One of the most frequently asked questions about CBD and drug tests is does it show up? There are a few factors that you need to consider when buying CBD products that will determine the outcome. We’ll get to all of them here so that you know what type of CBD product is the best idea for you.
Type of CBD Oil Used
When it comes to CBD and drug tests, the type of CBD oil used does matter. We’ll touch on the main types of CBD oil here so that you have a better understanding of what to look for when you buy CBD online.
Full Spectrum
Full spectrum CBD oil still contains a small amount of THC. The THC concentration can be as much as 0.03% per FDA guidelines. THC metabolites are stored in your body, and even though this is a miniscule amount – it can still show up on a drug test.
Broad Spectrum
Broad spectrum CBD is a little tricky because as the consumer, you need to know if it started as full spectrum or isolate. If the oil started as full spectrum, it likely still contains a very, very small amount of THC – typically 0.01% or less. This can still return a positive drug test.
If the broad spectrum oil starts as isolate, it’s likely that all of the THC has been stripped. If the company says that their product is 0% THC or THC-free, make sure you confirm that.
Isolate
With CBD isolate, only the CBD remains. The CBD is isolated away from all of the other components of the raw oil, so there is no THC present at all.
CBD is Not THC
Drug tests look for THC, not CBD. One cannabinoid cannot be another. CBD does not convert to THC – it’s not capable of making that kind of change.
If CBD and drug tests are part of your pre-employment screening process or you're subject to random screenings, you just need to know what’s in the product you’re taking.
What do Drug Tests Look For?
Drug tests are designed to look for trace amounts of THC and other substances. There are, however, some drug tests that simply look for cannabinoids in general. These tests are very expensive and it is beyond rare for employers to request them due to their excessive cost.
Although there are a few different kinds of drug tests – saliva, urine, blood and hair follicle – they all basically work the same way. The tests look for THC and/or its metabolites. In a urine test, for example, a metabolite called THC-COOH is what the test is looking for. It’s a fat soluble metabolite that can be present in urine for up to 3 weeks for those that use very large doses of CBD on a regular basis.
Closing Thoughts
So, in regards to CBD and drug tests, no CBD itself will not cause you to fail a drug test. If that CBD product contains THC in any amount, however, you may return a positive drug screening. THC is stored in the body’s fat cells, so even if you use a CBD product that contains only trace amounts of THC – you can still fail a drug screening. If you’re not sure, pick up a home drug test kit at your local pharmacy and test yourself first.