It seems like every day there’s a new product that contains CBD. It’s shown up in coffee, cupcakes, and salads, among other things. While these pairings may not make sense initially, when you realize that the CBD oil market is expected to grow by over 30 percent in the next seven years, these unusual combinations make sense.
Still, for a lot of people, there are a lot of unanswered questions regarding CBD oil. For instance, working professionals who use CBD to find brief relief with anxiety or pain, or may wonder whether it will show up on an employer-initiated drug test. The same question could be posed by those engaged in athletic competitions or parolees working through a probationary period.
To better understand this question, we’ll look at the science behind drug tests and CBD. We’ll also examine the current regulatory state of CBD products. So, if you’re concerned your use of CBD may trigger a drug test failure, make sure to read on.
How Do Drug Tests Work?
A drug test is any analysis of biological material, such as blood, hair, saliva, or urine, that attempts to detect the presence or residual of a drug in the human body. Analysts can determine the presence of drugs based on distinct markers, often the presence of specific metabolites.
Not all drug tests are the same, and the party asking for the test may only be interested in the detection of specific types of drugs. For instance, while many of the states that legalized marijuana still allow for employers to issue drug tests, those companies may be less interested in the presence of this locally legal substance and more concerned about finding evidence of “harder” drugs, like cocaine and opiates.
Most employers that conduct drug tests will conduct a urine-based analysis. These tests typically try to find a handful of specific substances:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Benzodiazepines
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Opiates
How Does CBD Work?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid found in the flower of the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, another cannabinoid, CBD is not intoxicating, ie does not get you “high”.
There is a variety of uses for CBD that are being researched currently*:
CBD may host this suite of benefits through its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is partially responsible for maintaining the body’s balance or homeostasis. This helps to explain how CBD may play a role in boosting the immune system and regulate mood.
Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?
So, does CBD show up on a drug test? The answer is maybe. Why the maybe answer? The first thing to research about any CBD products you purchase is if the product is certified 100% CBD or does it have even slight amounts of THC (usually labeled as full-spectrum CBD). CBD sold over the counter must have less than 0.3% THC where CBD sold in a dispensary will be labeled with exact THC amounts which are often 10mg or higher.
Is your CBD at least 99% pure CBD (labeled as CBD isolate) then the answer is most likely no, CBD should not show up drug tests. This is because most drug tests are seeking out the metabolites and antibodies associated with THC, the cannabinoid that causes a feeling of being “high.” Specifically, drug tests are looking for the presence of a metabolite called THCCOOH, which signals that THC has been used by individuals being tested.
That said, even though CBD itself doesn’t usually show up on a drug test, that doesn’t mean that CBD products won’t cause you to fail the test. That’s because CBD oil and other CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC (for example full-spectrum CBD). Ideally, the presence of THC should be on the products label in some form. However, some companies choose not to disclose this fact.
Because CBD products are not evaluated by the FDA or another regulatory agency, it can be difficult to know for sure what some company’s CBD oil contains. Some companies, such as RYTE CBD, use third-party labs to test their products for purity and share the results with the customers. This analysis is often referred to as a certificate of analysis and provides the highest level of transparency and clarity to the consumer.
Can I Lower My Chances Of Failing a Drug Test?
If you want to reduce your chances of failing a drug test or inducing a false positive, you should only purchase CBD products from reputable companies that use third-party lab testing and display their results either online or on the product itself. If you can’t find any certificate of analysis for the product, you cannot possibly know what is present in that company’s CBD oil, which allows for the chance of high THC concentrations and of failing your drug test.
Further, it’s essential to know what the various labels on CBD products mean. A reputable company, like RYTE CBD, will list that their product is either CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, or full spectrum.
CBD isolate means CBD is the only cannabinoid used in the product. Broad-spectrum products will include other cannabinoids besides CBD but not THC. Broad-spectrum products do, however, usually contain CBN, which can induce a false positive on a drug test. Full-spectrum CBD products include most if not all cannabinoids present in cannabis, including THC (though in trace amounts in order to meet Federal guidelines).
So, if you’re looking to eliminate the odds of triggering a false positive or failing a drug test, CBD isolate may be your best option. However, a certificate of analysis will also enable you to see the true composition of broad and full-spectrum CBD products and allow you to make the best choice for yourself.
Where Can I Purchase CBD Products?
Right here at RYTE CBD! We’re transparent about how we manufacture our products, and we source our cannabis plants locally to maintain a high level of quality. Contact us today for any questions, or to request a COA, by reaching out through our website.
*FDA, CBD Disclaimer:
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. CBD is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. By using this site, you agree to follow the Privacy Policy and all Terms & Conditions printed on this site. Void Where Prohibited by Law.
CBD is not for use by or sale to persons under the age of 18. CBD products should be used only as directed on the label. It should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult with a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition or use prescription medications.
A Doctor’s advice should be sought before consuming CBD and any supplemental dietary product. All trademarks and copyrights are property of their respective owners and are not affiliated with nor do they endorse this product.