What THC Level, If Any, Should Your CBD Products Contain?
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Summary
One of the most important factors to consider for your CBD business is the level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in your products. This is one of the most highly regulated areas of the CBD industry, specifically in the UK and Europe. There can only be trace amounts of THC in your final CBD products for them to be considered safe for consumers. This article outlines the legally permissible levels of THC and Novel Food regulations, in addition to considering other regulations that must be followed. This includes not marketing your products as medicinal and obtaining a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
What Is CBD?
Put simply, CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is also commonly referred to as hemp in the plant. CBD is one of over one hundred other identified cannabinoids, in addition to terpenes and flavonoids. CBD was first discovered back in 1940, and extensive scientific research has been conducted into it since.
Unlike THC, it has been identified as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid; thus, it can be widely consumed. In terms of the benefits that CBD can bring, a growing body of evidence suggests it can make an ideal natural supplement to many individuals’ everyday lives. For instance, some people combine CBD with their exercise routine, such as combining it with a protein shake following a workout. Others enjoy using CBD as part of their bedtime routine to help promote a sense of calm and peace.
Popular CBD Products
Once the CBD has been extracted from the plant, it needs to be diluted with a natural carrier oil such as coconut or avocado oil before it can be utilised to create a product. There are many different types of CBD products making their impact on UK and EU markets. Some of the most popular include CBD oils, CBD gummies, CBD muscle gel, CBD lotion, CBD edibles and more.
Spectrums of CBD
There are three different spectrums of CBD that are important to understand for your CBD business. CBD isolate contains pure CBD, which can go as high as 99% CBD purity. This type of CBD product will contain no other cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids. It provides the consumer with pure CBD.
On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD products contain other naturally occurring compounds from the hemp plant, with the exception of THC. Finally, full-spectrum products will contain all of the naturally occurring compounds, including THC. However, the amount of THC these types of products can contain needs to be at a legally permissible amount.
It is important to note that consumers will place different values on the different spectrums. For instance, individuals who wish to reap the potential benefits of the entourage effect will purchase broad-spectrum or full-spectrum products. This is because the presence of the naturally occurring compounds from the Cannabis sativa plant potentially leads to an improved outcome. This is largely down to the ability of the compounds to work together in synergy. On the other hand, CBD isolate products can appeal to consumers that want to consume a pure form of CBD. This is especially attractive to individuals new to the cannabinoid, particularly as there is no THC, even in trace amounts.
Prior to creating any CBD product, the manufacturer will need to know what spectrum of CBD is required. This is because there are a variety of CBD extraction methods, some popular choices including CO2 extraction and steam distillation. Following the extraction of the cannabis plant material, CBD isolate, full spectrum, and broad-spectrum extracts need to go through a refinement process, often referred to as winterisation. This is particularly important for isolate products, as the extract needs to undergo an intense refinement process to remove all other compounds, with the exception of CBD.
The Legality of CBD in the UK and EU
It’s vital for any CBD business to familiarise itself with the laws and regulations surrounding the sale of CBD products. Here we will examine the key areas, including the legal levels of THC.
Novel Food
CBD was classified as a Novel Food in Europe back in 2019. The European Commission regards a Novel Food as a food product that was not widely consumed by humans in the EU before 15 May 1997. The term Novel Food is used to describe food that has been newly developed or produced using new production and technology, or food that has been traditionally consumed outside of the EU.
Under new guidelines, in the UK, it was vital for all established CBD businesses to submit applications by 31st March 2021. This would ensure that their current CBD products were authorised to be sold as Novel Food.
Further applications can be made after this; however, these products will not be immediately added to the list of validated CBD products. This is due to the extensive application process, as the CBD Novel Food Application (NFA) requires substantial information surrounding the product. This includes the composition of the active ingredients, toxicology and absorption information. If this is approved, then the CBD products can then be legally sold.
