Does CBD show up on a
drug test? In simple words, no, it does not. However, once we start digging
deep, doubts begin emerging quite abruptly. For starters, the authenticity of
drug tests, the questionable status of unregulated CBD products, and the testing
disparities between THC and CBD.
So, where does this
leave employees who wonder whether CBD gummies show up on a drug test or not?
Or else youngsters who wish to join the military. While most American citizens
purchase CBD in the wake of hemp legalization, people have also lost their jobs
and faced legal penalties.
Right now, the answer
to this question might look like an unsolved riddle. But here’s what experts
from Online Medical Card (a clinic based in Santa Ana helping patients access
medical cannabis through detailed consultations) have to say about why CBD
might show up on a drug test.
Will CBD Show up on a Drug Test or Not?
To be honest, the
method used to determine whether CBD will show up in a drug test or not is in
question here. Here’s a befitting example, to put things into perspective, a
study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology in 2012 revealed a few
technological errors.
The study reported
that certain testing methods can easily mistake CBD for THC, and here’s why. First and
foremost, labs utilize trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) as the main chemical
agent. Unfortunately, the method is not only outdated but has led to the
misidentification of CBD.
While many labs
utilize advanced technologies, a large percentage of laboratories in the US
depend on TFAA. Thus, it is quite common for CBD to show up on a drug test,
even when it has a different chemical structure from THC.
The worst part is that the problem does not end here. Lack of research and CBD regulation, too, are major hurdles.
Other Factors Related to a CBD Drug Test
The issue with
specific drug testing is that it leaves a lot of room for confusion. If an
individual mistakenly tests positive for consuming CBD, the chances are they
will either face jail time or unknowingly break the law.
Since the gravity of
the situation is quite high, regulatory bodies such as the FDA come naturally into
play. For most US citizens, products approved by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) hold more authenticity. Perhaps why most prefer purchasing
regulated products.
Unfortunately, CBD is
an unregulated compound. The FDA does not guarantee the safety of CBD
consumption. One of the biggest loopholes for companies to use as they will.
For example, falsely labeled CBD products. When in reality, the products either
contain more than 0.3% of THC or have more than the required concentration.
Either way, for
anyone to test positive for a CBD drug test becomes quite evident. Thus leaving
room for more questions like:
- Will
CBD ruin a drug test? - Will
vaping CBD show up on a drug test? - Can
I fail a Drug test due to CBD gummies?
The obvious answer is
that CBD will not show up on a drug test. However, the chances are if you buy
CBD from an untrusted source, it may or may not contain more than 0.3% of THC.
Or else, in rare lab tests, you might end up testing falsely positive.
Does that mean buying broad-spectrum CBD from trustworthy sources is a haven?
Can Broad Spectrum CBD Show up on a Drug Test?
So far, we are clear
on three things:
- Traces of THC in a CBD product will make you fail a drug test.
- CBD regulation is so poor that you might end up purchasing higher concentrations of THC or CBD than promised.
- The chances of failing a CBD drug test are quite high because of lab discrepancies.
As for broad-spectrum CBD, yes, it is the purest form of CBD, and it will not show up on a drug test. Provided, of course, you have a third-party lab report to clarify the claims made by the seller or manufacturer.
What About Full-Spectrum and Isolate CBD?
If we go by the term
itself, full-spectrum CBD contains compounds other than CBD. As a result, you
are guaranteed to find terpenes, flavonoids, and THC in a full-spectrum CBD
oil. In contrast, CBD isolate does not consist of external compounds. It is
completely isolated from the plant during extraction.
The only exception,
in this case, is the cannabis family. You see, CBD is derived from both hemp
and marijuana. Naturally indicative of the fact that hemp-derived CBD contains
fewer traces of THC than marijuana-derived.
To recognize the
difference, you can check the packaging of your product. In fact, you can even
ask your budtender to make an informed decision. Overall, it is safe to say
that isolated and broad-spectrum CBD is your best bet on passing a drug test.
Moving on, here’s another important factor that will help you understand whether you can fail a drug test due to CBD or not.
How Much THC Can Make You Fail a Drug Test?
As a thumb rule, the cut-off value to detect the presence of THC in urine, blood, and hair samples varies. Each method comes with a threshold. You will test negative only if you fall below the determined value.
Urine
Because it is the
most recognized form of drug testing, the cut-off value is closed at 50
nanograms per millimeter. Any urine sample found with more than 50ng of
THC-COOH or THC will test positive.
You should also keep
in mind that factors like frequency of use, amount of days before you took it,
and the quantity of dose also play a major role.
Hair
Your hair is the most
welcoming host. In other words, if you consume CBD containing traces of THC, the
detection window will remain open for up to 90 days.
Even though regulatory bodies do not have a defined cut-off value, unless you’re buying products from a reputable source, you will definitely fail a CBD drug test.
Blood
Blood tests are not
common. You will most likely undergo a urine test for drug screening rather
than blood. Unless, of course, you are driving under the influence of THC. If
it’s the latter, the concerned authorities will declare impairment after
conducting a blood test.
Also, note that you need to keep your blood free of THC metabolites that are ideally detectable for up to 7 days.
Saliva
This is another
uncommon example of drug screening. And the interesting part is that there is
no universal cut-off limit. The only thing that you need to keep in mind is the
72-hour window.
Final Words
The confusion
surrounding CBD drug testing will prevail until we have a concrete drug-testing
system in place. Not only this but we also need proper regulation of CBD
products and in-depth research. As for now, we suggest that you stay away from
CBD consumption because the chances are that it will show up on a drug test.
