Does CBD Work Without THC? - CBDistillery

A highly detailed analysis of full spectrum hemp extract would show you high concentrations of CBD (cannabidiol) and nearly 200 individual terpenes. You'd also see numerous flavonoids, polyphenols, amino acids, and small amounts of more than 100 potentially beneficial minor cannabinoids (Lowe et al., 2021), including THC. Many researchers believe the minor cannabinoids contribute to the overall effect of hemp-derived CBD products by interacting with the plant's terpenes in a way that maximizes the impact of each component. Researchers call this potential to enhance their synergistic properties an "entourage" effect (Nahler et al., 2019). Since it's fairly well-known that each minor cannabinoid contributes to the overall potency of hemp-derived products, it's only natural to wonder if CBD works as well without THC.   

While it's true that some CBD users feel a small amount of THC has a positive impact, there's no evidence suggesting that reducing THC concentrations to non-detectable levels makes CBD any less effective. On our product pages, you'll find an impressive number of reviews and testimonials submitted by people quite pleased with the results of using CBD on its own. However, the only way you'll know how your system might respond to any CBD product is to try it. Until then, you may find it helpful to consider the differences between CBD and THC and how you might benefit from adding a CBDistillery® 0% THC CBD product to your daily routine. 

What's the Difference Between CBD and THC?  

Full spectrum hemp extract contains high concentrations of CBD, but only a small amount of THC. Although CBD and THC have the same chemical composition, their atoms are arranged in slightly different configurations. THC's molecular structure, its 3D shape, allows the cannabinoid to bind with (and activate) a specific chemical receptor in the brain, CB1, in a way that causes the type of euphoria marijuana is known for. In high concentrations, THC can cause lapses in memory, anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and hallucinations (McPartland & Pruitt, 1999). 

The receptor activated by THC is part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the largest regulatory system in your body. Unlike THC, CBD does not bind with CB1 receptors. Instead, the cannabinoid has an indirect effect through its interaction with multiple molecular targets, including the receptors of the serotonin, GABA, and dopamine systems. CBD also inhibits the metabolic enzymes that break down the chemical messenger anandamide while interfering with THC's ability to bind with CB1 (Alger, 2013). The cannabinoid is generally well-tolerated, considered safe for most people, and has a low risk of (minor) side effects that can include digestive upset, dry mouth, or fatigue (WHO, 2020). 

What Are the Benefits of Using CBD Without THC?  

Many cannabis researchers believe CBD supports ECS function in a way that helps maintain balance (homeostasis) throughout numerous processes regulated by ECS signaling (Sallaberry & Astern, 2018). But even with THC's contributions to CBD's potency, many CBD users are uncomfortable with the implications of ingesting even small amounts. Instead, they choose CBD products made with broad spectrum extracts or pure CBD isolate powder. Broad spectrum extracts contain many of the same additional cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytonutrients as full spectrum, but the THC is reduced to non-detectable levels (less than .01%) during extraction and processing. 

CBD isolate is the purest form of cannabidiol available. All that remains after processing is a 0% THC CBD powder that's flavorless, odorless, and highly concentrated. In a review published in the Journal of Clinical Medical Research detailing CBD's potential benefits for a specific range of concerns, investigators specified that most of the data used in their study was based on the effects of the "pure form" of CBD administered through inhalation, sublingual absorption, or oral capsules during clinical trials (Larsen & Shahinas, 2020). 

While the only way to know if you could also benefit from a similarly "pure" CBD product is to try one, you may find it quite reassuring to know that most of our nearly 2000 survey respondents report positive results using a wide range of full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate products for better sleep, relaxation, and for pain stiffness and inflammation after physical activity. Eighty-nine percent report that CBD helps calm their mind, and 88% tell us that CBD helps with mild or temporary anxiety. 

Zero Percent THC Products to Try  

When you're ready to add the health and wellness potential of CBD to your daily routine, it's best to find a product that suits your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. At CBDistillery®, you'll find an impressive selection of tinctures, topicals, drink mixes, and gummies made with broad spectrum extracts and pure CBD isolate powder. You can choose based on your interest in an entourage effect or preferences for experiencing the impact of CBD on its own. Since there's no single CBD product that appeals to every person interested in 0% THC CBD, the following recommendations could help steer you in the right direction. 

THC-Free CBD Oil Tinctures 

CBDistillery® THC- Free CBD Oil Tinctures are made with a blend of our pure 0% THC isolate powder and a carrier oil. We use fractionated coconut oil, also known as MCT oil, for its contributions to CBD's bioavailability. CBD oil tinctures are popular with CBD users looking for a product that can be used in several ways. You can add a serving of your 0% THC tincture to snacks and beverages, for cooking and baking, or to make any number of DIY products. For faster results, hold your tincture beneath your tongue for 10-20 seconds, then swallow. With tinctures, it's easy to adjust your serving sizes as needed. 

