Can CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

In recent years, CBD or cannabidoil has been the go-to option for those who seek alternative treatments for ailments like anxiety, pain, nausea, and even insomnia. However, as more people turn to this non-psychoactive compound for answers, questions about its safety and legality have also emerged—especially regarding drug testing.

And with many employers and organizations implementing strict drug testing policies, understanding the relationship between CBD and drug testing is crucial to keep your peace of mind. 

So, in this blog, we'll explore the science behind CBD, how drug tests work, and whether your favorite CBD products could potentially affect your results. But before delving into the details, let’s take a look at the main differences between CBD and THC, a topic that is vital to answering this question. 

CBD vs. THC: Understanding the Differences

When it comes to cannabis, there are two well-known compounds we need to talk about: THC and CBD. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound known for producing a “high” sensation that alters your perception of time, boosts your energy and creativity, and gives you the giggles or munchies from time to time. 

It is also the compound that remains illegal in some states of the USA. The same cannot be said for CBD, which is non-psychoactive, and since it doesn't get you high, it's not considered a Schedule 1 drug. 

However, there are other vital differences to note. So let’s take a deeper look at how THC and CBD differ to understand how one is more likely to get you in trouble than the other. 

Aspect	CBD	THC
Effects	It promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and is known to help with inflammation and sleep disorders.	It can produce euphoria, alter your sensory perception, increase your appetite, and boost your creativity.
Medical Benefits	It is known to reduce anxiety and manage pain, and it has anti-inflammatory properties.	It's known for its fast-acting pain relief, appetite stimulation, and nausea reduction.
Legal Status	It’s legal in most states of the US if it’s derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC.	Its legal status varies by state, and it’s still classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance.
Source	It’s derived primarily from the hemp plant, which is cannabis’s cousin.	It’s derived from the strains of cannabis plants, also known as marijuana.
Common Forms	Mainly found as oils, edibles, topicals, flowers, and tinctures.	Mainly found as flowers, concentrates, edibles, topicals, and oils.

By analyzing the differences between these two cannabinoids, you can clearly see which compound is most likely to get you in trouble with the boss. But the question remains: Can CBD show up on a drug test, even if it isn’t psychoactive? And can this get me fired?  

Well, to answer that, we have to also understand how drug testing works, the types of drug tests that can be administered to staff, and the factors that can affect your test results. So, let’s get into the ins and outs of drug testing and unveil the truth once and for all. 

How Drug Tests Work

Drug testing is a common practice that is normally carried out to ensure that someone is not under the influence of drugs, which is why they are common in workplaces, sports organizations, and legal situations like custody battles. 

However, there are a multitude of ways these tests can be carried out, and the method can alter the outcomes when it comes to THC and CBD specifically. So let’s take a look at the types of drug tests that are administered to further understand our topic.

Urine Tests

Urine tests are the most widely used method for drug screening due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of administration. They can detect a range of substances, including THC, which can remain detectable in urine for several days to weeks.

They can also screen for substances such as cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines. However, when it comes to CBD, the results normally come out negative, though trace amounts of THC can still be detected. 

Blood Tests

Blood tests are less common than urine tests but may be used in specific situations, such as roadside testing or when immediate results are required. And though they are typically more invasive, they are known to provide a more accurate picture of current intoxication levels.

These tests can measure the presence of THC in the bloodstream rather than metabolites, which remain detectable for only a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the frequency of usage. However, CBD isn´t normally found registered in these tests.

Hair Tests

Furthermore, hair follicle testing is becoming increasingly popular for its ability to detect drug use over a longer period, given that they can typically identify drug use within a 90-day window.

And these tests can also detect THC, but its presence can sometimes be affected by external contamination, such as exposure to secondhand cannabis smoke or topical CBD products.

Saliva Tests

Saliva tests are often used in on-the-spot testing situations, such as roadside checks or workplace screenings, given that they are less invasive and provide results relatively quickly. And they can detect THC and its metabolites within a few hours or days of consumption. 

In sum, understanding the various types of drug tests and what they screen for is essential for anyone using cannabis products. You also need to know how trace amounts of THC can affect your drug testing results when consuming CBD. So, let’s take a look. 

How Trace THC Can Affect Drug Tests

The detection of THC metabolites is what drug tests typically target. And if a CBD product contains enough of these metabolites, it could lead to elevated levels of THC-COOH in your system, which may result in a positive drug test.

