Introduction
As the use of CBD becomes more widespread, many people are concerned about whether it can be detected in workplace drug tests, especially for jobs that involve driving or operating heavy machinery.
If you’re a regular CBD user and need to undergo a drug test, you may be wondering whether CBD could result in a positive drug test. This article is intended to provide an overview of CBD and whether it can be detected in drug tests.
What is CBD and Can it be Detected in Urine Drug Tests?
CBD or cannabidiol is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it doesn’t produce a “high” effect. However, THC is the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and it’s the reason people experience the “high.”
Cannabinoids, including CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a regulatory system responsible for maintaining physiological and cognitive health. CBD attaches to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS, reducing inflammation, pain, and anxiety.
The good news is that most urine drug tests look for THC metabolites. Since CBD isn’t a psychoactive or controlled substance, it’s typically not screened during a urine drug test. Thus, taking CBD should not result in a positive drug test.
However, some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, which could show up on a drug test. Hence, it’s crucial to get high-quality, lab-tested CBD products from reputable sources.
The Legality of CBD and Drug Testing
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC. However, individual states regulate the legality of CBD products differently. Nevada and Colorado, for instance, allow THC levels of up to 0.5%, while Idaho and South Dakota prohibit CBD altogether.
Employers can choose to drug test their employees, primarily as a safety or productivity measure. Although employers can test for marijuana, employees cannot be punished or dismissed for medical marijuana use outside of work time or outside of work-related activities.
Since CBD products don’t contain much THC, the legality of workplace testing for CBD is still in a gray area. Some employers do test for CBD, while others use it as a criterion to rule out other causes of positive drug tests.
Personal Experiences of Testing Positive or Negative for CBD
Many people who take CBD claim that it has no effect on drug tests. However, there have been a few documented cases of people testing positive for THC metabolites after taking CBD. For instance, one woman from Atlanta, Georgia, reported a positive drug test result after taking a full-spectrum CBD oil for anxiety.
By contrast, another woman who used broad-spectrum CBD oil but underwent drug testing did not show up positive for THC.
Thus, it’s clear that the type of CBD product used and the frequency of its consumption have significant implications for the test’s outcome.
Tips to Ensure Your CBD Products Won’t Show Up on a Drug Test
Since other factors, such as metabolism and individual variations, can affect drug test results, it’s essential to select high-quality CBD products.
Here are a few tips to ensure that your CBD products are THC-free or have legally allowed levels of THC:
- Choose CBD products that are derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC.
- Prefer products made from CBD isolate that typically contains no THC.
- Get products from transparent and reputable brands that provide third-party lab testing and quality assurance.
- Check the COA (Certificate of Analysis) to make sure the product has the correct levels of CBD and THC.
- Avoid testing shortly after smoking marijuana or using other cannabis products, such as THC oils or edibles.
Efforts to Create a Standardized Test for Detecting CBD in Drug Testing
The CBD industry is working to develop a standardized test that can accurately detect CBD and THC levels. Current drug tests aren’t sophisticated enough to differentiate between THC and CBD, so a person who tests positive for THC may have been taking only CBD products.
If the scientific community can develop a test that distinguishes between CBD and THC, it will be more feasible for employers to screen for THC specifically. This will also enable people who use CBD products to prove that they’ve followed the law and should not be tested for marijuana use.
Conclusion
CBD products have numerous potential benefits, including reducing anxiety, depression, and chronic pain symptoms. However, if you’re a regular CBD user or need to undergo drug testing for work purposes, it’s essential to select products carefully.
Choose high-quality CBD products, and preferably those with no THC. Additionally, search for products from transparent and reputable brands that provide third-party lab testing and quality assurance. These measures should help you pass drug tests with ease.
So, don’t be afraid to explore the potential of CBD, and be prepared to make an informed choice in selecting the products that work best for you while avoiding those that might put your career in jeopardy.