The Levels of THC
The levels of THC in your CBD products need to adhere to strict regulations. In the UK, each product container of CBD needs to possess less than 1mg of THC, cannabinol (CBN) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). Cannabis plants (hemp) cultivated and grown in the UK are known to possess low levels of CBD and THC; however, the levels still need to be carefully monitored.
Furthermore, if you wish to sell in the UK, your CBD product needs to be derived from approved strains. There can be no more than 0.2% of THC in dried weight of hemp. This is considered to only be a trace amount, which should not cause any adverse effects or cause the user to feel intoxicated. Furthermore, the THC should not be able to be easily separated from the final product.
While these rules apply to many other countries in the EU, there are some differences to note regarding levels of THC. For example, in the Czech Republic, CBD products need to contain a maximum of 1% THC to be legally sold. In Lithuania, the product cannot pass the 0.3% limit of THC during the production process. In Italy, CBD products are legally sold if they do not exceed 0.6% during production. Finally, for CBD products to be legally sold in Sweden and Norway, there can be no THC presence, even in trace amounts.
It is important for CBD businesses to keep up to date with any legislation changes, particularly when it involves the levels of THC, as this directly affects where you can sell your products. This is why utilising a trusted cannabinoid supplier, like Always Pure Organics, can instil you with the confidence you need. You can be assured that our white label CBD products have undergone rigorous testing and all of our full-spectrum CBD products only possess trace amounts of THC.
Marketing Your Products
Marketing your CBD products is an essential part of your CBD business. However, there are rules that must be adhered to. For example, in the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not regard CBD as a medicinal product. This means that your marketing materials (such as labels and product descriptions) can make no medical claims. If you were to break these regulations, there could be legal consequences for your business.
Furthermore, keep in mind that accurate labelling of products and being up-front about how your hemp was grown and sourced will put you in good stead with consumers. For CBD to be legally sold in the UK and EU, the hemp needs to be derived from a strain that has been approved by the EU. Some of the most popular countries to import CBD from include Portugal, France and Switzerland.
The Importance of a Certificate of Analysis (COA)
This leads to the importance of the Certificate of Analysis (COA). A CBD supplier should supply you with a COA for every single product. CBD products are typically lab tested to determine their safety and quality.
A COA will provide vital details about a product, including the active ingredients (cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes) and their potencies. This is particularly important for the levels of THC, as this is the main deciding factor on the legality of a CBD product.
Not only do COAs help you feel secure in what you are selling, but it also provides your customers with the confidence that what they are purchasing is above board and safe to consume.
Final Thoughts
There are clear regulations pertaining to THC levels in your CBD products. These need to be followed so that your CBD business can legally sell your products in the UK and EU. If you are looking to jump-start your CBD business, then look no further than Always Pure Organics. We offer a wide range of products, from full-spectrum CBD oil down to white label CBD gummies. You can contact us directly to discuss your products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid that was first identified in 1940. It remains one of the most scientifically researched cannabinoids from the Cannabis sativa plant, alongside THC. CBD can be widely consumed due to its non-intoxicating effects, and there are a variety of innovative products hitting the market. This includes CBD oils, lotions, gummies, and more. There are different methods to extract CBD from the plant’s leaves, flowers and stalks. Once this has been achieved, the CBD extract may need to go through a winterisation process to remove any unwanted compounds. For instance, CBD isolate products need to be free of the naturally occurring compounds, in particular THC. The extract is also diluted with a natural carrier oil to ensure it is fit for human consumption.
What are the benefits of CBD?
There are a variety of purported benefits associated with consuming the CBD cannabinoid. For example, the use of topical CBD products may help soothe the skin. Some individuals enjoy the use of CBD skincare products for these reasons, while others use it during their exercise recovery routine as there are CBD infused muscle gels to potentially provide relief. CBD can also be consumed as an all-natural supplement to support your healthy lifestyle. One of the most hassle-free ways to achieve this is via CBD oil, which can be consumed sublingually (underneath the tongue) or combined with food and drink.
