CBD is a success story like few others before it – what used to be a scientific curiosity ten years ago is now an industry worth more than $6 billion US dollars. More than half of Americans are well aware of CBD today, with 33% of them having tried it at least once.
However, as a relatively new phenomenon, CBD is still shrouded in mystery for many people. Various myths and misconceptions about CBD are still commonplace – not out of any malicious intent, but simply because of the lack of widespread understanding among the general public.
This makes many people hesitant to try it for themselves, even if they’re looking for a natural way to support their physical and mental health.
Below, we’ll try to provide an answer to one of the most common questions people have about CBD – ‘does it have THC?’. We’ll also discuss both compounds in detail and explore various other topics related to them.
Read on and learn everything you need to know about THC and CBD.
What Is the Difference Between THC and CBD?
Before we start to answer the question ‘does CBD have THC?’, let’s take a look at what these compounds actually are.
Both CBD and THC (specifically Delta-9 THC) are chemical compounds that can be naturally found in hemp and cannabis sativa plants, as well as marijuana products. This makes many people nervous and hesitant to try CBD products, even though the US government legalized hemp and CBD in 2018.
However, while they do come from the same plant family (THC is more prevalent in the cannabis plant while CBD dominates in hemp) both compounds are very different in terms of their chemical structure and effects – and we will explain those differences below.
CBD and THC: Chemical Structure
The first difference between CBD and THC is their chemical structure. Both compounds are made up of atoms of various elements (carbon, oxygen, hydrogen), but they vary in the arrangement of these particles.
CBD contains a hydroxyl group instead of a cyclic ring typical for Delta-9 THC. That means the properties of both compounds are significantly different, and they also affect our bodies in different ways.
CBD and THC: Effects on the Body
CBD and THC are very unlike one another in terms of their effects on their users. First of all, Delta-9 THC is highly psychoactive, meaning that it’s capable of causing a ‘high’ when consumed. It can also make people feel ‘stoned’, or intoxicated to the point where they have difficulty thinking and concentrating.
CBD, on the other hand, is an entirely non-intoxicating compound that can’t cause any type of behavioral changes – no matter how much you consume. You won’t get addicted to CBD like you can to Delta-9 THC if it’s taken in large enough amounts.
Delta-9 THC is primarily used for its recreational effects. CBD, on the other hand, has a number of beneficial effects on people’s well-being, which is why it’s often used as a dietary supplement.
In some cases, using highly psychoactive Delta-9 THC might result in a state of paranoia and anxiety. CBD is believed to have the opposite effect – it’s thought to be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders thanks to its potential antipsychotic properties.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the most fundamental differences between CBD and THC, let’s move on to the next question.
Does All CBD Have THC?
As mentioned above, CBD and Delta-9 THC are separate and fundamentally dissimilar compounds. They have different effects on the human body and mind, and their purpose varies as well. As such, the simple answer here is ‘no’ – CBD can’t have THC, as they’re two entirely different chemicals.
However, the situation is different when it comes to CBD products – goods such as gummies, oils, creams, or dietary supplements that are infused with cannabidiol.
Per the 2018 Farm Bill which removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, CBD goods are legal in the United States provided that they contain less than 0.3% of Delta-9 THC – the legal limit imposed by federal law. This means that some CBD products can, in fact, contain very small traces of Delta-9 THC.
We can distinguish three distinct types of CBD goods – only one of which contains THC:
Full-spectrum CBD Products Have Delta-9 THC
Full-spectrum CBD, also known as a whole-plant extract, is a very popular form of cannabidiol on the market today. Using one of several different extraction methods, manufacturers create a product that contains CBD as well as other compounds naturally found in hemp and cannabis plants, including flavonoids, terpenes, and minor cannabinoids.
Full-spectrum CBD also includes Delta-9 THC, which is present in hemp plants in very small quantities. However, the maximum amount of THC that can be found in full-spectrum CBD is 0.3% – which isn’t enough to cause any major intoxicating effects.
Broad-spectrum and CBD Isolates Don’t Contain Delta-9 THC
Manufacturers understand that some people might feel apprehensive about consuming anything that has Delta-9 THC, so they offer two other types of CBD products.
