Will CBD make you fail a drug test? It’s possible, but not for CBD itself. It is the addition of less than 0.3 percent THC in many CBD products that may potentially result in a failed test. However unreasonable it may be, CBD users should be aware of this fact, especially CBD-using job seekers.
So, why is THC in your CBD? Marijuana and hemp are strikingly similar. In fact, they are the same species! The main distinction is an arbitrary legal definition, not a scientific one. Any plant with less than 0.3 percent THC is considered hemp, and above that limit, marijuana. While both contain the same compounds to varying degrees, hemp is cultivated for CBD and marijuana is mainly cultivated for THC.
Full spectrum CBD products include this small amount of THC because they are a whole-plant extract. Broad spectrum products are technically THC-free but an indeterminable amount of THC may remain in the extraction. While unlikely, this minor amount of THC in both full and broad spectrum products can light up a drug test. But you cannot fail a drug test due to CBD alone. Anyone concerned about potential testing should consider THC-free isolate. We will discuss this more later on.
The minor amount of THC in both full and broad spectrum products can light up a drug test. But you cannot fail a drug test due to CBD alone. Anyone concerned about potential testing should consider THC-free isolate.
What to Expect
Common Testing: 10 Panel Drug Test
The most common drug test is a 10-panel urine test that exposes the recent use of the 10 most used illicit drugs. Marijuana is now legal in 24 states yet remains federally illegal. THC still falls under this category on a 10-panel screen. Strangely, if you didn’t already have THC in your system, you could dab right before this type of urine test and most likely wouldn’t fail. Urine tests look for by-products of a broken down, metabolized drug, not drugs circulating in the system at the moment of the test.
According to an article in Medical News Daily, THC detection times from marijuana in urine tests are as follows:
- 3 days for a single-use
- 5 to 7 days for moderate use (4 times per week)
- 10 to 15 days for daily use
- 30-plus days for heavy use
The official cutoff to trigger a positive result is 50 nanograms per milliliter of THC, a threshold set by the federal government. Depending on a person’s body weight, diet, CBD use (dosage and duration), and how they metabolize cannabinoids, THC is detectable in as little as 4 to 6 days. All these immeasurable factors mean it is impossible to say how much CBD it takes before reaching the threshold, so it may be best to postpone CBD use prior to drug testing.
The same applies to other cannabinoid products such as CBG or CBN. Just like CBD, these products often contain trace amounts of THC.
More Types of Drug Tests
Other types of screenings include blood, saliva and hair tests. Blood tests are not as common as urine tests, especially for THC, because the compound leaves the blood in about 36 hours. Hair tests show a long-term history of drug use. They typically test for the past three months. THC is difficult to purge from hair, and follicle tests have the lowest threshold, making these screens more difficult to pass. Saliva tests are also uncommon. There are many false positives, and, unlike a urine test, they are usually only accurate at determining drug use at the time of testing. THC remains in the saliva for up to two days.
A Safe Bet
CBD Isolate
It is unlikely you will fail a drug test with limited full spectrum CBD use, but if you are in the hiring pool and in a field that is subject to drug testing, consider your unique circumstance before starting CBD or other cannabinoid products.
Isolate is the best option for those concerned about future drug testing. Isolate is 99.9 percent pure and does not contain even trace amounts of THC. This is because isolate is refined down to a single compound. When using a tested, trusted, quality product, you could use CBD isolate without worry.
Isolate is 99.9 percent pure and does not contain even trace amounts of THC. This is because isolate is refined down to a single compound. When using a tested, trusted, quality product, you could use CBD isolate without worry.
How Long Does CBD Stay in your System?
As mentioned, you cannot fail a drug test due to CBD by itself. But any hemp oil extract—full spec, broad spec or isolate—may stay in the system for anywhere from 2 to 5 days to weeks or months. Several variables influence how long CBD stays in your body, including dosage and frequency—how much and how often you use CBD. The more regularly you use it, the longer it will stay in your system. The less frequently you consume it, the faster it’s metabolized.
We hope we helped resolve all your queries pertaining to whether you can fail a drug test due to CBD. Whether you’re looking for pure CBD, CBN, CBG, or CBC products, we’ve got you covered. Shop for CBD Oil today!
So, Will CBD Make You Fail A Drug Test?
In summary, while CBD itself won’t cause a failed drug test, the less than 0.3 percent THC in many products, especially full and broad spectrum CBD, poses a minimal risk. Job seekers and CBD users should be mindful of this and explore THC-free isolate options for added reassurance. Awareness of these distinctions allows for informed choices, minimizing the potential impact on professional pursuits.
Read Next: Is CBD Use Permitted in the Military?
