DOES PURE CBD OIL CONTAIN ANY THC?

Purity in CBD oil means the absence of plant terpenes and other materials like heavy metals, pesticides, wax, or fats. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the second dominant chemical compound in the cannabis plant after CBD. Other elements found in cannabis include flavonoids and terpenes. Unlike other elements, THC has been associated with side effects such as getting users “high.” As a result, THC levels in all products have been limited by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to 0.3% to minimize the intoxication impact.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol or CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It is mainly extracted from hemp plants grown in the USA states like Colorado, Kentucky, and Vermont. CBD is extracted using methods like CO₂ extraction and solvent extraction for industrial production of CBD. In CO₂ extraction, supercritical CO₂ is pumped into a chamber containing dry hemp plant materials extracting a crude CBD because impurities like wax and fats are extracted too. The mixture is heated to turn CO₂ into gas stored for later use. The crude oil undergoes distillation to remove the impurities due to differences in boiling points.

The solvent extraction uses alcohol as a solvent. Butane and ethanol are commonly used. Ethanol is pumped into a chamber containing dry hemp plant materials to extract CBD. After extraction, the alcohol and CBD mixture is heated to remove the alcohol. CBD extracted by solvent extraction does not need further processing. There are three types of CBD bases; full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate CBD. Full-spectrum CBD has all the hemp plant components, including delta 9 THC. Broad-spectrum has all the terpenes except delta 9 THC. After processing, the CBD undergoes further refining to remove all terpenes and traces of THC to form isolate CBD. The isolate CBD is mixed with a carrier oil like MCT oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil to make pure CBD oil. Sometimes a pure CBD oil may have more than one carrier oil.

Does Pure CBD Oil Make You High?

CBD is extracted from a hemp plant with low delta 9 THC levels. This is the compound in the cannabis plant that induces a high feeling. It is commonly found in marijuana. Pure CBD oil does not give users a high effect because of the low levels of delta 9 THC. Isolate CBD is refined after processing to make it free of impurity.

Uses of Pure CBD Oil

Like other CBD oil, pure CBD oil is used for general wellness. According to research, it can relieve anxiety, pain, and inflammation. CBD affects the ECS receptors like CB1 by reducing the breakdown of transmitters and the speed at which nerve signals are transmitted between nerve cells. CBD affects serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter responsible for bodily functions like mood or appetite. High serotonin results in a good mood, thus low anxiety or depression. Research shows that people with anxiety can also benefit from CBD oil because such symptoms result from low serotonin. Epidiolex is a CBD oil approved by the FDA in 2018 to treat two genetic seizures, Dravet and Lennox-gastaut, in children under one year.

Possible Side Effects of CBD Oil

Nausea

This can be caused by too much CBD oil or being sensitive to CBD oil. However, this can be avoided by using small amounts of CBD pure oil then increasing the dosage later when fully comfortable with the CBD oil.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth or cottonmouth is another side effect. It might be due to the brain sending nerve signals to the glandular to produce less saliva, or CBD activates CB1 and CB2 and blocks the secretion of saliva in the mouth. This can be revived by staying hydrated.

Drowsiness

CBD oil mixed with melatonin helps in sleep, but sometimes it may lead to unwanted drowsiness, especially during the day when doing an engaging activity like driving.

Diarrhea

People with irritable bowel syndrome may have diarrhea because the CBD increases movements in the digestive system.

How to Use Pure CBD Oil

CBD oil can be consumed as tinctures. This involves adding a few drops under the tongue and holding for 30 seconds for absorption to take place. CBD oil can also be inhaled can using vape pens or sprays. The oil can also be added to foods and drinks.

Conclusion

Pure CBD oil is made from the most refined CBD. The oil does not have any impurities, including Delta 9 THC, which gives a high effect. If you wish to avoid the side effects of THC, pure CBD (isolate) is highly recommended. However, THC being the second dominant element found in the hemp plant, it might be difficult to extract it fully. Therefore, it’s important to assess the lab results to ensure the product is safe for consumption. Consider a brand offering QR codes to affirm the lab reports.