Why Some Brands Avoid THC-Free Claims

Shoppers often ask why CBD labels sometimes steer clear of promising “THC-free.” The short answer is that it’s a high-stakes claim. Understanding why CBD brands avoid THC free statements can help you read labels more confidently and choose products that match your needs.

“THC-free” sounds absolute, but testing science isn’t. Labs report down to a method’s limit of quantitation (LOQ), and “non-detect” does not mean “zero.” Between regulatory risk, manufacturing realities, and shifting lab methods, many companies frame products as “broad spectrum” instead of guaranteeing they’re entirely free of THC.

Below, we outline the most common reasons brands avoid THC-free claims—and what you can do to evaluate products responsibly.

The regulatory and legal risk of THC-free claims

“THC-free” is an explicit advertising claim. If later testing shows any detectable THC, even at very low levels, regulators or consumer lawsuits could argue the claim was misleading. This is the core THC free claims risk:

False-advertising exposure: Federal (FTC) and state agencies scrutinize absolute claims. Civil suits can follow if consumers relied on the statement.
Patchwork rules: State hemp laws differ on allowable THC and labeling language. What’s acceptable in one state may be risky in another.
Evolving guidance: As testing methods and enforcement trends change, claims that felt safe last year may be problematic today.

COAs, LOQ, and “non-detect” are not “zero”

Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are essential, but they require context. Labs can only measure down to their method’s sensitivity. A result listed as “ND” or “0.000%” typically means “below the method’s LOQ,” not that no THC exists.

LOD vs. LOQ

LOD (Limit of Detection): The smallest amount a method can detect may be present.
LOQ (Limit of Quantitation): The smallest amount that can be reliably measured and reported.

Two labs can test the same product and report different outcomes because their LOQs differ. For example, a lab with a 0.01% LOQ (100 ppm) may report “ND,” while another with a 0.001% LOQ (10 ppm) may report a tiny detectable amount. This variability is one reason brands hesitate to make absolute THC-free claims. For a deeper dive into changing test outcomes, see Why Lab Results Can Change Over Time.

Manufacturing realities and cross-contamination

Removing trace THC at scale typically involves remediation steps (e.g., chromatography) and strict controls to avoid cross-contamination. Even with good manufacturing practices, small amounts can appear due to:

Shared equipment: If equipment processes full-spectrum inputs, meticulous cleaning is crucial.
Complex matrices: Oils, gummies, and beverages can interact differently with testing methods.
Supply chain variability: Inputs from different farms or processors can shift trace profiles between batches.

These extra steps add time, cost, and complexity. Instead of deeply covering economics here, see Cost Breakdown of THC-Free CBD Products for more context.

Why “broad spectrum” labeling is often chosen

Broad spectrum labeling is flexible and widely understood to mean hemp extracts containing multiple non-intoxicating cannabinoids and terpenes with THC minimized, often to non-detect at the lab’s LOQ. Because it doesn’t promise absolute absence of THC, brands view it as lower risk than “THC-free.”

Market convention: Many retailers and test labs recognize broad spectrum as a practical, test-backed standard.
Fewer absolutes: It acknowledges testing limits without overpromising.
Consistency across batches: Broad spectrum can better accommodate normal batch-to-batch variation.

Drug testing and consumer expectations

Even ND-at-LOQ results are not a guarantee for workplace or athletic drug tests. Immunoassays can be sensitive and sometimes cross-react with metabolites. Individual factors (frequency of use, metabolism, test cutoffs) also matter. If testing is a concern, choose carefully, review COAs, and consider consulting your testing authority or employer policy.

How to evaluate a product that claims “THC-free”

Read the COA closely: Look for THC reported with a numeric LOQ (e.g., “ND at LOQ 0.001%”).
Match the batch: The COA should list the same lot number as your product and test the final product, not just the raw extract.
Check the method: Methods such as HPLC with appropriate sample prep are common for cannabinoids. Method fit matters for edibles and beverages.
Look for scope: The COA should quantify Δ9-THC and may include THCA and other isomers where relevant.
Consistency across time: Brands that publish COAs for each batch demonstrate ongoing quality control. For long-term patterns, see Why Lab Results Can Change Over Time.
Prefer precise language: Statements like “non-detect at LOQ” are clearer than absolute “THC-free.”

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical, legal, or regulatory advice. CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are subject to drug testing or have health questions, consult a qualified professional.

FAQ

Is “THC-free” the same as “broad spectrum”?

No. “Broad spectrum” typically means THC is reduced to non-detect at the lab’s LOQ, while “THC-free” suggests absolute absence. Brands prefer broad spectrum labeling to reduce risk from testing variability.

Can a product test ND for THC and still trigger a drug test?

It’s unlikely but possible. Different tests have different sensitivities and cutoffs, and real-world factors vary. No product can guarantee drug-test outcomes.

Why do COAs from different labs show different results?

Methods and LOQs differ between labs and even between matrices (oil vs. gummy). Small differences can move a result from “ND” to “trace detected.”

Are isolates safer for avoiding THC?

CBD isolate products often test ND for THC, but quality depends on purification, handling, and cross-contamination controls. Always check the product-level COA.

Why do some batches of the same product show slightly different THC results?

Natural variability of hemp inputs, process adjustments, and analytical methods can shift trace levels between batches, even under good manufacturing practices.

Summary

Brands often avoid THC-free claims because they’re absolute, legally sensitive, and hard to substantiate across changing labs, batches, and methods. Broad spectrum labeling provides a more accurate signal of intent—THC minimized to the lab’s LOQ—without guaranteeing zero. For informed choices, rely on batch-matched COAs, clear LOQs, and consistent testing practices.