While the presence of THC appears to be a top concern for federal regulators, manufacturers, and customers alike involved in the burgeoning Cannabidiol (CBD) market, a study published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid research found that following the acute administration of an oral solution containing 300 mg of CBD did not cause the presence of THC in the plasma samples of participants. Additionally, those participants did not present any psychomimetic effects of THC in an evaluation.
 
These findings came on the heels of a previous study in which CBD converted to delta 9 THC in an acidic medium in vitro that simulates gastric fluid, leading those authors to conclude that oral CBD administration could result in adverse THC exposures.
 
In humans, only two prior studies evaluated data regarding the conversion of CBD to THC, and neither of those studies resulted in the detection of THC in the plasma samples of any of the patients included.
 
In the oral administration study, 120 healthy participants were administered high levels of CBD (300 mg) in an oral solution on two separate occasions. In the first test, 60 male and female participants were administered the solution after being fed a standardized breakfast, and blood samples were collected intermittently at predetermined times (00:30, 01:00, 01:30, 02:00, 02:30, 03:00, 03:30, 04:00, 04:30, 05:00, 05:30, 06:00, 07:00, 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 24:00, 48:00, 72:00, 120:00, 168:00, and 216:00). Seven people dropped out of the trial, so results were documented for 53 volunteers.
 
In a second trial, CBD was administered to healthy participants who were in a fasting state.  Blood samples were collected at predetermined times identical to those of the first trial.
 
The CBD used in the study was 99.5% purity, and was dissolved in corn oil. The 300 mg dose was chosen because previous studies have evaluated this dosage for anxiolytic effects. Blood samples were analyzed using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography UPLC system.
 
Based on the UPLC results, researchers found that a standard clinical dose of CBD in corn oil formulation did not convert into THC in humans in either the fasting or the normal feeding conditions. These findings were supported by the results of similar studies in animals who used oral CBD dissolved in olive oil and ethyl alcohol.
 
Researchers concluded that as a result of the fact that THC was not present in the participants’ plasma, nor were there any other toxic chemicals or adverse effects present, there is evidence that oral supplementation of CBD in corn oil is safe from bioconversion to THC in humans.
 
“The results also add to the knowledge built over 40 years of research that CBD-based therapies are safe and well tolerated in humans. Finally, these results may have clinical and forensic implications considering the potentially toxic effects of delta-9 THC and other cannabis constituents, including cognitive impairment and chronic psychiatric disturbances, especially in younger patients who might be more prone to potential long-term harmful effects of the substance on their developing brains.”