 Broad Spectrum CBD Anytime Gummies 

CBDistillery® Broad Spectrum Anytime Gummies are a delicious, portable way to experience the health and wellness potential of CBD. Each broad spectrum hemp supplement gives you 30 mg of CBD, an amount that works well for most CBD users. Since we've done the work for you, you'll never have to worry about mixing, measuring, or counting drops. Our broad spectrum gummies are lightly sugar-coated and have an enticing tropical fruit flavor that complements the terpene profile of our naturally cultivated hemp. For a nightly boost of melatonin, try our Broad Spectrum CBD Sleep Gummies. 

Topical CBD Relief Sticks  

It can take up to two hours to experience the full effects of CBD gummies as you wait for the cannabinoids to process through your digestive system.  For fast, effective, targeted relief, treat yourself to a CBDistillery® CBD Relief Stick. You have two options. Our regular strength CBD Relief Stick gives you 500 mg of CBD. Our extra strength formula contains 1000 mg CBD. When applied topically, CBD penetrates the surface of your skin and interacts with the ECS receptors far below the surface. You can use a relief stick on its own or to complement the effects of any other CBDistillery® 0% THC CBD product. 

Broad Spectrum Drink Mixes  

The CBD Drink mixes featured in our Synergy Collection are made with broad spectrum, water-soluble CBD powder. Each serving of CBDistillery® Daytime Synergy Drink Mix gives you the energy-boosting potential of 25mg of CBD, caffeine (50mg), vitamin C, CoQ10, and a delicious orange flavor to help jump-start your day. Our Sleep Synergy Drink Mix is a caffeine-free beverage featuring the sleep-promoting potential of 25mg of CBD, valerian root, chamomile, and L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves. For AM and PM ECS support, simply mix with water, shake or stir, and enjoy. 

CBDelicious CBD Isolate Powder 

CBDistillery® High Purity CBDelicious CBD Isolate Powder could be your best option if you're looking for a way to add CBD's health and wellness potential to your favorite recipes. Great for getting creative in the kitchen, we suggest adding this highly concentrated 0% THC powder to baked goods, candy recipes, shakes, smoothies, soups, or sauces. Since this powder gives you the advantage of using CBD completely on its own, there's nothing to alter the flavor or aroma of even the most delicate culinary creations. You get 970mg+ CBD in every gram. 

Discover Why So Many People Choose CBDistillery® 0% THC CBD Products  

At CBDistillery®, we're committed to providing high-quality, fairly priced hemp-derived products. As a vertically integrated company, we oversee every aspect of production, from the cultivation of our non-GMO, naturally farmed hemp plants to product manufacturing and distribution. Although our full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD products don't contain enough THC to cause intoxication, they're not right for everyone. CBD users who prefer avoiding their (less than 0.3%) THC have the option of choosing from our impressive selection of tinctures, gummies, topicals, and drink mixes made with pure CBD isolate powder or broad spectrum extracts. 

To learn more about our selection of products, visit CBDistillery® to download our Ultimate CBD User Guide, the #1 resource guide for CBD users, or consider scheduling a personal consultation. You can shop with confidence knowing CBDistillery® CBD, CBDA, CBN, CBG, and THC products are third-party tested, produced in a GMP registered facility, and backed by a no-risk satisfaction guarantee. 

References 

Alger B, Ph.D. (2013) Getting High on the Endocannabinoid System. 14, Cerebrum. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3997295/ 

Larson C, Jorida S. (2020) Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials. 12(3) J Clin Med Res 129-41. 

Lowe H, Steele B, et al. (2021) Non-Cannabinoid Metabolites of Cannabis Sativa L with Therapeutic Potential. 10(2) Plants 400. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020400 

McParland J, Pruitt P. (1999) Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals not Elicited by Comparable Herbal Medicines: The Case of Tetrahydrocannabinol and Marijuana. 5(4) Altern Ther Health Med 57-62. PDF https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10394675/ 

Nahler G, Jones T, et al. (2019) Cannabidiol and Contribution of Major Hemp Phytocompounds to the "Entourage Effect: Possible Mechanisms. 5, J Altern Complement Integr Med 70. PDF https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/5fdb/65ec478d8eea22740e81512a1fc3a2ea6ac2.pdf 

Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

World Health Organization. (2020) Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. PDF https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf?sfvrsn=f78db177_2