Hemp and cannabis are very versatile plants, with nearly the whole plant having uses in industry, medicine and leisure. It has been used for centuries and is now enjoying a renaissance in CBD lifestyle products. But does CBD oil contain THC?
CBD is extracted from the flowers, leaves and stem. It can then be infused with a base oil, like coconut, to make CBD oil. It can also be carried in a thinner liquid, such as alcohol, to produce a more pleasant-tasting CBD tincture.
CBD is also added to many other products. But what is the difference between CBD and THC content?
What is CBD?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a molecule found in the cannabis or hemp plant. It is one of the 113 cannabinoids that exist naturally in the cannabis plant. Research suggests that CBD has many medicinal properties and is increasingly being used to support mental and physical wellbeing.
Unlike THC, the more well-known cannabinoid, CBD is not psychoactive. Even though it is extracted from the cannabis plant it will not alter your state of mind. It is used in many forms in products such as skincare, coffee, gummy bears and CBD oils.
Medicinal cannabis, a much stronger formulation containing CBD, is being prescribed by specialists for a range of debilitating illnesses and conditions. CBD in the much lower, legally available doses is believed to help with the symptoms of many common ailments.
Why use CBD oil?
CBD oil is believed to have beneficial health properties and many people use it as part of their health or fitness lifestyle. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are valued by people trying to manage pain or the stresses of daily life.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests CBD can play a role in sleep management and maintaining mental focus. It may also alleviate symptoms of anxiety. More clinical research is needed in this area, but the popularity of CBD oil suggests people think it works.
CBD oils and tinctures are both taken sublingually by putting drops under the tongue for a few minutes.
What is hemp oil?
Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the commercial hemp plant. The seeds do not contain any CBD so neither does the oil. Many people use it because it is a great source of minerals and vitamins, especially omega 6 and omega 3.
It promotes general health but does not offer the same benefits as an oil containing CBD. Hemp oil with added CBD is available though, so be careful what you buy.
What is THC?
THC is also a cannabinoid, but because of its effect on the endocannabinoid system, it makes the consumer feel high. Any CBD products you buy legally in the UK must contain no more than 1 mg of THC per product. It is the CBD, rather than the THC, that people look to for health reasons.
When to choose CBD?
Celebrated for their multiple uses, CBD products are finding a place in many homes and lifestyle routines. Many people praise CBD as a way to:
- manage physical discomfort
- calm everyday stresses
- keep focus and a clear mind
- reduce inflammation
For more information on using CBD oil to manage stress and anxiety, take a look at this article.
When to choose THC?
THC is only available legally in the extremely low levels contained in CBD. Whether you choose THC or CBD depends on what you wish to achieve. There is a very small or trace amount of THC in CBD oil and is unlikely to create a psychoactive effect. Some people believe, however, that a mixture of THC and CBD can offer a sense of calm elevation.
People choose to use THC as opposed to CBD to:
- Achieve euphoria or relaxation
- Aid sleep
- Stimulate the appetite
- Ease pain
- Relax muscles
CBD history and research
It might seem new to us in the west but CBD has been used for thousands of years. The cannabis plant was used for its medicinal properties throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and India. Physicians of the ancient world prescribed it for pain relief from earache to childbirth.
Professor Roger Adams first extracted CBD, or cannabidiol, from the cannabis plant. His research in the 1940s also identified Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. He showed that THC had psychoactive properties whereas CBD did not.
What do we know about the endocannabinoid system?
This is the name given to a network of receptors and neurotransmitters. They regulate many body functions, such as pain, memory and moods.
Two primary receptors in the endocannabinoid system respond to cannabis - CB1 and CB2.
CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system, which is mainly associated with the brain and spinal cord. Sleep, depression and memory are linked to CB1 receptors. THC binds to this receptor, creating the psychoactive experience and the ‘high’.
CB2 receptors are mainly found outside the nervous system, such as tissues, cells and organs. They are linked to the immune system and inflammation in the body. When CBD reacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors there appears to be health benefits.
CBD and THC both have medicinal properties, but the way they interact with the endocannabinoid system produce different physical responses.
Read more in detail about it here: The Endocannabiniod System
What are CBD flowers?
CBD flowers offer an alternative way to get the benefits of CBD oil. Many flowers are harvested in their natural state and sold for smoking or vaping. We offer a full range of CBD flowers.
Do CBD flowers have high levels of CBD?
Some flower strains will naturally have higher amounts of CBD. If you want to achieve the maximum benefit from any CBD product, look for one with a high CBD content.
At Fortune Flavours, we aim to offer the best experience from premium quality CBD flowers. We have a range of flower strains available in the UK that contain up to 28% CBD. Each flower strain contains less than 0.11% THC directed by the UK government guidelines.
One of our most popular CBD flowers is Blueberry Pie which contains 28% CBD. For the best variety and price in CBD flowers, visit Fortune Flavours' online shop.
Choosing CBD flowers
Always buy a high-quality product from a reputable company and check the dosage levels of both THC and CBD. (UK levels of THC must not exceed 0.11%.) The percentages of CBD and THC of our flowers are shown for each product.
All products available from Fortune Flavours have Certificate of Analysis (COA) tests. We accept only the very highest quality from our CBD flower growers.
Summary
Studies into the use of CBD are ongoing but, to date, there do not appear to be any major side effects. The World Health Organisation has deemed it safe to consume in large quantities. The legalities are, however, different in every country.
CBD oils may contain trace or extremely low levels of THC but not enough to be mind-altering. Check carefully what is allowed where you live and buy from a trusted source, like Fortune Flavours.
