CBD Oil with THC: A Cause for Concern?

The CBD industry has grown significantly over the last few years. However, there is still confusion around what compounds are actually included in some CBD products. One of the largest gray areas concerns “full-spectrum” products; in other words, hemp-based CBD oils that contain THC.

Since THC is psychoactive, consumers are understandably worried when they hear about CBD products that contain THC. But is there actually any cause for concern?

In today’s article, we explore the truth behind the small amounts of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in your hemp-based CBD oil, and whether there are alternative products.

What Are CBD and THC?

Hemp contains a myriad of active compounds called cannabinoids. The two most prominent cannabinoids, or more specifically, phytocannabinoids (‘phyto’ meaning plant-based), are CBD and THC.

When humans consume hemp extracts, cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with an innate biological system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS contains two primary receptors, CB1 and CB2, which are found throughout the body – including the brain and central nervous system.

THC can bind efficiently with CB1 and CB2 receptors to produce mind-altering effects. On the other hand, CBD does not completely bind with these receptors, which is why it doesn’t cause psychoactive effects.

Due to these differing interactions, the two compounds enjoy different levels of acceptance. THC has become a common recreational drug; this has led to many places making the compound illegal. Nevertheless, it’s common to see a CBD product that contains THC in small amounts.

Should you be concerned about using these types of products? Let’s find out in the following sections.

Industrial Hemp: Does it Contain CBD and THC?

If you’re ordering CBD products online, you’re almost certainly purchasing hemp-derived CBD. In 2018, an updated version of the U.S. Farm Bill was signed into law, which legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp (hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC).

At such minimal levels, THC does not produce mind-altering effects. Still, some consumers prefer products that contain no THC at all; these are referred to as CBD isolates or broad-spectrum CBD products. In contrast, products that do contain a small amount of THC are called full-spectrum products.

CBD without THC: Isolate and Broad-Spectrum Products

Consumers who want a CBD product that is completely free of THC have two options: broad-spectrum products or isolate products. Isolates only contain CBD – nothing else. As far as isolates go, you have many product options including tinctures, vapes, and even isolate CBD gummies.

Unfortunately, isolates tend to be more expensive. This is because the hemp extract used has to undergo further extraction methods to completely remove the THC, as well as other cannabinoids and terpenes found in hemp. This can cost companies a lot of time and money.

Similar to isolates, broad-spectrum products are also 100% THC-free. However, these products still contain a blend of hemp’s other cannabinoids (CBN, CBG), terpenes, and more. Many consider broad-spectrum products to be the best of both worlds.

CBD with THC: Full-spectrum Products

CBD products that do contain THC are labeled ‘full-spectrum.’ This word means that the product contains a full spectrum of cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, THC), terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytonutrients that are found in hemp. However, they shouldn’t contain more than 0.3% THC.

Some people believe that full-spectrum products are more effective than their counterparts due to a phenomenon called the ‘entourage effect‘, which suggests that cannabinoids are more beneficial when they work together rather than by themselves.

Full-spectrum products come in numerous forms, such as oils, vapes, and even topicals. At Premium Jane, we produce many premium full-spectrum products. From full-spectrum oil to gummies, consumers can find a complete range of CBD products right here on our site.

Where to Buy CBD Oil With THC

If you want to buy CBD oil with THC, you’ve got no shortage of options. Many brands stock full-spectrum products, but watch out – finding a good brand can sometimes feel overwhelming. The industry is saturated nowadays, which is why we recommend taking the time to read online reviews, browse each brand’s website, and thoroughly check out products before making a purchase. Above all else, check for third-party lab reports to find out what exactly is in each product.

This is especially true when buying CBD oil with THC, as it is more essential than ever to check the reports. Lab analysis will assure you that what you are buying is decent quality; after all, you don’t want to accidentally find yourself consuming something that’s inaccurately labeled.

Take a look at Premium Jane’s lab reports to get accustomed to good brand practice. Reports and certificates of analysis show exactly what compounds a product contains. You can also check that no pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals are contaminating the extract. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that lab reports should be conducted by third parties to exclude the possibility of bias.

The Bottom Line on CBD Oil with THC

Now that the CBD industry is so huge, consumers are blessed with an enormous amount of choices. It’s up to the user to decide which CBD product works best for them, whether that be CBD with THC (full-spectrum) or CBD without THC (broad-spectrum and isolates).

Whether you use CBD oil with THC or not is a personal decision, and it’s one you must think carefully about before purchasing. Each CBD user is different, and we recommend experimenting to find out what kind of CBD product you like best. No matter what, always check that a brand sources good-quality hemp, conducts reputable extraction methods, and publishes lab reports.