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According to a 2019 Gallup poll, about 14 percent of Americans say they use cannabidiol (CBD) products, while about 35 percent are totally unfamiliar with CBD.
If you’re part of this group that’s new to CBD, it may be difficult to venture into all the terminology and figure out what to look for. But, don’t worry — we can walk you through what you need to know.
While full-spectrum CBD products contain small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), you also have options if you’re looking for THC-free CBD. Let’s take a look at what THC-free CBD is, as well as some of the best THC-free oils available.
CBD is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Research on CBD is in the early stages, and still ongoing. But some studies so far show that it has therapeutic potential. People may use CBD to help with pain, anxiety, insomnia, and more.
There are two types of THC-free CBD oil you can choose from: isolate and broad-spectrum.
Isolate CBD oil contains only CBD, which means you’ll have a form that’s completely free from THC. No true isolate oil should contain any THC or any other cannabinoid besides CBD.
Broad-spectrum CBD oils also lack THC, but they do contain other cannabinoids and cannabis compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that may have therapeutic benefits. Similarly, flavonoids, which are naturally found in all sorts of plants, may have therapeutic benefits as well.
All types of CBD products may have potentially beneficial effects. But one particular benefit of broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate is that they shouldn’t contain any THC. That can be a plus for people who want to try CBD, but want to avoid THC.
On the flip side, a disadvantage of THC-free CBD oils is that they miss out on some or all of the benefits of the entourage effect. The entourage effect is a theory that CBD works better when it’s combined with other cannabis compounds, like THC.
However, that doesn’t mean that THC-free CBD oil isn’t effective. Some research suggests that CBD may still have therapeutic effects on its own.
Lastly, some people prefer CBD isolate because it’s taste- and scent-free. “Natural” or unflavored full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products have an earthy taste that some people dislike. However, it’s worth noting that you can find flavored varieties of all three types of CBD, which should mask any earthiness.
A note on drug testing
Even though CBD isolate and broad-spectrum products are “THC-free,” there’s always a slight chance they may contain trace amounts of THC. In rare cases, this may result in a positive drug test. If you’re concerned about this, you may want to avoid CBD products altogether.
We chose these THC-free CBD oils based on specific safety and quality criteria. Each oil in this article:
- is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- is made with U.S.-grown hemp
- contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- is free of pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
We also considered:
- company certifications and manufacturing processes
- product potency
- overall ingredients
- indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
Lastly, we chose a mix of both broad-spectrum and isolate oils so you can choose what’s best for you.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $40
- $$ = $45–70
- $$$ = over $70
Joy Organics Premium CBD Oil
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 900 milligrams (mg) per 30-milliliter (mL) bottle
This broad-spectrum oil is a great introduction to THC-free CBD oils. Unlike tinctures, which are alcohol-based, this oil is made with extra-virgin olive oil as the base.
It comes in four flavors — mint, orange, lemon, and natural, a pure hemp-flavored extract.
Buy Joy Organics Premium CBD Oil online. Use code “healthcbd” for 15% off.
Kanibi CBD Pure Isolate, Skittles flavor
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: isolate
- CBD potency: 750 mg or 1,500 mg per 30-mL bottle
You’ll find only two ingredients in this CBD oil from Kanibi: medium chain triglycerides (MCT) oil and natural flavors, making it free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
It comes in three flavors, but the Skittles version offers something new from the typical citrus or mint choices other CBD companies offer.
Buy Kanibi CBD Pure Isolate, Skittles flavor online. Use code HEALTHLINE10 for 10% off.
Lord Jones Royal Oil
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
This unique oil can be used topically or taken sublingually (under the tongue).
With only two ingredients — grapeseed oil and CBD — it’s great for those that don’t want any fancy flavorings or scents. Grapeseed oil is also good for your skin and overall health.
This CBD oil is vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, and alcohol-free.
Buy Lord Jones Royal Oil online.
Penguin CBD Oil, Strawberry
- Price: $$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 250, 600, or 1,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
This Oregon-based company makes its oil using broad-spectrum CBD and coconut-based MCT oil. If you’re not sold on strawberry, it also comes in four other flavors — mint, citrus, natural, and cookies and cream.
Penguin uses a CO2 extraction process to make its products. It’s a solventless extraction method that some say results in a “cleaner” overall product.
Buy Penguin CBD Oil, Strawberry online.
Liftmode Hemp Extract Oil, Purified Mint Flavor
- Price: $
- CBD type: isolate
- CBD potency: 1,500 mg per 30-mL bottle
Liftmode’s CBD oil includes coconut-based MCT oil and natural mint essential oil.
According to the website, this CBD oil can be used in smoothies, juices, desserts, and curries. You can also take it sublingually.
Buy Liftmode Hemp Extract Oil, Purified Mint flavor online.
Social CBD Cinnamon Leaf Broad-Spectrum CBD Drops
- Price: $
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 375, 750, or 1,500 mg per 30-mL bottle
This CBD oil is vegan and sweetened with stevia instead of sugar. Like other CBD oils, it can be added to drinks or food or taken orally.
Social CBD offers a rewards program for extra discounts.
Buy Social CBD Cinnamon Leaf Broad-Spectrum CBD Drops online.
If you’re looking for a THC-free CBD oil, you’ll want to focus on CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD products. Avoid full-spectrum CBD oils, as those will contain a little bit of THC.
As with all CBD products, it’s extremely important to do your research before buying a product. The FDA doesn’t regulate CBD products the same way as drugs or supplements, so there are some mislabeled products out there.
To avoid these, be sure you’re buying from a reputable company. Look for those that include comprehensive, up-to-date certificates of analysis (COAs) from a third-party lab. You can usually find this information right on the company’s website. Sometimes, you may need to request it by email.
The COA might look confusing at first, but it’s easy to learn to read them. Mainly, you’ll want to check the CBD and THC content (make sure it matches the product’s label) and double-check that the product isn’t contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, or molds.
Finally, make sure to only purchase CBD from companies that are open about where they grow their hemp, as well as how they make their products.
One common question people have about CBD is how much to use. The quick answer is, it depends. The appropriate dosage can vary based on individual factors.
The best thing you can do when trying CBD is to start slow and work your way up to higher doses depending on how you feel.
As for how you can use CBD oil, it’s best to check the label. Some products are designed to be used topically — like as a body oil — while others are intended to be taken orally.
If the product is intended to be taken orally, you can either put it under your tongue or you can add it to food or drinks.
While
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- change in appetite
- change in weight
Before you try CBD, it’s important to talk with your doctor, especially if you’re taking any medications. CBD may interact with certain medications.
Lastly, be careful if you’re ingesting CBD products along with high-fat meals. One
If you’re interested in trying THC-free CBD oil, look for an isolate or broad-spectrum product. There are lots of choices that vary by flavor, potency, and brand.
CBD oil may have the potential to alleviate pain and anxiety, but it may also cause side effects. Talk with your doctor before trying CBD, especially if you’re taking any medications.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.