So, what exactly does “ZERO THC” mean in CBD products?
Does it mean that the CBD product is free of THC? That there really are no traces of THC?
Well, yes and no.
It sounds confusing but, remember, there isn’t a universal standard yet when it comes to what THC-free means. The definition of THC-free sometimes depends on how the CBD market interprets it based on legal standards.
Let’s discuss the different definitions of “THC-free.”
No More Than 0.3% THC
According to Canada’s Industrial Hemp Regulations, hemp is any cannabis strain or variety that contains no more than 0.3% THC in its buds, leaves, and stems or branches on a dry weight basis. The law only limits the THC content in industrial hemp but not its CBD levels.
Now, some CBD brands interpret THC-free based on this limit. If their CBD source and product contain less than 0.3% THC, they label their CBD product as “THC-free.”
Non-Detectable THC
You’ll also see some CBD products labeled as ND-THC, an abbreviation that means “non-detectable THC.”
While this means that the laboratory test couldn’t detect any traces of THC, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that the product has zero THC. It may only simply mean that the THC content of the product is so low that the test couldn’t accurately detect it.
Types of CBD
You’ll typically find three types of CBD products in the market. There’s CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, and full-spectrum CBD.
Of the three types, CBD isolate is completely devoid of THC. It also doesn’t contain any traces of other cannabinoids as well, such as CBN, CBG, CBC, etc. Simply put, it only contains pure CBD.
Broad-spectrum CBD, on the other hand, is CBD products with other cannabinoids, but no detectable THC. Again, this may only mean that there’s no detectable level of THC. It doesn’t guarantee that the product is truly THC-free.
Full-spectrum CBD not only contains additional cannabinoids but also THC. For hemp-derived CBD oils, the THC concentration typically doesn’t exceed 0.3%. For marijuana-derived CBD oils, the THC level may be higher.
Can You Get High on THC-Free or ND-THC CBD Oil?
No. THC-free and ND-THC CBD oil can’t get you high or induce any psychoactive, mind-altering effects. The same goes for full-spectrum CBD products with less than 0.3% THC.
Our endocannabinoid system has two cannabinoid receptors — type 1 and type 2. Type 2 is mainly involved in the modulation and control of our immune response. Type 1 is involved in many physiological functions, from pain, emotions, and mood to learning, memory, sleep, and appetite.
However, THC’s activation of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 also results in the intoxicating and psychoactive effects of cannabis. So, the higher the THC content, the more potent the psychoactive effects.
Now, the minute THC level in CBD oils isn’t enough to get you high. There simply aren’t enough THC molecules to bind to and activate the cannabinoid receptor type 1.
How Do You Know You’re Buying THC-Free or ND-THC CBD?
It’s wonderful to see many brands selling “THC-free” or “ND-THC” CBD products. This means you have more access to CBD.
But while some brands do offer quality CBD. the boom of the CBD industry also contributed to the increasing number of scammers. Not only do they sell substandard CBD products, but some of these products may even be contaminated and harmful to your health.
So as a consumer, how then will you know you’re buying quality THC-free or ND-THC CBD?
Below are some factors to look for in choosing quality CBD products.
Check the Type of CBD
You should check the product’s label and see if it’s CBD isolate (pure CBD), broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum CBD.
If you’re after zero THC, then choose CBD isolate products. It contains only CBD and no other cannabinoids, especially THC. If you want to benefit from more cannabinoids without THC, then choose broad-spectrum CBD oil.
Full-spectrum CBD oils like our ICARIA Theia Full-Spectrum also work great for those who want to benefit from a little THC. Its THC level is less than 0.3%, a level that won’t get you high.
Look for Its Certificate of Analysis
Trusted brands are law-compliant and will always send samples of their CBD products for testing to certified laboratory facilities. These tests check for the presence of contaminants such as pathogenic microorganisms, heavy metals, and toxic residues. They also measure the cannabinoid content of the products, of course.
