Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?

With the rising popularity of CBD products and the increasing use of drug tests in various settings, it's important to address a common concern: Does CBD show up on a drug test? Drug tests are designed to detect the presence of certain substances, including THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis.

In this blog, we will explore the relationship between CBD and drug tests, examining different types of drug tests, factors that may affect CBD detection, potential risks of CBD products, and strategies for CBD users. By better understanding this topic, you can confidently make informed decisions and navigate drug testing scenarios.

Understanding CBD and THC

We must understand what they are testing for when drug testing is administered. The purpose of drug testing is to look for drug misuse. Misusing drugs can be dangerous to users and those around them. So, companies administer them to protect the business and other employees.

But what does drug testing have to do with CBD? CBD comes from the cannabis plant and has a sibling known for causing issues among its users. That sibling's name is THC. Let's go over the differences between CBD and THC.

Differentiating between CBD and THC

Differentiating between CBD and THC is crucial in understanding the implications of CBD use on drug tests. While both CBD and THC are compounds found in the cannabis plant, they possess distinct characteristics.

THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive component responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana use. On the other hand, CBD, or cannabidiol, is non-psychoactive and does not produce intoxicating effects.

Unlike THC, CBD does not alter perception or cognition. This fundamental difference in their chemical makeup and effects is important to consider when discussing drug tests, as the focus is typically on detecting THC metabolites rather than CBD.

CBD and Drug Testing

CBD and drug testing have become topics of interest and concern for many individuals. While CBD itself is generally not the primary focus of drug tests, there are factors to consider that could impact the test results. The legality of CBD products and their varying THC content is crucial.

CBD products derived from hemp are legally required to contain less than 0.3% THC, but there is potential for mislabeling and inconsistency in product quality. Regular and high-dose CBD usage could also increase the chances of THC detection.

Furthermore, the lack of regulation and standardization in the CBD industry raises concerns about product contaminants, such as THC residue, which could trigger positive drug test results. CBD users need to be well-informed about these factors and make educated decisions to minimize potential risks regarding drug testing.

Only orally taken CBD products will show up on a drug test. CBD creams and other topicals will not appear on a drug test, unless the cream or topical is transdermal. So, using CBD products that you have to digest will put you at more risk for drug test failure than a CBD topical would. 

Types of Drug Tests

It's important to know that different types of drug testing can be performed when testing for cannabis users. The different types of drug tests administered for cannabis users include urine tests, blood tests, saliva tests, and hair follicle tests.

Urine Test

Urine drug tests for cannabis typically work by detecting the presence of THC metabolites in the urine sample. When a person consumes cannabis, THC is broken down into various metabolites, such as THC-COOH. These metabolites are then excreted through urine.

Urine drug tests use immunoassay technology to screen for the presence of THC metabolites. If the initial screening indicates a positive result, confirmatory tests, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), are conducted for accurate confirmation.

The cutoff levels for THC metabolites in urine tests are typically set at a certain threshold to minimize the possibility of false positives. Urine drug test is the most common form of drug testing.

Blood Test

Blood drug tests for cannabis work by detecting the presence of THC and its active metabolites in the bloodstream. When a person uses cannabis, THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and rapidly metabolized by the liver.

THC and its metabolites, such as THC-COOH, can be detected in the blood shortly after cannabis consumption. Blood drug tests typically involve collecting a blood sample from the individual, which is then analyzed in a laboratory.

These tests can determine the recent use of cannabis, usually within a few hours to a few days, depending on the frequency and extent of cannabis use. Blood tests are more invasive compared to urine tests but provide a more accurate and immediate indication of cannabis use.

Saliva Test

Saliva tests for cannabis work by detecting the presence of THC and its metabolites in the saliva. When a person uses cannabis, THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and can be detected in oral fluids, including saliva.

Saliva drug tests typically involve collecting a saliva sample using a swab or collection pad. The swab is placed in the mouth for a few minutes to absorb saliva, and then it is sealed in a container for analysis. Saliva tests are non-invasive, easy to administer, and provide rapid results.

These tests can detect recent cannabis use, usually within a few hours to a few days, depending on the frequency and intensity of use. However, the detection window for cannabis in saliva is generally shorter than urine or blood tests.

Hair Follicle Test

Hair follicle tests for cannabis users work by detecting traces of THC and its metabolites that are deposited into the hair follicles through the bloodstream. When a person uses cannabis, THC and its metabolites enter the bloodstream and are subsequently transported to the hair follicles. As hair grows, these substances become embedded in the hair shafts, creating a historical record of drug use.

During a hair follicle test, a small sample of hair, usually taken from the back of the head, is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The hair sample is typically cut close to the scalp, representing the most recent 1.5 inches of hair growth.