What is THC?
THC is the main psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant. It is the cannabinoid that is responsible for the feeling of intoxication and altering your state of mind. In the majority of EU countries and the UK, there can only be trace amounts of this cannabinoid in any CBD products for them to be legally sold. A COA will be able to confirm the potency of THC. CBD isolate, and broad-spectrum products can contain no THC, while full-spectrum CBD products can contain trace amounts.
Is CBD legal?
The issue of legality differs around the world. However, CBD is legal in the UK and European countries. In the UK, the hemp strain needs to be an EU approved strain, there can only be trace amounts of THC present in the final product, and the THC cannot be separated from it. Furthermore, CBD cannot be marketed as a medicinal product as it is classed as a Novel Food. CBD businesses should also provide a COA for their products so that consumers can assess the ingredients and their potencies. Lab testing ensures that CBD businesses are transparent about their products.
How much THC is legal in CBD oil?
Trace amounts of the THC cannabinoid are legal in CBD products. This means that products cannot exceed 1mg in the UK. However, this can rise to 0.3% and 0.6% in some countries, but these levels of THC cannot be exceeded during the production process. In the UK, individual product containers of CBD cannot possess more than 1mg of THC, CBN or THCV. The same applies to any other type of ingestible CBD product on the market.
Does CBD show up on a drug test?
CBD itself will not appear on a drug test unless the test is specifically testing for the cannabinoid. Trace amounts of THC are legal in full-spectrum CBD products. However, this means that it is possible for an individual to fail a drug test if it picks up on this THC.
What is a Novel Food?
Novel Food is the term used to describe any food product that was not widely consumed before 15 May 1997. CBD products are classed as a Novel Food, as they were not widely consumed before this time. There is legislation surrounding novel foods in order to determine their safety for consumers. CBD businesses needed to submit their applications by 31 March 2021 to continue selling their products. New applications can be submitted; however, they need to be approved and authorised before you can begin to sell. Here at Always Pure Organics, we ensure that all regulations are complied with. This means that you can apply your energy to running your business, as opposed to stressing about your products.
What happens to THC during CBD extraction?
CBD needs to be extracted from the hemp plant before it can be infused into any product. CBD is extracted from the leaves, stalks and flowers of the hemp plant. When CBD is extracted, so are other cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes. Therefore, THC will also be extracted. These other compounds are necessary if the final product were to be broad-spectrum, as although it contains no THC, it contains other beneficial compounds. Full-spectrum will include trace amounts of THC. To ensure that the THC is at a legal level, the extract will need to be refined. Also, the cannabis plant can be bred to specially ensure low levels of THC.
What is white label CBD?
If a product is deemed as white label, then it has been sold by retailers marketing the product as their own (with their own branding) but comes from a third-party manufacturer like Always Pure Organics. This CBD manufacturer is an established and trusted business in its own right. There are many advantages for CBD businesses choosing to conduct their company in this way, and there has consequently been a rise in demand for white label CBD products. Always Pure Organics offers CBD businesses high-quality white label CBD products to help you kick-start your business in a cost-effective manner.
What are the benefits of white label CBD?
There are many benefits of white label CBD for your CBD business. For example, it can fast track your business in a cost-effective manner. It can allow you to test out a range of products with your consumer market to see what your customers are most responsive to. Furthermore, it is a great idea for CBD business beginners, as you can be sure that the products you are selling have already undergone rigorous testing and are of high quality. Finally, white label CBD allows you to choose your pricing for your products, ensuring that you can price them competitively.