Broad-spectrum CBD goods are similar to full-spectrum goods in that they contain other compounds naturally found in hemp and cannabis plants. However, the final product doesn’t have any traces of Delta-9 THC – it is removed during the manufacturing process.
This makes products such as broad-spectrum CBD salve a good alternative for people who want all the benefits of full-spectrum cannabidiol without the risks associated with consuming Delta-9 THC.
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD on the market – it contains no other compound besides the cannabidiol itself. However, as it lacks other cannabinoids and terpenes, it might not be as effective as full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products.
What’s Better for Pain: CBD or THC?
Both compounds are effective when it comes to pain relief. However, their unique properties mean that they can be used for different types of pain.
CBD is a very effective anti-inflammatory agent, which makes it useful for addressing discomfort caused by various inflammatory disorders, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. As such, patients with those types of conditions might benefit more from a high-CBD, low-THC product.
Delta-9 THC, on the other hand, is believed to be more effective in providing relief from neuropathic pain – the kind of intense discomfort caused by damage to the nervous system.
As pure CBD is completely non-intoxicating, it is a better choice for those who want to experience quick and effective relief during work or when driving.
How Long Are CBD and THC Detectable in Urine?
The length of time CBD stays in your system is highly dependent on various factors, such as the dose you took and how frequently you use cannabidiol. However, in most cases, the time frame is between four and five days.
How long Delta-9 THC remains in urine similarly hinges on the factors mentioned above. For example, if you only took Delta-9 THC once, your urine should be THC-free after as little as 3 days. However, chronic heavy use of THC might result in THC metabolites remaining in your system for more than 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CBD Show Up on a DOT Drug Test?
DOT drug testing involves the use of urine samples to detect traces of various illegal substances and their metabolites in a person’s body. Fortunately, DOT-regulated drug tests usually don’t screen for cannabidiol, so you shouldn’t have to worry about it affecting your test results.
However, a DOT-regulated drug test does screen for THC. While it is primarily found in medical cannabis and recreational marijuana, Delta-9 THC is also present in trace amounts in any full-spectrum CBD product. As such, if you consume full-spectrum CBD and take a DOT drug test, there’s a small chance that you could get a positive drug test result.
To be on the safe side, it might be best to choose THC-free CBD goods to avoid any potential issues. You might also notify your employer that you consume CBD before you take a drug test.
What Are the Cons of Taking CBD?
As of 2022, there is only one FDA-approved CBD product on the market (Epidiolex), and it’s used to treat seizures in young children. With that said, the research into the possible adverse effects of CBD is still in its infancy.
The current consensus is that CBD is well-tolerated by human bodies, so you shouldn’t experience many issues when using it. However, in rare cases, CBD might cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and drowsiness.
There is not enough research yet to say with certainty whether CBD is completely safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women to use. As such, it might be best to avoid taking cannabidiol if you’re expecting or nursing a newborn.
You should also consult with your doctor before taking CBD if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking prescription medication.
Is It Okay To Take CBD Every Day?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to consume cannabidiol on a daily basis. In fact, many CBD users claim that they feel the best effects after using it regularly for a few weeks.
If you’re just starting to use CBD products, make sure that you start with a low dose and increase it gradually over time. This will help you find the optimal amount of cannabidiol for your needs and avoid any potential side effects.
Can CBD Give You Anxiety?
Although more research needs to be done in this area, it’s unlikely for CBD to cause anxiety in most people. Quite the opposite – CBD is believed to have a plethora of potent beneficial effects that can help users promote good mental well-being.
What’s Better: CBD Oil or Gummies?
Both CBD oils and gummies are great choices for people who want to use cannabidiol regularly. However, the final product you choose should be based on your personal preferences and needs – there is no universally ‘better’ option here.
CBD oils are more versatile and can be used in various ways, such as adding them to your favorite food or beverages. CBD oil is easy to dose accurately, which is important if you want to use cannabidiol to support your health.
CBD gummies are more convenient and discreet, so they might be a better choice for people who want to use cannabidiol while out in public. They also come in a wide range of distinct flavors and shapes, which makes them more fun to consume.
Is CBD Oil Addictive?
No, CBD oil is not addictive. Unlike other substances that can cause dependence (such as nicotine or alcohol), cannabidiol is not habit-forming. You can use it as often as you want without having to worry about developing an addiction to it.