Hair follicle tests have a longer detection window than other drug tests, as they can detect drug use for up to 90 days or even longer, depending on the length of the hair sample collected. This type of test provides a historical perspective on cannabis use and is less influenced by occasional or one-time use compared to other testing methods.

Does CBD show up on a 10-panel drug screen?

The short answer is it depends. The standard 10-panel drug screen test for the following: cocaine, Marijuana (high THC levels), PCP, amphetamines, opiates, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and more.

Because Marijuana has a close relationship with the hemp plant, many people wonder if CBD might appear on a drug screen. Just because it says it is a CBD product, it doesn't mean that it does not contain high THC levels.

An easy way to know if the CBD product you are taking will show up on a drug screen is to understand what type of CBD product you are taking. The different types of CBD are Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate.

Full Spectrum

This type of CBD contains all of the cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant, including THC. True Full Spectrum products contain THC, and the risk of testing positive on a 10-panel drug screen increases.

Broad Spectrum

This type of CBD contains all of the cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant, with the exclusion of THC. These products ensure that you get all the possible benefits of CBD without the psychoactive effects of THC.

If the company you are buying your CBD from provides third-party lab tests that show no trace (0.0% or ND) of THC, then you will pass a 10-panel drug screen.

Isolate

Isolate cannabis products contain only the desired isolated cannabinoid and none of the additional compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant, meaning that THC is absent. CBD isn't the only cannabinoid that can be isolated; other isolate products include CBN Isolate, CBG Isolate, and CBC Isolate. Because isolates do not contain THC, they will not show up on a drug screen.

It is also wise to request a third-party lab test for the product you plan to purchase. Also, be upfront with whoever requires you to take a drug test and ask if CBD is acceptable.

Understanding CBD Drug Tests Results

Understanding CBD drug test results requires knowledge of the testing methods, cutoff levels, and potential for false positives or false negatives. Drug tests have specific thresholds, known as cutoff levels, which determine whether a substance is detected or not.

Regarding CBD, the focus is usually on THC detection rather than CBD itself. False positives can occur if a CBD product contains higher levels of THC than claimed or if there is cross-reactivity with other substances. On the other hand, false negatives can happen if the cutoff levels are set too high or if the testing method used has limited sensitivity.

It is essential to interpret drug test results cautiously, considering factors like the specific test administered, individual metabolism, product quality, and usage patterns. Confirmatory testing or consulting with a healthcare professional can provide further clarity if there are any concerns or discrepancies in the results.

How long does CBD stay in your system?

The amount of time CBD stays in your system depends on several factors. However, the general understanding is 2-5 days. However, as we learned above, CBD and other cannabinoids may be detectable up to 90 days. Learn more about the length of time CBD stays in your system by click here.

Here is a breakdown of a few factors that can affect how long CBD stays in your system.

• A high dose of CBD
• Taking CBD more frequently
• Taking CBD with a full meal
• BMI, rate of metabolism, and water content in the body can also play a role

Can I take CBD if I am in the military?

It is best to check with your commanding officer before taking CBD to ensure that the form of CBD you are taking is compatible with your branch's policies and regulations. If you are worried about failing a military drug test, you are safe if your CBD product does not contain THC or meets acceptable limits.

Will Hemp Oil Show up on a Drug Test?

No, regular hemp seed oil will not show up on a drug test. Hemp oil generally comes from cannabis sativa seeds that have been cold-pressed. Hemp oil does not contain any cannabinoids found in the hemp plant and therefore does not contain CBD or THC.

You may want to request a lab test for the hemp oil you purchased because it may be a CBD oil. Some companies label their CBD products under different names like hemp or hemp extract. As mentioned above, when you see a product that is labeled as hemp oil, it is most commonly referred to as Hemp Seed Oil.

Despite Hemp oil not containing CBD or any other cannabinoids, Hemp oil is an excellent superfood that contains high levels of omegas, vitamins, and nutrients that are beneficial for general health and wellness.

Sum It Up!

In conclusion, navigating CBD and drug testing can be a complex and nuanced process. While CBD itself may not always be the primary focus of drug tests, it's crucial to understand the potential risks and factors that can affect the results. Consider the legality and THC content of CBD products, as well as the different types of drug tests commonly administered, such as urine, blood, saliva, and hair follicle tests.

Ultimately, suppose you're facing a drug test and using CBD products. In that case, it's advisable to do thorough research, seek third-party lab test results from CBD manufacturers, and consult with relevant parties, such as healthcare professionals or commanding officers if you're in the military, to ensure compliance with policies and regulations.

Remember that the information provided in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional advice. By arming yourself with knowledge and making informed decisions, you can confidently navigate the intersection of CBD and drug testing while prioritizing your health, well-being, and adherence to applicable rules and regulations.

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At Zatural, we provide third-party lab tests so customers know what they purchase. Our products are free of additives, preservatives, emulsifiers, fillers, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and mycotoxins.

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