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THC-free CBD oils, also known as CBD isolates, are a good option for those who want to avoid THC. These are our four favorites.
Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
If you’re new to CBD, it can be difficult to wade through all the terminology.
While full-spectrum CBD products contain small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), there are THC-free CBD options available as well, also known as isolates.
Let’s take a look at our favorite THC-free CBD oils available.
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 by a company that discloses the source of their hemp
- contains no more than 0.3% THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- passes tests for 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:
- customer reviews
- whether the company has been subject to a
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter - whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
We also had several Healthline editors take some of the oils for a spin so they could weigh in about how they stack up on taste and efficacy.
| Product | CBD type | CBD potency | Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medterra Isolate CBD Oil | isolate | • 500 mg, 1,000 mg, or 3,000 mg per 30-mL bottle • 6,000 mg per 60-mL bottle | • subscribe and save • rewards program |
| Extract Labs CBD Isolate Oil | isolate | 2,000 mg per 30-mL bottle | • subscribe and save • loyalty program • teachers • military • first responders • healthcare workers • people with disabilities • low income households |
| CBDistillery ahhh distilled CBD Oil | isolate | 1,000 mg per 30-mL bottle | • use code “healthline” for 20% off • subscribe and save • military • referral |
| Bluebird Botanicals THC-Free CBD Oil | isolate | 1,500 mg per 30-mL bottle | • subscribe and save • loyalty program • low income households • long-term disability • veterans |
CBD is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Research on CBD is still ongoing. But some studies show that it may have therapeutic potential for:
There are two types of THC-free CBD oil: isolate and broad-spectrum.
Isolate CBD oil contains only CBD. True isolate oil should contain zero THC or other cannabinoids besides CBD.
Broad-spectrum CBD oils also lack THC, but they may contain other cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG) or cannabinol (CBN). They may also contain 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.
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.
THC-free oils are designed to be completely free of the cannabinoid THC. That makes them a good choice for anyone interested in exploring CBD without any exposure to THC.
It may also be a good option if you undergo drug testing, but keep in mind that even THC-free oils can contain trace amounts of THC. That’s why it’s important to check a product’s COA.
CBD isolate products, in particular, may be appealing if you dislike the earthy flavor of full- or broad-spectrum CBD.
Research on the benefits of THC-free CBD oils is limited. Here’s what we know so far.
An older 2015 animal study suggests that CBD isolate may offer health benefits, including minimizing pain and swelling, but not as effectively as a full-spectrum CBD product. Researchers also note that the isolate’s effects seemed to only be effective within a limited dose range, with no benefits at lower or higher doses.
People taking broad-spectrum CBD may benefit from the entourage effect. There’s
If you’re looking for a THC-free CBD oil, you’ll want to avoid full-spectrum CBD oils, as those will contain some THC. Broad-spectrum oils may also contain traces of THC (which could show up on a drug test), so we recommend you select isolate products.
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 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 how to read them. Mainly, you’ll want to check the CBD and THC content — making 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 and how they make their products.
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.
It’s also a good idea to check a product’s label. Some products are designed to be used topically — like as a body oil — while others are intended to be taken orally.
For edible oils, you can either put them under your tongue and hold them there for up to a minute before swallowing, or you can add them to food or drinks.
While
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- changes in weight
Before you try CBD, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional, especially if you’re taking any medications. CBD may interact with certain medications, including those with a grapefruit warning. Some
Additionally, be careful if you’re ingesting CBD products along with high fat meals.
A
You’ll also want to avoid CBD if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant.
It’s possible.
Broad-spectrum products are marketed as free of THC, but the possibility of trace amounts of THC still remains. In rare instances, these products could still result in a positive drug test. Isolate CBD products do not contain any THC.
No. CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD oils don’t contain THC, which is the compound that causes a high.
In the rare instance that trace amounts of THC remain in isolate or broad-spectrum products, it shouldn’t be enough to make you feel high.
CBD isolate contains only CBD, with no other compounds from the hemp plant, including THC. True isolate oils are made with just CBD and a carrier oil.
Broad-spectrum CBD oils don’t have THC either. But they still retain other cannabinoids and compounds, such as terpenes and flavonoids.
No. Full-spectrum CBD contains all the compounds of the hemp plant, including up to .3% THC. If you want a THC-free CBD product, look for isolate products.
Research suggests that people with social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may benefit from CBD. More research is needed to determine which forms of CBD are most effective.
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 a healthcare professional before trying CBD, especially if you’re taking any medications.
Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.