References
https://www.alwayspureorganics.com/products/cbd-oil-hemp-or-mct-carrier/
https://www.alwayspureorganics.com/products/cbd-gummies/
https://www.alwayspureorganics.com/products/lotions-2/
https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/novel-food_en
https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/cannabidiol-cbd
https://www.alwayspureorganics.com/
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-statement-on-products-containing-cannabidiol-cbd
Summary
One of the most important factors to consider for your CBD business is the level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in your products. This is one of the most highly regulated areas of the CBD industry, specifically in the UK and Europe. There can only be trace amounts of THC in your final CBD products for them to be considered safe for consumers. This article outlines the legally permissible levels of THC and Novel Food regulations, in addition to considering other regulations that must be followed. This includes not marketing your products as medicinal and obtaining a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
What Is CBD?
Put simply, CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is also commonly referred to as hemp in the plant. CBD is one of over one hundred other identified cannabinoids, in addition to terpenes and flavonoids. CBD was first discovered back in 1940, and extensive scientific research has been conducted into it since.
Unlike THC, it has been identified as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid; thus, it can be widely consumed. In terms of the benefits that CBD can bring, a growing body of evidence suggests it can make an ideal natural supplement to many individuals’ everyday lives. For instance, some people combine CBD with their exercise routine, such as combining it with a protein shake following a workout. Others enjoy using CBD as part of their bedtime routine to help promote a sense of calm and peace.
Popular CBD Products
Once the CBD has been extracted from the plant, it needs to be diluted with a natural carrier oil such as coconut or avocado oil before it can be utilised to create a product. There are many different types of CBD products making their impact on UK and EU markets. Some of the most popular include CBD oils, CBD gummies, CBD muscle gel, CBD lotion, CBD edibles and more.
Spectrums of CBD
There are three different spectrums of CBD that are important to understand for your CBD business. CBD isolate contains pure CBD, which can go as high as 99% CBD purity. This type of CBD product will contain no other cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids. It provides the consumer with pure CBD.
On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD products contain other naturally occurring compounds from the hemp plant, with the exception of THC. Finally, full-spectrum products will contain all of the naturally occurring compounds, including THC. However, the amount of THC these types of products can contain needs to be at a legally permissible amount.
It is important to note that consumers will place different values on the different spectrums. For instance, individuals who wish to reap the potential benefits of the entourage effect will purchase broad-spectrum or full-spectrum products. This is because the presence of the naturally occurring compounds from the Cannabis sativa plant potentially leads to an improved outcome. This is largely down to the ability of the compounds to work together in synergy. On the other hand, CBD isolate products can appeal to consumers that want to consume a pure form of CBD. This is especially attractive to individuals new to the cannabinoid, particularly as there is no THC, even in trace amounts.
Prior to creating any CBD product, the manufacturer will need to know what spectrum of CBD is required. This is because there are a variety of CBD extraction methods, some popular choices including CO2 extraction and steam distillation. Following the extraction of the cannabis plant material, CBD isolate, full spectrum, and broad-spectrum extracts need to go through a refinement process, often referred to as winterisation. This is particularly important for isolate products, as the extract needs to undergo an intense refinement process to remove all other compounds, with the exception of CBD.
The Legality of CBD in the UK and EU
It’s vital for any CBD business to familiarise itself with the laws and regulations surrounding the sale of CBD products. Here we will examine the key areas, including the legal levels of THC.
Novel Food
CBD was classified as a Novel Food in Europe back in 2019. The European Commission regards a Novel Food as a food product that was not widely consumed by humans in the EU before 15 May 1997. The term Novel Food is used to describe food that has been newly developed or produced using new production and technology, or food that has been traditionally consumed outside of the EU.
Under new guidelines, in the UK, it was vital for all established CBD businesses to submit applications by 31st March 2021. This would ensure that their current CBD products were authorised to be sold as Novel Food.
Further applications can be made after this; however, these products will not be immediately added to the list of validated CBD products. This is due to the extensive application process, as the CBD Novel Food Application (NFA) requires substantial information surrounding the product. This includes the composition of the active ingredients, toxicology and absorption information. If this is approved, then the CBD products can then be legally sold.
