“Does CBD oil contain THC?” is one of the first questions asked by people investigating the benefits of CBD oil. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are both products of the cannabis plant and offer therapeutic benefits for some physical ailments and chronic conditions. Both of these chemical compounds are designed to attach to receptors located throughout the endocannabinoid system in the bodies of humans and other mammals. The two are quite different in a number of ways, however. Determining whether a particular type of CBD oil contains THC can help patients manage their own care regimens more effectively.
What Is the Difference Between CBD and THC?
An article published in 2012 in the scholarly journal Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736954/) outlined the properties of some of the most useful compounds found in the cannabis plant. THC and CBD were both prominently mentioned in the article. The most important differences between CBD and THC involve the psychoactive effects of THC on patients and the ways in which these compounds attach to endocannabinoid receptors. THC has been shown to attach to cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors. In a similar way, CBD attaches to transient receptor potential vanilloid receptors to reduce pain and stress.
The Relationship Between CBD Oil and THC
Some prescription medications offer a mix of both CBD and THC to promote a balanced approach to pain relief. Sativex®, for example, was cited in the medical journal Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management as a drug that combines equal portions of CBD and THC and that has been used in Canada since 2005 for the treatment of neuropathic pain and severe pain associated with cancer. Because both compounds are found naturally in the cannabis plant, it can be difficult to eliminate THC and its psychoactive effects from CBD oil products.
Percentages of THC Allowed in CBD Oil
After the passage of the Agricultural Act of 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a statement allowing for the processing and sale of hemp oils, including CBD oils, that contain 0.3 percent or less of THC by dry weight. Many manufacturers of these products have taken this guideline into account when formulating their CBD oil for therapeutic use. By keeping the amount of THC well under this limit, providers of CBD oil can ensure the greatest salability and the safest product for patients of all ages.
Finding the Right CBD Oil
The right formulation of CBD oil typically depends on the condition for which it will be taken and the needs of the specific patient. Some individuals may prefer that no THC at all be present in the CBD oil they purchase. Patients who also take prescription medications for their conditions should consult with their physician before beginning a CBD oil regimen. This can prevent unwanted interactions and ensure the best possible outcomes for their particular cases.
CBD oil can provide real benefits for patients suffering from neuropathic pain, anxiety attacks, seizure disorders and many other maladies. It has even shown promise in fighting cancer as well as treating the pain associated with this serious disease. Best of all, CBD oil is safe, effective and poses no risk of overdose for patients. The answer to the question, “Does CBD oil contain THC?” depends entirely on the formulation chosen by the individual patient in conjunction with his or her personal physician.
Related resource: How Is High Quality CBD Oil Farmed and Prepared?
Additional Resources on CBD Differences
Is CBD Oil the Same or Different than Hemp Oil?
What is the Difference Between CBD Oil and Marijuana?
