effective for everyone.
People should start at the lowest possible dose their chosen product offers. If necessary, a person can then gradually increase the amount of CBD.
Is there such a thing as THC-free CBD?
THC-free CBD means there are no detectable traces of THC in the product.
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.
What is the strongest CBD without THC?
One of the highest strengths of CBD a person can purchase is 5,000 mg. This would be approximately 80 mg of CBD per serving.
Is there no THC in CBD oil?
CBD oil may contain trace amounts of THC if it is a full-spectrum CBD oil, or if the product has become contaminated during the manufacturing process.
However, if the CBD oil is broad-spectrum or isolate, no THC will present.
People should always check the product’s COA on the company website before purchasing it.
Does THC-free CBD help with pain?
According to research, THC-free CBD may help with pain management. A
What is the difference between full-spectrum and THC-free CBD oil?
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.
What CBD gummies have no THC in them?
Gummies that contain CBD isolate will not contain THC. Gummies that contain broad-spectrum CBD may have trace amounts of THC.
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 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.