Does CBD Show Up On Drug Tests?

CBD has documented benefits for many different ailments. Just google NIH (National Institute of Health) and type in “Benefits of CBD” – you will find some great Medical Research on CBD.

Some also use it as a daily general health supplement. CBD has beneficial qualities that can ward off health issues and improve overall wellness. While our customers love CBD, some people may wonder- does CBD show up on drug tests

Some people use CBD to treat specific medical conditions and symptoms, as it can help with everything from physical unease, to swelling and help you get a better night’s sleep.

As CBD comes from a type of cannabis plant (Federally legal industrial hemp), customers ask logical questions about the potential risks of using CBD.

For instance, will marijuana (another type of cannabis) accumulate in your body, and will it show up on a drug test? CBD’s good news is actually very safe to use, but of course, the devil is in the details.

Here’s a guide on CBD, THC, and drug tests.

Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

Pure CBD without THC will not show up on a standard drug test because these tests are designed to detect THC metabolites, not CBD. However, if a CBD product contains even trace amounts of THC, frequent use could potentially result in a positive test due to THC accumulation in the body. To avoid risks, choose CBD products labeled as 0% THC and third-party tested for purity.

How Can Using CBD Make You Fail a Drug Test?

Some CBD products, particularly full-spectrum ones, contain trace levels of THC, the compound responsible for the “high” from marijuana. Even though the legal limit for THC is 0.3%, repeated use or higher doses may result in THC building up in your system. Drug tests specifically look for THC metabolites, not CBD, making it possible for these tiny amounts to trigger a positive result. To ensure safety, opt for CBD products marked as broad-spectrum or isolate with zero THC content, verified by third-party testing. Always check the product labeling for certifications before use.

Difference Between CBD, THC, Marijuana, and Hemp

Understanding the difference between CBD, THC, marijuana, and hemp is essential to navigate the cannabis world effectively. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct aspects of the cannabis plant and have different uses and effects.

CBD (Cannabidiol):
CBD is a compound extracted from cannabis plants, primarily hemp. It is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t make you “high.” CBD is known for its therapeutic potential, including relieving physical unease, reducing stress, and improving sleep. It’s widely used in medical and wellness products for its calming and healing effects.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol):
THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana. Found more abundantly in marijuana plants, THC interacts strongly with the brain’s receptors to produce euphoric effects. Unlike CBD, THC can impair motor functions, alter perception, and is primarily used recreationally or for specific medical conditions.

Marijuana:
Marijuana refers specifically to cannabis plants that contain high levels of THC. Its use is often associated with recreational and medicinal purposes. States with legalized marijuana have strict regulations on its production, sale, and consumption due to its psychoactive properties.

Hemp:
Hemp, on the other hand, contains very low levels of THC (less than 0.3% by federal law in the U.S.) and is legally cultivated for industrial purposes. Hemp is the primary source for most CBD products, including oils, creams, and supplements. Beyond CBD, hemp is used for its fibers in clothing, paper, biodegradable plastics, and even food products like hemp seeds.

In summary, CBD products come primarily from hemp and offer therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. Marijuana, rich in THC, can cause intoxication and is associated with recreational use. Hemp is a non-psychoactive plant with versatile uses in wellness and industry. By understanding these distinctions, consumers can make more informed decisions about cannabis products that suit their needs.

How much THC must be present to register on a drug test?

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, is commonly screened in drug tests due to its potential for recreational use. Each drug testing method has specific cut-off values and detection windows, which vary depending on the amount and frequency of THC consumed, as well as the test type.

THC Detection Methods:

1. Urine Test:

• Description: The most commonly used testing method for its simplicity, low cost, and longer detection window. It detects THC metabolites, particularly THC-COOH.
• Cut-off value: 50 ng/mL (SAMHSA standard); some tests may lower thresholds to 20 ng/mL for sensitive testing.
• Detection window: Typically detects THC metabolites for 3 to 30 days, depending on frequency of use:
  • Occasional users: 3–7 days
  • Regular users: 10–15 days
  • Heavy/chronic users: up to 30 days or longer.

2. Blood Test:

• Description: This method is used less frequently due to its short detection time but is preferred in cases like DUI testing, as it measures active THC in the bloodstream.
• Cut-off value: 1–5 ng/mL for impairment tests; 0.5 ng/mL in some jurisdictions.
• Detection window: Detects THC for 1 to 2 days in most cases but may extend up to 7 days for chronic users.

3. Saliva Test:

• Description: A non-invasive testing method used for roadside tests or employment screening, as it detects active THC from recent cannabis use.
• Cut-off value: 4 ng/mL (Australia/New Zealand standards); some tests use thresholds as low as 1–2 ng/mL.
• Detection window: Detects THC for 1–3 days:
  • Occasional users: Approx. 24–48 hours
  • Chronic/regular users: Up to 72 hours.

