Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

Legalizing hemp-derived CBD at the federal level has led to CBD use going mainstream. CBD can help manage pain, sleep, anxiety, and other health problems and provides these benefits without the intoxicating effects associated with marijuana.

If you use CBD, you might wonder: Does CBD show up on a drug test? CBD isn’t typically tested in a drug test, so it shouldn’t appear in a routine test. In rare cases, however, using CBD may result in a positive drug test. It all depends on the quality and composition of the product.

Here’s more about CBD, whether it’ll show up in a drug test, and how to avoid a positive drug test result.

 

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of several organic compounds in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD has been used for centuries as a natural and effective herbal supplement. 

It is beneficial for those who need relief from symptoms of various conditions. CBD reduces inflammation and the painful symptoms associated with issues such as arthritis, seizures, diabetes, and more. It’s also used to help with sleep issues and anxiety symptoms.

There are three common types of CBD you’ll find in the CBD market:

CBD isolate: This pure CBD doesn’t contain any other compounds. 

Broad-spectrum CBD: This CBD has all the beneficial compounds found in hemp except THC. 

Full-spectrum CBD: This extract contains the full array of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found naturally in hemp. 

 

How Does CBD Work?

CBD oils act on the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) to provide various health benefits. CB1 and CB2 receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids are part of the ECS. The CB1 and CB2 receptors have an impact on both the peripheral and central nervous systems.

CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors triggering the ECS to produce its cannabinoids. These cannabinoids restore balance to the body and mind and provide the therapeutic benefits that CBD is known for.

Can CBD Show Up on Urine Drug Tests?

Can CBD Get You High?

CBD can’t get you high. THC is the active marijuana ingredient that produces the “high” associated with cannabis. Cannabis plants typically contain THC in different concentrations, and CBD hemp-derived products must not have more than 0.3 percent THC by law. Therefore, hemp-derived CBD is less likely than marijuana-derived CBD to contain THC.

However, many CBD products currently in the market contain more than 0.3 percent THC. The compounds that appear in CBD can also be altered by harvesting and refining techniques. You may consume enough THC to feel the effects if you take a high enough potent product dose.

 

Can CBD Show Up on Urine Drug Tests?

Cannabinoid metabolites remain in the body’s fat cells even after the effects of cannabis wear off. This is why they can appear on drug tests, even weeks after using marijuana-derived products.

However, drug tests usually screen for THC, not CBD. The urine drug tests routinely used don’t check for CBD. Instead, regular drug testing detects a compound created by the body when it metabolizes THC.

THC can remain in your system and is detectable in urine for 3 to 15 days after use. However, heavier, more frequent cannabis use can result in longer detection windows — up to 30 days in some cases.

 

How is it possible to fail a drug test after taking CBD?

CBD use could result in a positive drug test result for various reasons. CBD products may contain more THC content than stated on the label. It’s also possible that the trace amounts of THC allowed in CBD products will accumulate in the body to detectable levels over time.

Mislabeled CBD products

CBD products aren’t consistently regulated, and products derived from hemp sold in retail stores and online are not allowed to contain more than 0.3 percent THC. Still, CBD products frequently contain more THC than stated. THC levels in some products may be high enough to cause intoxication or impairment. Furthermore, those elevated levels may be high enough to cause you to fail a drug test.

Tip: Look for a manufacturer who can provide a Certificate of Analysis or COA. This increases the likelihood that the CBD product does not contain more THC than claimed.

Trace amounts of THC can build up

THC is present in small amounts in many legitimate CBD products. According to several studies, THC can accumulate in the body when taken regularly for as little as four to six days.

This is because THC is fat-soluble. As a result, THC that is not immediately metabolized by the body is stored in fat tissue, and THC and THC metabolites will be gradually released over time.

As a result, even after discontinuing the use of the product, you may test positive for THC and fail a drug test. Chronic, heavy marijuana users may get a positive test result a month after quitting.

Tip: Consider using products labeled “CBD only” and have COAs showing that they contain zero THC. If you need to be THC-free, consider taking a two- to three-week break from the CBD product to clear THC from your system.

 

Does CBD Cream Show in a Drug Test?

CBD is not screened in routine drug tests, and a drug test usually checks for THC or one of its metabolites. As a result, CBD cream will not appear in drug tests unless it contains higher levels of THC.

Keep in mind, however, that the industry is not consistently regulated. When you buy a CBD product, it isn’t easy to know what you’re getting. To avoid THC, you should buy CBD cream from a reputable brand like Keoni CBD.

How Long Does CBD Stay in Your Blood?

How Long Does CBD Stay in Your Blood?

While blood tests aren’t as standard as urine tests, they can be used for screening for CBD and THC metabolites. Blood tests focus on recent use as THC only remains in the bloodstream for up to five hours. 

However, CBD and THC metabolites can remain in the system for around seven days. Taking CBD products containing unknown amounts of THC would only yield a positive result if the blood sample was tested within this short time frame.

 

Is CBD Legal?

Hemp-derived Cannabis products containing less than 0.3% THC became federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Those containing more than 0.3 percent THC are not covered in the bill. As a result, they are illegal at the federal level but legal in some states.

Check state laws, particularly when traveling. Keep in mind that non-prescription CBD products are currently not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Again some products may be inaccurately labeled, so ensure you buy CBD products from a reputable brand.

 

Conclusion: Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

CBD shouldn’t appear on a routine drug screening as tests aim to detect THC, not CBD. However, the CBD industry is highly unregulated, and some products may contain unwanted contaminants. These contaminants, including THC or other illicit drugs, may result in a positive drug test result.

In short, using CBD products can give positive drug test results in some cases. Consuming marijuana-derived CBD rather than hemp-derived CBD increases the likelihood of this happening.

Even if you’re a regular CBD user, there are some things you can do to avoid a positive drug test result. If you have a drug test soon, you should stop using CBD products for some time. It is best to take a break two to three weeks before the test, and that should give your system enough time to eliminate THC and THC metabolites.

 

References

  1.     “10 Of the Best CBD Gummies of 2022: Comparisons and How to Choose.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-cbd-gummies#What-is-CBD.
  2.     Peter Grinspoon, MD. “Cannabidiol (CBD): What We Know and What We Don’t.” Harvard Health, 24 Sept. 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476.
  3.     “CBD Oil: 9 Science-Backed Benefits.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 16 June 2022, https://www.forbes.com/health/body/cbd-oil-benefits/.
  4.     Peter Grinspoon, MD. “Cannabidiol (CBD): What We Know and What We Don’t.” Harvard Health, 24 Sept. 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476.
  5.   BioLyfe. (2022). Buy CBD Gummies Online. Available at: https://biolyfebrands.com/product/cbd-gummies/
  6.     “Does CBD Show up on a Drug Test?” Drugs.com, https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/cbd-show-drug-test-3516640/.
  7.     Millar, Sophie A, et al. “A Systematic Review on the Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in Humans.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, Frontiers Media S.A., 26 Nov. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6275223/.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.