One of the most frequently asked questions by people before taking CBD is whether it can cause a drug test to come back positive; and it merits a direct answer, namely that pure CBD shouldn't. However, many CBD products are not in fact pure CBD, and it is in this area that the risk lies.
What a standard drug test actually looks for
Most workplace testing is in fact not designed to detect CBD. Instead it looks for THC, the substance which causes cannabis to be intoxicating, more accurately speaking for the metabolites that your body produces when it has processed the drug. A standard urine test makes use of an immunoassay which indicates those THC metabolites when their level exceeds a certain threshold. CBD is a different molecule and is not what the test is intended to detect.
The problem is that a product may contain something other than CBD.
Why full spectrum products carry some risk
In the United States hemp-derived CBD products are permitted as long as they contain 0.3 percent THC or less on a dry weight basis. However, that legal limit is not equivalent to zero. Full spectrum products include the other cannabinoids found in the plant, such as a small amount of THC, since this is what provides them with the more complete profile that many people prefer.
For the average person, such small quantities are not likely to make any difference. However, THC can build up in the body if it is used regularly, and in certain cases a person who takes a full spectrum product several times a day over a period of weeks might produce enough metabolites to cause a positive result on a drug test. The individual's body composition, how often they use it, and the type of test all have an effect, which is the reason that no one can guarantee the result.
Broad spectrum and isolate: lower risk, not no risk
Broad-spectrum products are designed to remove THC while retaining the other cannabinoids; isolates contain only CBD. Both types are generally seen as carrying a lower risk when it comes to drug tests, although it is worth being honest about the use of the word 'generally', since the CBD market is lightly regulated and the labels are not always trustworthy. Studies carried out on retail products over the years have discovered some that had more THC than advertised or cannabinoids which were completely left out.
That is the reason why the paperwork is more important than the marketing.
How to read the label and the lab report
If a drug test matters to your job or your license, look for these before you buy:
A recent certificate of analysis (COA) from an independent laboratory, corresponding to the particular batch you are purchasing.
With regard to the THC entry on that report, look either for 'ND' (not detected) or a value under the limit of quantification, not for a small number which you have been told to ignore.
The product type: among the more cautious options are isolate and broad spectrum; full spectrum should be regarded with hesitation.
A brand that opens up about its testing and directly responds to questions regarding it.
If you'd like a revision on how to read these documents, our step-by-step guide on how to read a COA goes through it.
Jobs and situations where extra caution makes sense
Some jobs are more lenient than others. Commercial drivers who are regulated by the Department of Transportation are not allowed to cite a CBD product as an explanation for a positive THC test. Because service members are banned by military policy from using products derived from hemp, currently serving personnel should therefore not use them. Federal employees, contractors, and those working in places that have strict zero-tolerance policies should be treated in the same careful way, and many employers establish their own rules which go beyond the law.
If you're not sure about your situation, you should ask your employer or your medical review officer before you begin, not after you have taken the test; remember that it is difficult to reverse a positive result once it has occurred.
If you choose to use CBD anyway
To be on the safe side, people usually take some practical actions. These include selecting a product that is THC-free and has a certificate of analysis that is specific to the batch, retaining both the packaging and the certificate, and avoiding any change of brand without first checking the latest lab results. In the case of using a topical product such as our CBD Roll-On Gel for local relief, it should be noted that topicals are typically not expected to result in any significant amount reaching the bloodstream, although you should still ask your employer about this if the situation is important.
If you're looking for ways of winding down at night, you might want to read our earlier post on how CBD compares to melatonin, or take a look at our Sleep Gummies and check the lab report for the batch you're thinking of.
The bottom line
CBD on its own isn't the substance that drug tests are designed to detect. The danger arises from the presence of small amounts of THC in products that have not been properly manufactured or accurately labelled. You should know what your test involves, understand your employer's policy, select your product according to its lab results, and if you're unsure, leave it out until you've got a clear answer.
This article is provided for general informational purposes and should not be regarded as medical or legal advice.