For many of those reading this, taking CBD without the THC is a choice, thanks to the drug testing that frequents at places of work. The number of times, drug tests have falsely reported a positive is far too many to count. It is then a hassle to talk to the management and request another drug test, and by then it is a mess that is better avoided altogether.
CBD oil contains only a trace amount of THC in it (around 0.3%) which is nowhere enough to create a ‘high’. However, THC may accumulate in the body over time which results in enough of its metabolites to show up in drug tests.
The Cause for Concern
Cannabinoids have their properties enhanced when they are in the vicinity of one another, in an effect called the entourage effect. This synergic effect of all the cannabinoids is what is missing in isolate forms of CBD products. But excluding THC, one of the main cannabinoids present in the cannabis family of plants, how will the effect of the overall CBD product reduce? What is it that such users will be missing out on?
We will attempt to decode that very question for you today. Read on…
What Is It That Separates THC From CBD?
If you were to look at the molecular structure of both of them, you would see them as similar-they both consist of 30 hydrogen, 21 carbon, and 2 oxygen atoms. It is the placement of these atoms that is responsible for the vastly different effects that it has on the body.
CBD and THC are both what you call endocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids are the receptors that makeup part of the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a one-of-a-kind system that is present in all mammals and links various bodily functions ranging from the endocrine system, the immune system, the cardiovascular system, the central nervous system, and so on. This is the system that is responsible for the regulation of several psychological functions and numerous diseases as well.
This major regulatory system is responsible for cognition, mood, fertility, neuroprotection, sleep cycles, the sensory perception among many others.
CBD and THC both interact with the ECS and exact their benefits via the system. But the effects are different.
The Different Effects That CBD And THC Have On The Endocannabinoid System
THC interacts with a particular endocannabinoid receptor, called the CB1 receptor. The effects of this interaction include psychoactive buzz, euphoria, and general feelings of bliss. Feelings of calmness and happiness are also the by-product of THC interacting with you.
CBD on the other hand, rather than binding with the receptors, signals the ECS to release anandamide (the feel-good or bliss molecule). CBD also helps in prolonging the effects of anandamide in the system by blocking the enzymes that break it down.
To simply put, THC produces mind-altering effects and CBD is a modulator of the ECS- allowing for therapeutic healing of the various bodily functions.
What Am I Missing By Taking THC Out From My CBD Products?
As mentioned earlier, the full effect of the entourage effects would be unavailable. The presence of THC enhances the CBD‘s benefits by allowing the body to process the cannabinoid with higher efficiency.
There are plenty of studies that point to the added benefits of having full-spectrum CBD extracts over isolate CBD extracts.
CBD oil without the THC is beneficial, no doubt. It is just that the benefits provided by the rest of the terpenes and flavonoids would be inaccessible to you. The smarter course of action would be to get a broad-spectrum CBD extract that includes all the cannabinoids minus the THC.
But Why Do You Want To Take The THC Out Of The CBD Oil?
Taking in full-spectrum CBD oil will under no circumstances get you high. The reason is that the concentration of THC is a mere 0.3%- too little to make any difference. So why would you want to avoid THC, altogether?
One of the common reasons has to do with drug tests. Most workplaces make it mandatory to surprise their employees with drug tests, out of the blue. Now even though the THC content is low, it can still reach your metabolites or small molecules within your cells. Drug tests can sniff these out, and the result will be you failing your drug tests.
To make matters worse, there still isn’t a regulation set in place when it comes to the labeling and manufacturing of hemp-derived CBD goods. This would mean that the THC content could even be higher than the permissible 0.3%, and this could land you in a lot of trouble.
This is why several sources stress the need for authentic third-party independent testing to be done.
Either way, if you are someone who wants to avoid the mess but still get in on what CBD has to offer, then going for other extracts makes sense.