Does Hemp Have THC? Yes, But Only Trace Amounts

The cannabis industry is booming and laws to legalize the plant are changing across the United States. There are two main reasons for these changes. First, the WHO (World Health Organization) has finally removed cannabis from the controlled substances list. The U.S. has an agreement with the WHO to follow rules and regulations regarding dangerous substances. This change to the status of cannabis is important for its legalization on a global scale. Secondly, the Farm Bill of 2018 provides room for the legalization of cannabis on a broader scale. However, the matter is not as simple as that. There many factors affecting whether cannabis is legal or not in different states. These factors mainly boil down to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) concentration, federal laws, state laws and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval. Hemp is a crucial player in all of this, but does hemp have THC in it?

What Is THC?

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. It is the compound that is responsible for the feeling of getting “high.” It is the main reason that the plant has been categorized as a schedule-1 controlled substance.

THC does have potential health benefits when it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the human body and isn’t exclusively psychoactive. It may therefore have an important future in providing a wide range of health benefits and addressing a variety of different medical conditions.

THC Concentrations In Cannabis

Does hemp have THC? Well, THC exists in all species of cannabis plants. The concentration of THC depends on the species and the strain. There are two main species of cannabis – Cannabis Sativa (hemp) and Cannabis Indica (Marijuana).

The distinction between these two species is extremely important relative to THC content. In general, hemp has a  much lower THC content than marijuana. In fact, most species of marijuana have been bred specifically to increase the amount of THC and the psychoactive properties.

However, the playing field has changed dramatically in the last couple of decades with cannabis plants with a higher CBD (cannabidiol) concentration being in greater demand. This is because CBD has all the potential health benefits associated with cannabinoids without the intoxication. Hemp has therefore grown in popularity due to its lower THC content.

Does Hemp Have THC?

As mentioned above, all species of cannabis contain THC, including hemp (Cannabis Sativa). However, the concentration of THC in the hemp plant is usually below 0.3%. It is this measure that primarily distinguishes hemp from marijuana. Cannabis plants that have a THC concentration exceeding 0.3% are generally classified as marijuana. 

Marijuana plants (Cannabis Indica) commonly have an average concentration of 16% THC concentration. However, there are certain strains that have a THC content way over 30%. Each strain of marijuana is different and the THC content often depends on whether a strain has been bred to provide a higher THC or CBD concentration.

Does Hemp Have THC That Can Make You “High”?

The trace amounts of THC that are contained in the hemp plant are considered to be negligible. Persons using hemp products for medicinal or health purposes should therefore not experience any intoxicating effects. The psychoactive effects of THC can include:

– Euphoria

– Relaxation

– Lethargy or tiredness

– Increased appetite or food cravings

– Paranoia

– Hallucinations and illusions

– Fear, anxiety and panic

If any of these effects are present after using a hemp product, the THC concentration probably exceeds 0.3%. It is recommended to only purchase hemp products from reputable vendors that conform to the mandated regulations.

Does Hemp Have THC That Can Be Detected in Drug Tests?

This is an important question as many employers have mandatory drug testing for their employees. Unfortunately, these drug tests are designed to detect THC – even trace amounts. A drug test can therefore be positive for cannabis if hemp products have been used. Drug tests cannot currently distinguish between the legal 0.3% concentration of THC and greater concentrations contained in marijuana.

Just because hemp with a THC concentration lower than 0.3% is legal, does not mean that companies and other organizations cannot implement penalties for positive drug tests. It is therefore recommended to discuss hemp use with an employer to establish whether or not it is permitted. 

While trace amounts of CBD may go undetected by some blood tests, it does depend on a number of factors. For example, if you ingest a hemp product such as CBD oil shortly before a drug test, the results are more likely to be positive. Regular or extended use of hemp products may also show an increased amount of THC and therefore a positive drug test. Excessive dosing can also result in greater amounts of THC in the saliva, blood and urine.

THC can remain in the blood anywhere from a few hours to weeks depending on a number of different factors. If you are using hemp products, there is no guarantee that a drug test will be negative.

The Law, Cannabis and THC

At a federal level, the laws regarding cannabis have not changed much in the last few decades. Marijuana is still listed as a schedule-1 controlled substance in the United States. It is therefore illegal to distribute, sell, purchase, possess and grow. A schedule-1 controlled substance is considered to present a high risk of abuse and has no verified medical benefits. 

Federal law will therefore only change the current status of cannabis when the FDA approves it for medical use. However, research into the health benefits of cannabis is severely restricted due to the fact that it is classified as a schedule-1 controlled substance. Human trials are limited and products therefore struggle to receive FDA approval.

In fact, what few people realize is that even medical marijuana is illegal at a federal level. However, cannabis has been legalized at a state level in some states providing that they put regulations in place to manage and control the sale, purchase, distribution and production of cannabis and cannabis related products. Cannabis products cannot be transported across state lines and offenders can be prosecuted for trafficking. 

Each state therefore has different rules and regulations regarding cannabis. To find out what the law currently says in your state, visit this website or look into the many state articles on Tanasi.com. Be aware that these laws are probably going to change significantly in 2021. 

The Farm Bill of 2018 on the other hand has made provision for the legalization of hemp and hemp products.

Is Hemp Legal In The United States?

We know hemp has THC, but with less than 0.3% THC, it is legal in the United States at a federal level. However, it is once again up to each state to legalize hemp, put programs in place to regulate the industry and to prevent it being transported across borders. State regulations must also prohibit sale to underage minors (under the age of 21 years).

Over and above this, only licensed distributors and dispensaries will legally be able to sell and distribute the products. In some states, programs and regulations have already been put in place and licensed dispensaries are available.

Hemp Products Online

As long as the hemp or hemp products have a THC concentration of less than 0.3%, it is legal to buy those products online. However, even though hemp is legal at a federal level, there are still some states that have not put in place the necessary regulatory measures. 

It is therefore necessary to do a little research into the laws and regulations regarding hemp and hemp products in a specific state before purchasing products online. If the sale of hemp is not legal in a specific state, it cannot be purchased online. 

While the department of justice has adopted the stance that they will no longer pursue prosecution of cases involving hemp and hemp products, regulations at state level can still result in penalties for purchasing hemp online. 

The reality is that because hemp is federally legal, you can order products online. You just have to be sure that the products have been thoroughly tested to prove that the THC level is below 0.3%. Tanasi is a company that plays by all of the federal rules and provides high quality legal hemp extracts. They will ship any of these products to any state in the U.S.

Conclusion: Does Hemp Have THC?

Hemp does contain trace amounts of THC. However, these trace amounts should be less than 0.3%. This amount follows federal regulations and should therefore produce no intoxicating effects. This said, there are producers out there who claim to be selling legal hemp products but do not test their extracts. This could lead to trouble if you live in a state where marijuana is illegal and someone tests the product you bought.

It is always smart to do some research and only purchase hemp products from reputable producers and vendors. They will provide products in line with the federal regulations as well as laws of the state that you live in. This will ensure that you avoid the intoxication of THC while staying on the right side of the law. 

Tanasi.com only provides hemp and CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC. All products meet the highest quality standards and come in different varieties to suit individual preferences as well as differing health needs.