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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.
This article discusses various types of CBD oils, additional ingredients they may contain, and a range of products a person can consider when looking for THC-free CBD oils.
A quick look at 6 of the best THC-free CBD oils
- Best for a lower dose of CBD: CBDistillery THC-Free Pure CBD Oil Tincture — 500 mg
- Best for aiding sleep: Charlotte’s Web THC Free CBD Oil — 25 mg
- Best for vegans: Joy Organics Unflavored Organic CBD Tincture
- Best for relaxation: Lord Jones Royal Oil
- Best for a higher dose of CBD: LiftMode Hemp Simply Pure Double Strength CBD Isolate Tincture
- Best for organic ingredients: MedTerra Isolate CBD Oil
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.
CBD oil is appearing more frequently in an array of products, including:
- shampoo
- soaps
- makeup
- salves
- face creams
To make CBD oil, a manufacturer takes the CBD compound from the Cannabis sativa plant. They then dilute it in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, avocado oil, palm oil, or sunflower oil. This process creates a diluted form of CBD that companies can add to products.
For more information and resources on CBD and CBD products, please visit our dedicated hub.
There are three different types of CBD oils, and the key distinction between them is that they contain different amounts of cannabinoids. The types are:
- Broad-spectrum: This type of CBD oil will typically contain all the cannabinoids in the plant except THC. However, some products may have trace quantities of THC.
- Full-spectrum: This term means that the oil contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes that occur naturally in the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of THC.
- CBD isolate: Of the three oils, isolated CBD is the purest. Products that contain isolated CBD contain no other cannabinoids.
The cannabis plant contains
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
THC is the chemical that people often associate with the psychological effects or high of cannabis. Although some CBD oils may contain up to 0.3% THC, this small amount is unlikely to affect a person. There are also many CBD products available that have no trace of THC.
Learn more about CBD and THC here.
Cannabichromene (CBC)
CBC is one of the most common cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant. As with CBD, it does not cause a feeling of being high.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic oils that provide the Cannabis sativa plant with its smell and taste. These compounds are abundant in the cannabis plant but they are also present in many other plants, including fruits and herbs.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
CBG is another one of the more common cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant. All cannabinoids start as CBG and later synthesize into different types of cannabinoids.
Cannabinol (CBN)
CBN is a similar cannabinoid to CBD. However, CBN forms due to an oxidization process in the plant, in which exposure to heat and light turns THC into CBN. CBN is unlikely to make a person feel high.
Before purchasing THC-free CBD oils, a person may wish to consider the advantages and disadvantages.
Some advantages of THC-free CBD oils include:
- 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.
However, some disadvantages of these products include:
- 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) following receipt of 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.
Many CBD oils are available on the market. Below are six options available to purchase online.
Learn more about buying CBD products here.
Best for a lower dose of CBD: CBDistillery THC-free Pure CBD Oil Tincture — 500 mg
- List price: from $42
- Strength: from 17 mg of CBD per serving
- Active ingredients: fractionated coconut oil (MCT) and CBD
- COA: available online
This product comes in various strengths, from 17–167 milligrams (mg). A person may wish to seek advice from a healthcare professional on a suitable dosage.
The lower dose may be suitable for people new to CBD.
The company suggests that a person takes 1 milliliter (ml) orally and holds it under their tongue for 15–20 seconds before swallowing.
Read our CBDistillery review here.
The product only contains two ingredients: fractionated coconut oil (MCT) and cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp extract.
A person can view this product’s COA on the website.
Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.
Best for aiding sleep: Charlotte’s Web THC Free CBD Oil — 25mg
- List price: $59.99
- Strength: 25 mg of CBD per serving
- Active ingredients: MCT, CBD, and mint chocolate flavor oil
- COA: available online
This mint chocolate-flavored broad-spectrum CBD oil contains approximately 25 mg of CBD per ml.
Charlotte’s Web says that this product may help ease stress, manage inflammation, and aid sleep.
Read our Charlotte’s Web review here.
The company recommends using this product daily. The product’s dropper has markings that describe different dosages.
Charlotte’s Web uses hemp grown in the United States. The product contains fractionated coconut oil and flavorings in addition to CBD.
A person can view all of Charlotte’s Web’s COAs on the website.
Use code “HEALTH20” for 20% off.
Best for vegans: Joy Organics Unflavoured Organic CBD Tincture
- List price: from $44.95
- Strength: from 15 mg of CBD per serving
- Active ingredients: organic extra-virgin olive oil and organic phytocannabinoid-rich hemp extract
- COA: available online
This vegan, broad-spectrum product comes in four different strengths. The manufacturer recommends using the product once a day.
This product only has two ingredients: organic extra-virgin olive oil and organic phytocannabinoid-rich hemp extract.
Joy Organics states that people can also add this product to food, drink, or bath products. Each bottle contains 30 servings.
Read our Joy Organics review here.
A person can view this product’s COA online.
Use code “healthcbd” for 15% off.
Best for relaxation: Lord Jones Royal Oil
- List price: $60
- Strength: 20 mg of CBD per serving
- Active ingredients: broad-spectrum CBD and pure grapeseed oil
- COA: available online with a batch code
This broad-spectrum product is available at 1,000 mg strength. This is approximately 20 mg per serving.
The product only contains two ingredients: CBD and pure grape seed oil.
The company states that this oil is good for relaxation and unwinding. Each bottle contains approximately 50 servings.
Lord Jones states it uses USA-grown hemp.
A person can view the product’s COA online. However, a person must have the batch code printed on the product labeling.
Best for a higher dose of CBD: LiftMode Hemp Simply Pure Double Strength CBD Isolate Tincture
- List price: $53.68
- Strength: 50 mg of CBD per serving
- Active ingredients: hemp extract isolate
- COA: available online
This CBD isolate product contains 3,000 mg of CBD in each bottle, which is approximately 50 mg per serving. Each bottle contains 60 servings.
It does not contain any ingredients other than the hemp extract isolate. However, during manufacturing, the isolate dissolves in organic, coconut-derived MCT oil.
The company claims the formula for this tincture is organic and has third-party lab testing. A person can view the COA online.
LiftMode states that this tincture has a neutral taste.
Best for organic ingredients: MedTerra Isolate CBD Oil
- List price: from $39.99
- Strength: from 16 mg of CBD per serving
- Active ingredients: organic medium-chain triglyceride MCT oil (coconut derived) and CBD
- COA: available online
This isolate oil from MedTerra is available in four strengths. The lowest dose is 500 mg, which is approximately 16 mg per serving. There are 30 doses in each bottle.
It contains coconut-derived organic MCT oil as well as CBD.
MedTerra says a person can take the drops day or night by dropping the formula under their tongue. It also says the product can help promote relaxation.
MedTerra uses third-party testing and displays its COAs online.
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 |
Charlotte’s Web | $59.99 | 25 mg of CBD per serving | MCT, CBD, and flavor oil | available online |
Joy Organics | from $44.95 | from 15 mg of CBD per serving | organic extra-virgin olive oil and hemp extract | available online |
Lord Jones | $60 | 20mg of CBD per serving | broad-spectrum CBD and pure grape seed oil | available online with a batch code |
LiftMode Hemp | $53.68 | 50 mg of CBD per serving | hemp extract isolate | 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 |
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 products with broad or full-spectrum CBD. 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 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.
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.
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?
There is no scientifically recognized dosage of CBD that 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 thing as THC free CBD?
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 kind of CBD has no THC?
Broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate typically do not contain THC.
What does “THC-free” CBD mean?
THC-free CBD means there are no detectable traces of THC in the product.
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.
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.