How Much THC Is in CBD Oil? And Does It Stay in Your System?

How Much THC is in CBD Oil?

nuleaf cannabinoid product bottles on a rock

Revised April 2022

With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and other cannabis derivatives low in THC were removed from the definition of marijuana in accordance with the Controlled Substance Act. This change made cannabinoids widely available, causing their popularity to soar. However, they remain unregulated by the FDA, leading many consumers to wonder just what exactly they’re getting when they purchase CBD oil and, more specifically, how much THC is in CBD oil.

THC vs. CBD

Before we get into the THC content of CBD oil, let’s go over a few cannabis basics.

NuLeaf pet CBD, CBD capsules, CBD oil and CBD balmWhat Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are any of the over 120 biologically active, naturally occurring chemicals contained in hemp or cannabis. Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is in charge of regulating critical bodily functions such as sleep, inflammation, immune responses, pain control, cognition, and memory.

Out of all of these cannabinoids, two of them garner the most attention — THC and CBD. That’s no surprise considering that these two cannabinoids exist in much higher quantities in the cannabis plant compared to the other minor cannabinoids (such as CBC, CBG, and CBN).

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive cannabinoid which is responsible for the “high” feeling experienced with marijuana use.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non psychoactive cannabinoid which is known for its analgesic (pain-killing) and anti-inflammatory properties, among others.

THC Content of Marijuana vs. Hemp

How much THC contained in CBD oil ultimately depends on where the CBD oil comes from — the marijuana plant or the hemp plant.

What’s the difference? Marijuana and hemp are two different varieties of the cannabis sativa plant. The primary difference between these two subspecies is their THC and CBD content. Marijuana plants contain high levels of THC and low levels of CBD. Conversely, hemp plants are high in CBD and low in THC. Basically, for a cannabis plant to qualify as hemp, it must contain no more than 0.3% THC*, otherwise it’s classified as marijuana according to the 2018 Farm Bill. So, is there THC in CBD oil? The answer is yes — typically just a little — as long as it comes from hemp.

It’s important to note that while cannabis can contain both THC and CBD in high amounts, the plant’s genetics typically predispose it toward one or the other. In other words, cannabis plants that are bred specifically for THC potency will naturally have much lower CBD content, and vice versa. For this reason, most CBD products are derived from hemp.

So, Just How Much THC Is in CBD Oil?

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The amount of THC in a particular CBD oil is going to depend on a variety of factors, including the genetics of the source, the type of product, and where it’s intended to be sold.

Products derived from marijuana plants (or containing more than 0.3% THC) must be purchased from a medical or recreational dispensary. In addition to other stipulations, they can only be consumed within the state they were purchased.

Any product legally sold online and across state lines, like NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Oil, must be produced from hemp plants. The final product must also contain no more than 0.3% THC to be considered federally legal.

Let’s take a look at three types of CBD oil:

  • Full spectrum CBD oil is a CBD preparation that contains the majority of cannabis plant compounds, including some THC.
  • Whole plant CBD oil is less refined than full spectrum CBD oil. It contains the whole cannabis plant — fats, waxes, and other fibrous plant material — and yes, some THC. Whole plant CBD oil can be bitter and have a less pleasing taste compared to full spectrum CBD.
  • Broad spectrum CBD oil is very similar to the full spectrum variety. While it still includes various cannabinoids, there are only trace amounts of THC present.

How Long Does THC from CBD Oil Stay in Your System?

The higher the dose, the longer THC will be detectable in your system. THC is stored by various organs and tissues in the body, gets broken down primarily by the liver, and is ultimately released through the urine. Your tissues continue to release the stored THC into your bloodstream until it’s cleared from your system.

Exactly how long the THC remains in your system varies depending on several factors, including:

  • Dose
  • Frequency of use
  • Body fat levels
  • Hydration
  • Metabolism

Choosing the Best CBD Oil

When purchasing CBD oil, capsules, or topical applications, always remember to do your research and choose a reputable source with a track record of satisfied customers.

NuLeaf Naturals produces to international standards of less than 0.2% THC. We do this to remain accessible to consumers both in and outside of the United States. All our products are independently verified by third-party labs to ensure a safe, consistent, and effective product. And we make these lab results available on our website.

 

Our Expert Team is here to help via phone, email, or online chat:

Telephone: +1 (720) 372-4842
Email: [email protected]
Online chat: nuleafnaturals.com

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us Monday through Friday between 9am and 5pm MT.