The Levels of THC
The levels of THC in your CBD products need to adhere to strict regulations. In the UK, each product container of CBD needs to possess less than 1mg of THC, cannabinol (CBN) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). Cannabis plants (hemp) cultivated and grown in the UK are known to possess low levels of CBD and THC; however, the levels still need to be carefully monitored.
Furthermore, if you wish to sell in the UK, your CBD product needs to be derived from approved strains. There can be no more than 0.2% of THC in dried weight of hemp. This is considered to only be a trace amount, which should not cause any adverse effects or cause the user to feel intoxicated. Furthermore, the THC should not be able to be easily separated from the final product.
While these rules apply to many other countries in the EU, there are some differences to note regarding levels of THC. For example, in the Czech Republic, CBD products need to contain a maximum of 1% THC to be legally sold. In Lithuania, the product cannot pass the 0.3% limit of THC during the production process. In Italy, CBD products are legally sold if they do not exceed 0.6% during production. Finally, for CBD products to be legally sold in Sweden and Norway, there can be no THC presence, even in trace amounts.
It is important for CBD businesses to keep up to date with any legislation changes, particularly when it involves the levels of THC, as this directly affects where you can sell your products. This is why utilising a trusted cannabinoid supplier, like Always Pure Organics, can instil you with the confidence you need. You can be assured that our white label CBD products have undergone rigorous testing and all of our full-spectrum CBD products only possess trace amounts of THC.
Marketing Your Products
Marketing your CBD products is an essential part of your CBD business. However, there are rules that must be adhered to. For example, in the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not regard CBD as a medicinal product. This means that your marketing materials (such as labels and product descriptions) can make no medical claims. If you were to break these regulations, there could be legal consequences for your business.
Furthermore, keep in mind that accurate labelling of products and being up-front about how your hemp was grown and sourced will put you in good stead with consumers. For CBD to be legally sold in the UK and EU, the hemp needs to be derived from a strain that has been approved by the EU. Some of the most popular countries to import CBD from include Portugal, France and Switzerland.
The Importance of a Certificate of Analysis (COA)
This leads to the importance of the Certificate of Analysis (COA). A CBD supplier should supply you with a COA for every single product. CBD products are typically lab tested to determine their safety and quality.
A COA will provide vital details about a product, including the active ingredients (cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes) and their potencies. This is particularly important for the levels of THC, as this is the main deciding factor on the legality of a CBD product.
Not only do COAs help you feel secure in what you are selling, but it also provides your customers with the confidence that what they are purchasing is above board and safe to consume.
Final Thoughts
There are clear regulations pertaining to THC levels in your CBD products. These need to be followed so that your CBD business can legally sell your products in the UK and EU. If you are looking to jump-start your CBD business, then look no further than Always Pure Organics. We offer a wide range of products, from full-spectrum CBD oil down to white label CBD gummies. You can contact us directly to discuss your products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid that was first identified in 1940. It remains one of the most scientifically researched cannabinoids from the Cannabis sativa plant, alongside THC. CBD can be widely consumed due to its non-intoxicating effects, and there are a variety of innovative products hitting the market. This includes CBD oils, lotions, gummies, and more. There are different methods to extract CBD from the plant’s leaves, flowers and stalks. Once this has been achieved, the CBD extract may need to go through a winterisation process to remove any unwanted compounds. For instance, CBD isolate products need to be free of the naturally occurring compounds, in particular THC. The extract is also diluted with a natural carrier oil to ensure it is fit for human consumption.
What are the benefits of CBD?
There are a variety of purported benefits associated with consuming the CBD cannabinoid. For example, the use of topical CBD products may help soothe the skin. Some individuals enjoy the use of CBD skincare products for these reasons, while others use it during their exercise recovery routine as there are CBD infused muscle gels to potentially provide relief. CBD can also be consumed as an all-natural supplement to support your healthy lifestyle. One of the most hassle-free ways to achieve this is via CBD oil, which can be consumed sublingually (underneath the tongue) or combined with food and drink.
