What is the THC Content in CBD Flowers?

A CBD market forecast by Nielsen reveals that CBD flowers and pre-rolls are expected to compose almost 5% of the CBD industry. This niche is poised to grow five-fold from $80 million to $400 million by 2025. But even though more people are opting for the best CBD flowers, you may have apprehensions about its THC content.  

How Much THC Does Hemp Flower Contain Naturally? 

Due to decades of specialized cultivation, hemp flowers typically contain low levels of THC. The average THC content for most hemp plants is thus 0.2% or less. However, finding plants with low-THC and high CBD content is as easy as finding low-CBD and high-THC plants. This is because marijuana and hemp flowers are products of the same plant (but there are diffences between CBD flowers and weed). 

Cultivators may choose hemp strains with either CBD or THC as the primary cannabinoid. As a result, the latter will naturally have higher levels of THC than normal, sometimes up to 20%. Therefore, it is safe to say that though hemp contains negligible THC levels, this amount ultimately depends on the type of crop being reared. 

What Is the Legal THC Content for CBD Flower? 

According to FDA regulations, 0.3% is the maximum legal amount of THC a CBD flower can contain. Under the US Farm Bill of 2018, a CBD flower is classified as industrial hemp when it adheres to this regulation and maintains a low THC content. 

However, the same substance is legally categorized as cannabis or marijuana when it exceeds this limit. CBD flowers with more than 0.3% THC come under the jurisdiction of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug.  

For this reason, you should be extra cautious when choosing your CBD flower. You can take the following precautions to avoid issues with CBD legality.  

• Checking products labels thoroughly  
• Going through the Certificate of Analysis 
• Checking the ingredient listings 

How Do Manufacturers Decrease THC Potency in CBD Flowers? 

Hemp must be cleared for its THC quantity before it can be legally used in CBD products. For this reason, cultivators use certain plant varieties that naturally have low levels of this compound. Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are two strains that contain low THC and high levels of CBD. 

The latter is the chief component in CBD flowers and produces the same potential benefits as THC-containing marijuana without recreating the hallucinogenic high. Cultivators also combine different strains to make hybrid hemp plants that produce CBD flowers with decreased potency. 

Manufacturers also reduce the THC potency during CBD production by passing the substance through various processes. Methods like Alcohol Distillation and Supercritical CO2 Extraction isolate cannabis components like CBD, THC, terpenes, and more to produce concentrated, low-THC products. 

Can You Get Positive for a Drug Test After Using CBD Flowers? 

CBD flowers and drug testing have a tricky relationship. A standard drug test will not be able to detect your system's CBD levels. However, if your CBD flowers contain more THC, you can likely get a positive on your drug test. Since THC is fat-soluble, it can remain in your body even up to 3 days after use. 

Immunoassays based on blood or urine samples are the most common test types. For THC, this test will detect amounts of more than 50 nanograms per ml of urine. If your CBD flowers consist mainly of CBD, you will likely get a negative for these tests.  

However, since the FDA does not regulate the CBD market, many products may be contaminated or mislabeled. A CBD flower advertised to contain less than 0.3% THC may exceed that limit. For this reason, it's crucial to purchase your products from reliable distributors willing to produce third-party testing for their goods. 

Can the THC Potency in CBD Flowers Have an Impact on The Effects? 

Studies show that full spectrum CBD products contain THC along with CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, omegas, and more, which are likely to help treat pain. These products are reported to be more effective in fighting pain and inflammation than CBD Isolate or broad-spectrum products because of the so-called “entourage effect.” 

This effect refers to the theory that the components of cannabis are likely to be more potent when used in conjunction with each other. The CBD boosts THC's power, does the same for terpenes, and so on. For this reason, it is safe to say that THC levels/potency in CBD flowers can impact its strengths. 

Final thoughts 

When choosing your CBD flowers, THC is a major factor to consider. Not only is excessive THC in your CBD flowers restricted, but unverified products can pose harm to your health. For this reason, you should always insist on buying your product from the best CBD flower companies that offer transparency on their ingredients and production processes. 

Sources: 

https://www.forbes.com/health/body/does-cbd-show-up-on-a-drug-test/ 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239248/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/ 

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-84/pdf/STATUTE-84-Pg1236.pdf 

See also: Articles, Cannabis, CBD, Flowers

Enny Soyinka

PharmacologistExpertise : Research on cannabinoids, Brand Reviewer

Enny Soyinka stands at the forefront of hemp research, blending a deep-rooted passion for holistic health with a robust scientific background. As an accomplished pharmacologist, Enny's extensive research into hemp has made them a pivotal figure in demystifying its health benefits. Their expertise shines a light on the nuanced relationship between cannabinoids and wellness, offering well-informed insights in the dynamic world of cannabinoids.