Clearing the Air: The Truth About CBD and Hair Follicle Drug Tests
Employers may use hair follicle drug tests for a variety of reasons, from ensuring a safe work environment to complying with federal regulations. However, the use of CBD products for medical or recreational purposes has raised questions about whether the compound can be detected in such tests.
The truth is, CBD is unlikely to show up on a hair follicle drug test. Here, we’ll take a closer look at what these tests are, how they work, and why CBD is not typically a cause for concern when it comes to drug testing.
CBD and Hair Follicle Drug Tests: What You Need to Know
Before exploring the relationship between CBD and hair follicle drug tests, it’s important to understand how CBD is metabolized and stored in the body. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, CBD is not known to produce a “high” and is not stored in fat cells to the same extent as THC. This means that CBD is typically metabolized more quickly than THC, and is therefore less likely to be detected in drug tests.
However, it’s worth noting that some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC. While federally legal hemp-derived CBD products are required to contain less than 0.3% THC, this amount could potentially be enough to lead to a positive drug test result.
Hair Follicle Drug Tests: Is CBD Really a Cause for Concern?
Employers commonly use hair follicle drug tests because they provide a longer window of detection than other types of drug tests. While urine tests may only detect drug use for a few days, hair follicle tests can often detect drug use for up to 90 days following use.
Because CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that is unlikely to cause impairment, some users have questioned whether its use could pose a risk to employment. However, in most cases, CBD use is not considered a valid reason for a positive drug test result, particularly if the product is derived from federally legal hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC.
Exploring the Relationship Between CBD and Hair Follicle Drug Tests
While CBD use is unlikely to lead to a positive result on a hair follicle drug test, some studies have suggested that the likelihood of detection may increase if a user is consuming large amounts of the compound or using products that contain significant levels of THC despite claiming to be THC-free.
For example, a 2019 study published in the journal Clinical Chemistry examined the detection of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids in hair samples from people who reported using CBD. The researchers found that while CBD was not detected in any of the samples, some users showed trace amounts of THC or THC metabolites.
It’s important to keep in mind that tolerance, frequency of use, and individual variations in metabolism may all affect the likelihood of detection in hair follicle drug tests. However, for most users who are consuming CBD products in moderation and ensuring that they are using products that meet federal standards, the risk of a positive drug test result is likely to be minimal.
CBD and Hair Follicle Drug Testing: Separating Fact from Fiction
In summary, while it’s true that hair follicle drug tests can detect a wide range of drugs, CBD is typically not one of them. As long as users are using federally legal hemp-derived CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC, they are unlikely to test positive on a hair follicle drug test.
That being said, it’s important for users to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming CBD products that contain higher levels of THC, as well as the potential for individual variation in metabolism and other factors that may impact the likelihood of detection. By staying informed about these issues and taking steps to ensure that their CBD use is safe and legal, users can enjoy the many potential benefits of this popular compound without having to worry about the consequences of drug testing.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when it comes to hair follicle drug tests and CBD use, it’s critical to separate fact from fiction. While there are certain situations in which CBD could theoretically lead to a positive result on a drug test, the vast majority of users are unlikely to experience any issues.
By understanding how CBD is metabolized and stored in the body, as well as the factors that can impact the likelihood of detection in hair follicle drug tests, users can make informed choices about their CBD use and avoid any unexpected consequences when it comes to drug testing.