If you want to avoid THC, a CBD isolate product is likely your safest bet. The oils on our list may be effective, and we include our editors’ favorites here.

If you’re interested in trying cannabidiol (CBD) but want to avoid the psychoactive compound known as THC, you might consider a CBD isolate product. CBD isolate or THC-free means the CBD was separated from the other plant compounds, providing a pure substance that may still provide many of CBD’s beneficial effects.

Read on to learn more about THC-free CBD and our favorite oils.

Some of the brands below may have provided CBD oils for our contributors to test for free. But their opinions and reviews are ours alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the brands.

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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

We selected these THC-free CBD oils based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.

As a part of our vetting process, we consider:

  • the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
  • any third-party certifications
  • the company’s reputation and business practices
  • any lab test results
  • marketing claims

We also had several Healthline editors try the oils so they could weigh in on things like taste and effectiveness.

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.

In addition to avoiding THC, CBD isolate products may be appealing if you dislike the earthy flavor of full- or broad-spectrum CBD.

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. (That’s why it’s important to check a product’s COA.)

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.

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 research suggesting that the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids can help reduce anxiety, pain, inflammation, and other conditions.

While research suggests that CBD is generally considered safe, people may experience some side effects, including:

  • 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 research even suggests it may also interact with common OTC medications like ibuprofen.

Additionally, be careful if you’re ingesting CBD products along with high fat meals.

A 2020 study found that CBD blood concentrations dramatically increased when CBD was taken alongside high fat meals. This can increase the risk of side effects.

You should avoid taking CBD if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant.

Yes. All of the oils on our list are made from CBD isolate, meaning they do not have THC, the compound that causes a high. You might also consider a broad-spectrum CBD product, which will contain some additional compounds of the cannabis plant but not THC.

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.

Putting CBD oil under your tongue, a method known as sublingual administration, allows your body to absorb the CBD through its mucous membranes and into your bloodstream more quickly.

A recent study found that pure CBD, without THC, may be more beneficial for anxiety than CBD products containing THC.

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.

You should speak with a doctor before trying CBD for chronic pain to ensure it’s the most appropriate treatment for your situation. If you have widespread pain, a CBD oil may provide body-wide relief. If you have chronic pain in a joint or other part of your body, a CBD topicals can offer targeted pain relief.

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.

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.

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.