Yes, CBD products containing THC can potentially show up on a drug test.
Full spectrum CBD, which contains less than 0.3% of THC can show up on a drug test. Whereas, broad spectrum or isolate CBD products are a more safe option. See what products we have available to you!
Drug tests for THC work by detecting THC metabolites in the body. Most common tests for THC are urine, blood, hair, and saliva tests.
Let’s get straight to the point. Yes, some CBD products can potentially cause positive drug tests. CBD by itself will not, but trace amounts of THC will.
A positive test mainly depends on what kind of product you are using, as in whether it is full spectrum or an isolate product and where you are getting your product from since the industry is not heavily regulated. If you are military personnel or someone applying for a job that requires a drug test, this blog will go into detail how does CBD show up on a drug test and how you can prevent it.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It is one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis, and it is known for its potential wellness benefits. CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it does not produce the “high” or psychoactive effects that are often associated with marijuana. It is thought to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors in the body that plays a role in regulating various functions such as mood, sleep, and appetite.
The Farm Bill Act of 2018 authorized the production of hemp and removed hemp and hemp seeds from the DEA’s list of controlled substances. Idaho and Nebraska have some of the strictest requirements for CBD products, whereas a majority of the other states do not. All of the products must contain less than 0.3% THC. Anything over 0.3% is ILLEGAL.
CBD oil products are available in a variety of forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, and gummies. These products can be Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum or Isolate based. Here is a description of each:
Full Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD extracts contain all of the compounds that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. Full-spectrum products include CBD and terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids like THC. When you get a full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD oil it is legally required to contain less than 0.3 percent THC. Not safe for a drug test
Broad Spectrum CBD
Similar to full-spectrum CBD products, broad-spectrum CBD products contain additional compounds including terpenes and other cannabinoids. Broad-spectrum CBD, tends to mean all of the THC is removed. These should be a safer option if you know you might have to take a drug test.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. There are no additional compounds from the plant it was extracted from. A CBD isolate product is your best option if you know you will have to take a drug test in the near future.
How do drug tests work?
Drug tests for THC work by detecting THC metabolites in the body. The most common drug tests for THC are urine tests, hair tests, saliva tests, and blood tests. Urine tests are the most commonly used tests for detecting THC. Urine tests use immunoassay testing to detect THC metabolites. Hair tests use a small sample of hair to detect THC metabolites, and saliva tests use oral fluid to detect THC in the system. Blood tests are the most accurate way to detect THC in the body, and can detect THC in the system for up to 24 hours.
Most drug tests can detect THC in the body for three days after a single use or 30 days after heavy use. Since THC is fat soluble, it can be stored in the body for long periods of time. If you are a chronic user of THC, it can actually accumulate in your body and that THC can slowly release into your bloodstream over time.
Does CBD show up on a drug test?
There are two main reasons that a CBD product could potentially show up on a drug test.
1. Using a full spectrum product
As covered above in this blog, a full spectrum product contains trace amounts of THC. 0.3% to be exact. These trace amounts can result in a positive drug test. There are benefits to a full spectrum product such as the entourage effect, but it is not worth the risk if you know a drug test is coming up.
2. Using a product from an unreliable source
There are numerous options on the market when it comes to CBD oil products. Some are definitely better than others. Unfortunately, the market is not heavily regulated. There are companies out there that were created to make a quick buck, and they have no interest in your health and well being. You need to find a company that is reliable, honest and trustworthy. If the company you’re trying to buy from doesn’t offer COA’s (Certificate of Analysis) for each BATCH of their product, that is a huge red flag. There should not only be 1 test per product that was done a year ago. Look for a company that has a batch database and makes the COA’s easily available.
Does CBD show up on a Military Drug Test?
If you purchase a product that is full spectrum or from an unreliable source, and it has trace amounts of THC in it, YES, it will show up on drug tests. You need to be looking for a product that is broad spectrum or isolate based.. According to a study done in 2020, they said “most studies suggest that CBD is not converted to psychotropic THC under in vivo conditions.” (Golombek et al.) The study also found that the only way CBD isolate could be potentially converted to a psychotropic, is if it was stored in an acidic environment, which would be a storage facility issue.
In July 2020, an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was passed by the House of Representatives that would allow service members to purchase, possess, and consume CBD products. The amendment is still making its way through the legal system due to its popularity as a natural remedy for negative feelings and discomfort.
Although the amendment is still in the works, the Department of Defense has reservations about it. According to Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Matthew P. Donovan, the use of CBD poses “a serious risk to the viability of the military drug testing program” as it is unable to distinguish between THC and hemp.
The Department of Defense further focused on the 0.3% THC allowed in legal hemp products. To them, it was easier to ban CBD altogether due to the risk and adverse effects THC can have on the readiness of service members and military units.
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Can you get a false positive due to CBD products?
If you are using a broad spectrum or isolate based CBD product that is free from THC, with the COAs to prove, it is very unlikely that a positive test will occur.
A study done on 15 participants who took a full spectrum CBD oil product for 4 weeks found that 7 of the 15 participants tested positive for THC. Although it was a small sample size, the study also found that those who tested positive had higher creatinine levels than those who tested negative. (Dahlgren et al.)
Final thoughts
CBD can benefit military personnel, but it can be associated with THC and marijuana. Since marijuana is not allowed in the military, CBD may be scrutinized. Be aware of CBD products, like oil, ahead of military drug tests, as some may contain THC. Tests do not detect CBD, but cross-contamination or low-quality products may contain THC. The military may soon make CBD legal.
If you have any concerns about using CBD products and the possibility of a positive drug test, our customer support team is available to help you choose the right product for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!
CBD Industry | CBD Use in the Military
