If you are thinking about using cannabidiol (CBD) for the first time, or using it to treat a child, you may be worried about tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD and THC are both chemicals in hemp and marijuana plants, and they both have medicinal properties. However, CBD does not have the side effect of making a person feel "high," while THC does. Because of this, it is especially important to avoid THC treatment of children, unless prescribed by a doctor.

CBD Has the Same Chemical Structure Despite Which Plant It Comes From

With several types of CBD oil on the market, you might think there are several types of CBD. However, structurally, CBD is the same whether it comes from hemp or marijuana. CBD oils differ based on their delivery method as well as CBD content. Additionally, some CBD oils contain other cannabinoids and terpenes, such as THC. The balance of cannabinoids can change the way your body reacts to the compound.  

CBD Extracted from Marijuana Is More Likely to Contain THC

You may have heard that only marijuana contains THC, while hemp contains only CBD. This is not true. Both CBD and THC are found in plant resins, and marijuana has a higher resin content than hemp. This means that marijuana has a higher content of both CBD and THC. However, hemp does have a higher ratio of CBD to THC. This means that CBD is easier to extract from hemp while remaining under the legal limit for THC. 

CBD Extracted From Hemp May Still Have THC

While hemp has a lower amount of THC, it is still possible for some hemp extracts to have THC in them. Usually, they are in such a small amount that they are not psychoactive. If having no THC is important to you, relying solely on hemp compounds is not enough to ensure this. 

The Safest Way to Avoid THC Is to Choose Isolate CBD

If you want a CBD oil with no THC, the easiest and surest way to get one is to order an isolate CBD oil as opposed to a full spectrum CBD oil. Isolate compounds are processed to ensure the only active ingredient is CBD. Full spectrum compounds contain CBD along with other chemicals closely related to CBD. While many of these other compounds may also be helpful, one of them may be THC. 

If you are considering CBD oil but are concerned about THC, it is important to educate yourself about your options and choose the best oil for your needs.