4. Hair Test:

• Description: Hair tests are effective for long-term detection of THC use, as they measure THC metabolites incorporated in hair follicles.
• Cut-off value: 1 pg/mg of hair (industry standard).
• Detection window: Detects THC for 90 days or more, depending on hair length and growth rate.

Two Variations of THC Drug Testing:

1. Screening Sensitivity:
   • High sensitivity testing: Uses lower cut-off values (e.g., 15–20 ng/mL for urine tests) to capture low metabolite concentrations.
   • Standard testing: Follows established thresholds (e.g., 50 ng/mL for urine tests) to avoid false positives from minimal exposure.
2. Testing Scope:
   • Comprehensive panel testing: Includes testing for THC and other cannabinoids or substances in cannabis.
   • Single-substance testing: Focuses solely on THC detection, particularly for legal or impairment purposes.

Reasons for Failing a CBD Drug Test

While CBD itself doesn’t typically show up on drug tests, there are instances where individuals may fail due to specific factors. Here are the most common reasons for failing a CBD drug test:

• Using Full-Spectrum CBD Products: Full-spectrum CBD often contains trace amounts of THC (up to 0.3%), which could accumulate in the body and be detected on a drug test.
• Mislabeling or Contaminated Products: Some CBD products are not accurately labeled or may be contaminated with higher THC levels than they claim, leading to unexpected test results.
• Excessive Consumption of Low-THC Products: Regular or high usage of products that legally contain trace THC can lead to enough accumulation in fat cells to trigger a positive test result.
• Poorly Regulated Sources: Purchasing CBD from unregulated or unreliable sources increases the risk of consuming products with higher THC concentrations than allowed.

How to Avoid a Positive CBD Drug Test

If you’re concerned about passing a drug test while using CBD products, it’s essential to take precautions. Ensuring the right product choice and mindful consumption can help you avoid any complications. Here’s how:

Read Product Labels Carefully: Ensure that the product explicitly states “0% THC” and check for transparent ingredient labels to reduce risk.

Use THC-Free CBD Products: Opt for CBD products that are labeled as THC-free and have been third-party tested to confirm zero THC content. Even trace amounts of THC (under 0.3%) could lead to a positive drug test with regular use.

Purchase from Reputable Brands: Choose trusted CBD brands that provide detailed lab reports for their products. This ensures the CBD is derived from industrial hemp and meets federal legal requirements.

Avoid Full-Spectrum CBD Products: Full-spectrum CBD may contain small amounts of THC. Broad-spectrum or CBD isolate products are safer alternatives for avoiding THC exposure.

Pay Attention to Dosage and Frequency: Regular or high doses of CBD products with even trace amounts of THC can lead to THC accumulation in the body. Stick to low doses and avoid frequent use if unsure.

Is CBD Legal to Use?

While many states still deem the use of THC and marijuana illegal, CBD is legal in all 50 states. This is due to the Farm Bill, a law that makes the production and use of hemp legal for all US citizens.

However, there are certain conditions. Legal CBD products must come from hemp plants vs. marijuana plants. They must also have 0.3% of THC or less. This trace amount is not enough to make you high or give you any negative side effects.

It’s important to ensure you get safe and legal CBD products if you live in an illegal state. Of course, Stirling CBD offers a range of legal, hemp-derived CBD treatments. These are all legal to buy and use across the states without any need for a prescription.

Is CBD Safe to Use?

CBD has some powerful medical effects on the body. It can relieve discomfort fast and lower stress, relax the body and nervous system, improve skin health, etc. But, like with any medical treatment, some users may wonder if there are risks involved with taking it.

However, CBD is a very natural and safe treatment. In fact, CBD is regularly lauded for its high safety profile. Even the World Health Organization notes that CBD has no health risks and no potential for abuse.

CBD is non-addictive, and there have been no reports of someone overdosing on CBD. This makes it extremely safe to use, especially with some other medical treatments that often come with serious side effects. In addition, it’s useful for people of all ages and can treat numerous medical symptoms risk-free.

Conclusion

If you want to use CBD to treat an illness or improve your health, then go ahead. It’s safe and legal to use and will not show up on a drug test. With that said, it’s important to avoid CBD products with high levels of THC. These may leave some THC metabolites in your system, which can be detected on a drug test.

When you use hemp-derived CBD products with 0% THC, you won’t need to worry. However, CBD products with 0.3% THC are at risk, and anything above this should be avoided. So does CBD show up on a drug test? The answer is that Pure CBD will not show up on a drug test – but CBD + THC can and often will show up on a drug test.

This makes Stirling CBD products with no THC a great option for those who want a safe and natural way to enjoy the medical benefits of cannabis plants.