If a CBD-related product claims that is is completely free of THC, what does that mean? If you’re new to CBD or hemp-related products, you might be confused by the terminology.
One difficulty you may encounter involves labeling and language, as there is no universally accepted standard. Since the CBD industry is fairly new and lacks regulations, some manufacturers find they can put anything on the label without repercussions.
THC-free means that a product does not contain any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the “high” feeling.
It is also used for medical purposes. Products that are advertised as THC-free may still contain other cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD). CBD does not produce a high and is not psychoactive. THC-free products are generally considered to be safe and legal in most US states. Some people may choose to use THC-free products for personal or medical reasons. Others may prefer to avoid THC for drug testing purposes. There is no evidence to suggest that using THC-free products such as CBD-free THD oils is harmful. However, it is important to check state laws before purchasing or consuming any cannabis product, as the legal landscape is constantly changing.
Consumers must educate themselves to make certain they know what they are purchasing and what to expect from the product. For instance, many products state they are THC-free leading the customer to believe the product contains no THC. This isn’t necessarily the case, as a product may be less than 0.3 per cent THC by weight and still receive this label. Legally, as long as the product is three parts of THC or less for every 1,000 parts of oil by weight it may be given this designation. Ensuring this is the case falls on the manufacturer who sends the substance off to a third-party lab to obtain a COA or certificate of analysis. This provides the consumer with valuable information about the product being purchased. When looking for CBD oil, be sure to consider this information so you can make a choice you feel comfortable with.
What Does ND Mean?
Furthermore, consumers need to be aware of ND and what this means on a label. ND refers to the non-detect level or the level at which the THC concentration in the product is too small for sensitive instruments to detect it during third-party lab testing. This becomes important when a consumer goes to make a purchase. Many manufacturers state on the labels that a product contains zero THC. However, removing all THC from a botanical extract isn’t feasible. Thus, companies putting this on their label aren’t being entirely truthful and consumers need to know this.
Determining the THC Level of a Product
When reading the lab report for a product, look at the CBD concentration by weight as well as the levels of THC and other compounds. What one needs to be looking at is the percentage of THC present. While a company can state their product is THC-free if the THC makes up less than 0.3 per cent THC by weight as mentioned above. When a person wants a product with no THC, this might not be acceptable. This is why the lab report needs to be examined to determine what standard is being used when making this claim.
Certain end products, including gummies and tinctures, often have detectable levels of THC although the label states the product is THC free. This amount remains enough to intoxicate some individuals and lead to a positive drug test. The user could suffer unexpected consequences as a result. Forbes magazine looked at this issue and blamed it on poor manufacturing standards as well as dilution shortcuts. Imagine being fired from a job or getting into trouble with the law after a positive drug test when you are using products that claim to be THC free. Sadly, this has happened to certain individuals, and every user must be cognizant of the risk.
Look at the label and see if it says full spectrum or broad-spectrum, as this helps to determine the amount of THC present in the product. Full-spectrum refers to those products with a THC level that falls at or below 0.3 per cent. Broad-spectrum, in contrast, refers to products that contain non-detectable levels of the compound. Sadly, the industry has yet to standardize these terms and consumers must independently verify the amount of THC present in the product.
Verification of the Information
Verifying the amount of THC in a product becomes critical because of these unintended consequences. Although CBD remains non-toxic even at high concentrations, problems unrelated to one’s health may arise. Additionally, the amount a person consumes varies based on the user’s preferences and the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Users report consuming anywhere from 5mg to 1,000mg of CBD products. While many products are consumed by the drop or the millimetre, men and women have been known to consume 15mL or 30mL in one sitting to obtain the desired benefits. As a result, they might consume more THC than expected and find the effects are overwhelming.
Bioavailability
However, the THC concentration in a product is only part of the equation. The bioavailability of the THC or CBD likewise plays a role in how the individual responds to the product. For instance, individuals who consume lollipops or make use of tinctures, for example, find they obtain the benefits immediately. In contrast, men and women who make use of cannabis-infused edibles discover it takes longer for the effects to be seen but they last longer. A product that says it is THC-free might produce immediate effects that were unexpected if it relies on oral uptake rather than gastrointestinal uptake. For this reason, a person might want to choose a product that clearly states it has no THC and the lab report verifies this. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Supplier
Finally, take care when choosing a supplier for CBD products. The supplier becomes of great importance when it comes to ensuring the products purchased are what they claim to be. In addition, the supplier becomes of great help when there are questions as to which product to buy, what the label means, and more. They are prepared to assist their clients because they want to build a relationship and have the customer coming back in the future.
Before buying any product that contains CBD or THC, make certain you know how to read the labels and what the information means. The amount of THC in a product is important, as it determines how you will react to the product. If you have questions, be sure to ask before you buy. Furthermore, it never hurts to have another person present when you try something new. This ensures help is easily available if you do have an unexpected reaction and need assistance as a result.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