What is THC?
THC is the main psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant. It is the cannabinoid that is responsible for the feeling of intoxication and altering your state of mind. In the majority of EU countries and the UK, there can only be trace amounts of this cannabinoid in any CBD products for them to be legally sold. A COA will be able to confirm the potency of THC. CBD isolate, and broad-spectrum products can contain no THC, while full-spectrum CBD products can contain trace amounts.
Is CBD legal?
The issue of legality differs around the world. However, CBD is legal in the UK and European countries. In the UK, the hemp strain needs to be an EU approved strain, there can only be trace amounts of THC present in the final product, and the THC cannot be separated from it. Furthermore, CBD cannot be marketed as a medicinal product as it is classed as a Novel Food. CBD businesses should also provide a COA for their products so that consumers can assess the ingredients and their potencies. Lab testing ensures that CBD businesses are transparent about their products.
How much THC is legal in CBD oil?
Trace amounts of the THC cannabinoid are legal in CBD products. This means that products cannot exceed 1mg in the UK. However, this can rise to 0.3% and 0.6% in some countries, but these levels of THC cannot be exceeded during the production process. In the UK, individual product containers of CBD cannot possess more than 1mg of THC, CBN or THCV. The same applies to any other type of ingestible CBD product on the market.
Does CBD show up on a drug test?
CBD itself will not appear on a drug test unless the test is specifically testing for the cannabinoid. Trace amounts of THC are legal in full-spectrum CBD products. However, this means that it is possible for an individual to fail a drug test if it picks up on this THC.
What is a Novel Food?
Novel Food is the term used to describe any food product that was not widely consumed before 15 May 1997. CBD products are classed as a Novel Food, as they were not widely consumed before this time. There is legislation surrounding novel foods in order to determine their safety for consumers. CBD businesses needed to submit their applications by 31 March 2021 to continue selling their products. New applications can be submitted; however, they need to be approved and authorised before you can begin to sell. Here at Always Pure Organics, we ensure that all regulations are complied with. This means that you can apply your energy to running your business, as opposed to stressing about your products.
What happens to THC during CBD extraction?
CBD needs to be extracted from the hemp plant before it can be infused into any product. CBD is extracted from the leaves, stalks and flowers of the hemp plant. When CBD is extracted, so are other cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes. Therefore, THC will also be extracted. These other compounds are necessary if the final product were to be broad-spectrum, as although it contains no THC, it contains other beneficial compounds. Full-spectrum will include trace amounts of THC. To ensure that the THC is at a legal level, the extract will need to be refined. Also, the cannabis plant can be bred to specially ensure low levels of THC.
What is white label CBD?
If a product is deemed as white label, then it has been sold by retailers marketing the product as their own (with their own branding) but comes from a third-party manufacturer like Always Pure Organics. This CBD manufacturer is an established and trusted business in its own right. There are many advantages for CBD businesses choosing to conduct their company in this way, and there has consequently been a rise in demand for white label CBD products. Always Pure Organics offers CBD businesses high-quality white label CBD products to help you kick-start your business in a cost-effective manner.
What are the benefits of white label CBD?
There are many benefits of white label CBD for your CBD business. For example, it can fast track your business in a cost-effective manner. It can allow you to test out a range of products with your consumer market to see what your customers are most responsive to. Furthermore, it is a great idea for CBD business beginners, as you can be sure that the products you are selling have already undergone rigorous testing and are of high quality. Finally, white label CBD allows you to choose your pricing for your products, ensuring that you can price them competitively.
References
https://www.alwayspureorganics.com/products/cbd-oil-hemp-or-mct-carrier/
https://www.alwayspureorganics.com/products/cbd-gummies/
https://www.alwayspureorganics.com/products/lotions-2/
https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/novel-food_en
https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/cannabidiol-cbd
https://www.alwayspureorganics.com/
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-statement-on-products-containing-cannabidiol-cbd
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