There's a lot of confusion out there about CBD and drug tests. Some people swear that CBD caused them to fail a drug test, while others claim CBD can't appear on a drug test. So, what's the truth? Unfortunately, there isn't a simple answer. Drug tests generally look for THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, not CBD. However, depending on the product you're using, it's possible that trace amounts of THC could show up on a drug test. Does CBD show up on a drug test? Read more to find out!
The difference between CBD and THC
CBD and THC are two of the most widely-known cannabinoids, but they aren't exactly identical twins. CBD and THC are found in cannabis plants, but THC is the cannabinoid that gets users high. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive, and it won't give you the euphoric feeling that THC does.
What Is CBD?
Ā
Full Spectrum cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most common cannabinoid found in cannabis. CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, which includes hemp. Most CBD products today are derived from hemp plants and have 0-0.3% THC, which is the legal limit. Although hemp and cannabis are the same, hemp CBD is from select cannabis strains with less than 0.3% THC.
What Is THC?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary cannabinoid in cannabis and is psychoactive. In other words, it's what gets you high. THC interacts with receptors throughout the body, causing various physiological effects. These can include relaxation, heightened senses, and increased appetite. THC also has some therapeutic effects, including pain relief and reduced inflammation. However, it's worth noting that THC can also cause negative side effects, such as anxiety and paranoia.
Most cannabis is grown to have a high amount of THC for consumers to enjoy the "high" that THC has. However, some people negatively react to THC and become paranoid and overwhelmed. Although some CBD products contain a trace amount of THC, those products are still non-psychoactive and are great for those who want relief without the overwhelming high of THC.
Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test When You Take CBD Products?
Unlike THC, CBD does not make you feel high. However, because CBD is derived from cannabis, there is a chance that it could show up on a drug test. This would be considered a false positive, as CBD does not produce the same effects as THC. However, CBD can trigger a positive result for THC if a person uses a high-potency product or consumes large quantities of CBD. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the possibility that CBD use could make you test positive for drugs.
Do some CBD products have the possibility of containing THC?
While many CBD products are made from hemp and don't include THC, some CBD products nonetheless might contain THC. As a result of hemp plants having 0.3% THC, CBD products may contain traces of THC. Check the product's labeling to verify if it has undergone potency and cannabinoid content testing to ensure that it does not contain THC.
Depending on factors like the source of the CBD extract and the extraction techniques, THC contamination may be more common. Some types of CBD are more likely than others to contain THC.
There Are 3 different kinds of CBD: Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate
1. Full-spectrum CBD
Full spectrum CBD products contain all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the cannabis plant, including 0.1-0.3% THC. The actual percentage of THC in full spectrum CBD products varies from product to product, and it can be challenging to gauge how much THC you would be consuming. Although full spectrum CBD does not make you feel high, the trace amount of THC has been to help with inflammation, discomfort, upset stomach, and more.
Does CBD show up on a drug test for Full Spectrum CBD products?
Yes, there is a higher chance of testing positive on a drug test for THC with a full spectrum CBD product. Even though there is just a tiny amount of THC in the product, over time, THC stores in fat cells and can potentially cause a positive on a drug test.
2. Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD products, like full-spectrum CBD products, also include terpenes and other cannabinoids that are present in the plant. However, in the case of broad-spectrum CBD, the THC is removed. This makes broad-spectrum CBD ideal for people who want to enjoy the benefits of CBD without having to worry about the potential for mental impairment or the risk of THC. However, there's a catch, when THC degrades or is removed, a cannabinoid called CBN is produced. Some experts report that CBN can trigger a false positive on drug tests.
Does CBD show up on a drug test for Broad Spectrum CBD Products?
Taking broad-spectrum CBD products is risky if you are subject to drug testing. This type of CBD is often advertised as "THC-FREE," and the consumer may not know it contains the cannabinoid CBN. CBN can cause a false positive on a drug test, and consumers should be cautious.
3. CBD Isolates
CBD isolate is a white powder that contains 99% pure CBD. Consumers might initially consider CBD isolate a great product since it is potent in CBD; however, it does not have any other phytocannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids. CBD does not work in the body as powerful without those other compounds.
Does CBD show up on a drug test for CBD Isolate?
No, true CBD isolate products will have 0% THC and are the safest option for those who want to use CBD but need to pass a drug test.
How long does THC stay in your system?
Have you ever wondered if CBD will show up on a drug test? The answer is no; CBD is not tested for in drug tests. Drug tests test for THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, not CBD. THC can be detected on a drug test anywhere from a few days for single use and over a month for heavy daily cannabis users, depending on the frequency of usage.
What are the standard drug testing procedures?
Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test For A Urine Test?
Despite what you may have heard, marijuana can stay in your system for a long time. THC-COOH, the metabolite of marijuana, has a half-life of more than seven days. If you smoke weed once, you could test positive for THC-COOH in your urine for more than a week. Levels greater than 500.0 ng/mL suggest chronic and recent use, so if you're trying to pass a drug test, you might want to abstain from smoking for a while.
Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test For A Blood Test?
Blood tests are used less frequently than urine tests for drug testing. Did you know that cannabis can be detected in your blood for up to 24 hours after you use it? And that's if you only use it occasionally! Using cannabis heavily or frequently can stay in your system for up to 7 days. That's because the cannabinoids in cannabis are lipophilic, meaning they dissolve in fats and oils. So when you use cannabis, those cannabinoids end up in your bloodstream and are eventually metabolized by your liver. Blood tests for cannabis are invasive and challenging to administer, so they're not used very often.
Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test For A Saliva Test?
A rapid saliva test can detect recent marijuana use in users' saliva within five minutes. The test works by detecting THC metabolite in the saliva, and it is relatively easy to administer. The test, which can also distinguish immediate use (within 12 hours) from less recent use, could have implications for how employers and law enforcement agencies test for drug use.
What advice is there for surviving a drug test if you're worried about THC showing up in the results?
You can take precautions if you use CBD oil to try to avoid failing a drug test:
- Make sure the CBD product you're utilizing is pure and the brand is reputable by doing exhaustive research.
- Look for manufacturers who have received a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
- Make sure the CBD oil is an isolated product extracted from a reliable supplier.
- Inquire about the methods used to process the product and the likelihood of cross-contamination.
Conclusion
So, does CBD show up on a drug test? The answer is no, but THC does.
When buying a high-quality CBD oil product, use our guide above and conduct thorough research to confirm its purity, especially if you need to take a drug test. Have you ever taken a drug test after using CBD products? Tell us in the comments section below!