ZERO THC CBD OIL- WHAT IT IS AND WHY SHOULD YOU AVOID IT

THC is the second dominant element of the hemp plant after CBD, associated with intoxicating effects. Full-spectrum has THC, while broad and isolate CBD are void of it. Using zero THC CBD oil helps in passing drug tests. Potency and purity levels are the key determiners of quality CBD oil.

The hemp plant contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), terpenes, and flavonoids. The elements play different roles and have nearly similar properties, making their usage powerful. The presence of either of the elements is used to determine the types of CBD, including full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Terpenes and flavonoids are not harmful to our health even when highly concentrated, unlike CBD and THC. CBD is the most dominant element found in the hemp plant, followed by THC. The two elements are associated with intoxicating side effects when used in excess. However, considerable amounts have health benefits such as reducing pain and anxiety and enhancing sleep.

Overview on THC

THC is the short form of tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the second most dominant element found in the hemp plant. However, unlike other elements, it is associated with psychoactive side effects. Zawilska (2011) noted that the common effects triggered by concentrated THC include poor memory, anxiety, dry and red eyes, reduced appetite, and severe headaches. The 2018 Farm Bill legalizing hemp-based products suggest that THC levels found in the hemp and cannabis plant are insignificant and that they can't make someone "high," unlike in marijuana; 0.3%. According to the Farm Bill, CBD products are only legal if THC levels are below 0.3%.

Chihuri& Li (2019) reported that the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has been keen on manufacturers offering hemp-based products ensuring THC regulations have been achieved. Evans (2020) further reported that brands offering CBD oil exceeding 0.3% THC levels have received warnings from FDA, and customers cautioned against their products. Also, the 2018 Farm Bill gave US states to determine whether hemp-based products will be legalized within their territories. Due to THC found in the hemp plant, 14 states are yet to legalize the products. Out of the remaining 36, some only accept CBD products for medicinal value, such as treating epilepsy. Besides, THC is only safe if used in considerable amounts.

What is Zero THC CBD Oil

There are various CBD oil void of THC. This results in the three types of CBD oil;

Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Full-spectrum CBD oil is manufactured nearly by all brands since it involves less struggle in extraction. It is crafted using all the significant dominant elements of hemp or cannabis. Therefore, the full spectrum comprises THC, CBD, flavonoids, and terpenes. The presence of THC disqualifies it from being Zero-THC CBD oil. However, various elements, including THC, are highly recommended because it offers an entourage effect. The entourage effect is the ability of various elements to give more therapeutic benefits than a single element. Maayah et al. (2020) discovered that the common benefits of full-spectrum CBD are regulating inflammation, pain, and stress. However, high intake results in anxiety, severe headaches, and poor memory, among other benefits.

Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Broad Spectrum CBD oil is manufactured using all the elements of the hemp plant except THC. This qualifies it as a zero-THC CBD oil. Broad-spectrum CBD oil enjoys all the health benefits offered by other elements of the hemp plant, such as terpenes, flavonoids, and CBD, without worrying about THC-related side effects. Various elements of broad-spectrum CBD oil allow it to offer an entourage effect. However, the absence of THC is not a ticket to taking high quantities and concentrations. Although terpenes and flavonoids, CBD don't have side effects even in high concentrations. Some of the effects of CBD oil are THC-related, including headaches and dry lips.

Isolate

Due to the total elements, isolate CBD oil is unique from broad-spectrum and broad-spectrum. Isolate CBD oil is manufactured using a single element; CBD. It is void of terpenes, flavonoids, and THC. Besides broad-spectrum, isolate CBD is a perfect example of zero-THC CBD oil. All other elements are extracted to remain pure CBD. It is recommended for those looking for CBD-related benefits only and avoiding the psychoactive side effects of THC. However, being highly concentrated with CBD, a slight increase in potency levels are likely to result in rapid side effects such as anxiety and headaches. Therefore, users should be cautious about the total potencies, especially veterans.

Why Should I Use THC-Free CBD Oil?

Avoiding Drug Test

If one is likely to be exposed to a drug test, then THC-related products won't be the best option. That makes them suitable for people exploring CBD oil and targeting to avoid the side effects of THC. Unlike other elements, THC is likely to make you test positive for a drug test, especially if it's urine or blood.

How To Choose The Best THC-Free Products

Consumers avoiding THC for therapeutic and recreational benefits consider quality to explore fully. The following tips will help you land on the best products to improve your general health and wellness as you also avoid psychoactive side effects from THC.

Potency Levels

There has been a trend among various CBD brands offering wrong potency levels on their labels. This makes its users overdose unknowingly. To avoid being a victim, confirm the actual potency levels in the products by checking the COA reports. The FDA only accepts a potency variance of up to 10%. Brands exceeding this limit have received warnings, and customers cautioned against them.

Purity Levels

The best THC-free CBD oils have purity levels attended to from the seed level of the hemp plant. Best brands practice organic farming to avoid contaminating hemp with chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Also, they assess purity levels of production. Also, consider CBD oil manufactured using C02 hemp plant extracts since it minimizes contamination of the products and the environment. Lastly, consider a brand assessing purity levels using a centralized, certified independent lab.

Conclusion

Although THC has been associated with various health and wellness benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties, its intoxicating effects result in too many doubts regarding its effectiveness. Therefore, it is best to go for THC-free products. Broad-spectrum and isolate CBD oil are the best options for avoiding THC. THC-free products make you avoid THC-related side effects and evade drug tests. However, the absence of THC is not a ticket for taking too much CBD oil. This results in THC-related side effects, including anxiety and headaches.

References

Evans, D. G. (2020). Medical Fraud, Mislabeling, Contamination: All Common In CBD Products. Missouri Medicine, 117(5), 394.

Chihuri, S., & Li, G. (2019). State Marijuana Laws And Opioid Overdose Mortality. Injury Epidemiology, 6(1), 1-12.

Maayah, Z. H., Takahara, S., Ferdaoussi, M., & Dyck, J. R. (2020). The Molecular Mechanisms That Underpin The Biological Benefits Of Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extract In The Treatment Of Neuropathic Pain And Inflammation. Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular Basis Of Disease, 1866(7), 165771.

Zawilska, J. B. (2011). Legal Highs–New Players In The Old Drama. Curr Drug Abuse Rev, 4(2), 122-130.