For example, when it comes to urine tests, they have a threshold of 50 nanograms per milliliter of THC metabolites to test positive. And while most CBD products contain less than the amount that tests positive, some CBD products contain higher traces of THC. 

The frequent use of full-spectrum CBD products or low-quality isolates are two great examples of how CBD could show up on a drug test. So, to mitigate this risk, it's crucial to choose high-quality products from reputable sources, particularly those that offer third-party lab testing results. 

Can CBD Show Up on Drug Tests?

So, can CBD show up on a drug test? As we established, while CBD itself is non-psychoactive and not typically targeted in standard drug screenings, the answer is not as straightforward as it may seem.

The legal limit for THC in hemp-derived CBD products in the United States is 0.3% or less. And although this amount is low, it can still be enough to potentially influence a drug test result. So, let’s take a look at the different levels of risk for the main types of CBD products in the market: 

CBD Product	Description	Risk Level
Full-Spectrum	It contains a range of cannabinoids, including THC, in small quantities.	Highest
Broad-Spectrum	It contains multiple cannabinoids but is specifically formulated to remove THC.	Moderate
CBD Isolates	It is the purest form of CBD and contains cero traces of THC, but they need to be high-quality products.	Lowest

In sum, if you want to ensure that your drug test results come back negative, we suggest sticking to broad-spectrum or CBD isolate products. Just remember to ensure that they are high-quality and third-party lab tested. 

And if you don’t know how to ensure that your products are high-quality, let’s get into some expert tips on how to choose the best CBD products to have peace of mind the next time you have to pee on a stick. 

How to Choose CBD Products Wisely

For those concerned about testing positive on a drug test while using CBD, making informed choices about the products you select is essential. So let’s explore some valuable tips to help you choose CBD products that minimize the risk of encountering THC-related issues:

1. Look for products labeled as CBD isolate or THC-free to minimize the risk of testing positive on a drug test. 
2. Look for third-party lab-tested products to verify the cannabinoid content and ensure that the product is free from contaminants.
3. Always ask for a Certificate of Analysis, which provides detailed information about the cannabinoid profile and confirms the absence of THC.
4. Opt for organic CBD products, which are cultivated without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides to enhance the product’s purity and safety.
5. Look for products manufactured in facilities compliant with Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure that the products are made under strict quality control standards.
6. Avoid vague products like "full-spectrum CBD" without clear THC content disclosures.
7. Ensure the label states the amount of CBD and THC per serving to gauge whether the product falls within the safe threshold for THC.
8. Research suppliers before making a purchase by reading their customer reviews to ensure that it is a high-quality product. 

By choosing CBD isolate or broad-spectrum options, seeking out third-party lab testing and certifications, carefully reading product labels, and researching brands, you can enjoy the benefits of CBD while reducing your chances of encountering unexpected drug test results.

But what happens if you do test positive? Let’s explore some tips on what to do if your CBD products make you test positive for THC so you can get ahead of the curve and be prepared for the worst-case scenario. 

What to Do If You Test Positive

Receiving a positive drug test result can be alarming, especially if you've been using only CBD products. So, if you find yourself in this situation, let’s explore some steps to take to address the issue effectively:

1. Look for any information regarding THC content on the labels or websites of the products you used to negotiate your case with your employers. 
2. Maintain thorough records of your CBD usage, including receipts, product labels, and lab results, to strengthen your case.
3. When discussing your situation with your employer, clearly communicate that you were using products you believed to be compliant with legal THC limits.
4. If you have COAs from the CBD products you've used, send them to your employer to provide evidence that the products were low in THC or THC-free. 
5. Let your employer know that you're willing to work with them to resolve the issue and that you value maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.
6. Request a retest, such as a GC-MS test, which can provide more precise results and differentiate between THC and CBD.
7. If the situation escalates or if you face disciplinary actions as a result of the positive test, consider seeking legal advice to help protect your rights.
8. Lastly, stay informed about cannabis laws and drug testing protocols in your state to make sure you are in compliance with the law.

Remember that transparency and proper documentation are crucial in protecting your interests as you work toward a resolution when testing positive on a drug test result. If you take these steps, the outcome will likely be in your favor. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, since drug tests primarily screen for THC metabolites, it’s crucial to choose your products wisely, as some CBD items can contain trace amounts of THC. So, make sure that your products are from a reputable supplier (like us), and enjoy the peace of mind that you won’t test positive on your next drug test! 

And, in the case that you do test positive, you know the steps to take to ensure that you come to an understanding with your employer. So, keep calm, carry on, and happy dosing!