Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test
Workplace drug testing got you nervous about exploring the health benefits of CBD? There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about “CBD drug tests” and whether or not you’ll test positive for THC if CBD is part of your daily regimen. It’s time we dispel the myths surrounding the topic and finally answer that anxiety-inducing question: “Will CBD show up on a drug test?”
The truth is, it’s very unlikely that taking CBD supplements will cause you to fail a drug test — but it could. Consuming any amount of THC may show up on a drug screen and will likely show up on a drug test.
But have hope! Just because it shows up on a drug test does not mean you won’t pass! There are many factors that go into accurate drug testing, so keep reading to learn how to avoid a false positive. Here’s everything you need to know about CBD drug tests and screening!
How A CBD Drug Test Works
Do you operate heavy machinery at work? A professional athlete who gets frequently tested? Working at a company where random drug tests are a very real concern?
We get it — no one ever wants to put their career at risk. Whatever your job or your reason for anxiety around a drug test, the method for testing is pretty much the same, no matter when or where the test is administered.
Most often, you’ll be asked to head to the restroom to collect a urine sample. A urine analysis is one of the best (and easiest) ways to test for substances, so this is the most common type of drug testing.
There are other types of drug tests, of course. Some will test your blood, others require a collection of hair follicles, and others that test saliva. But, if you’re asked to take a drug test, chances are good you’ll find yourself in the bathroom with a cup!
First things first, though — let’s talk about drug tests vs. screening.
CBD Drug Tests vs Screening
While these two terms are often used interchangeably, “drug testing” and “drug screening” are two different things. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you determine what each type of testing entails:
Drug Screenings
Here’s the thing about drug screenings. They are quick and efficient. They can be done on the spot with almost instantaneous results. These qualities make them a favorite for employers or organizations that need to test many people and want results…fast. They’re also affordable.
Now for some downsides. Drug screenings aren’t the most accurate tests available. Some studies show that nearly 1 in 10 results are incorrect. That’s not to say their results shouldn’t be trusted, but their accuracy falls short when compared to other drug tests. Unfortunately, they also don’t get too specific about the exact drug that’s been identified or offer measurements to let employers know exactly how much of a particular substance is present. Instead, they give a simple yes or no rating that indicates whether or not a substance is present.
Drug Tests
Drug testing is far more accurate than a drug screening, and it goes much more in-depth. Drug tests require samples to be sent into a lab for processing and can take up to a week to get results. That said, they’re far more accurate than drug screenings because they’re designed to give more information. They can determine every individual substance that’s present and measure how much of each is present.
Many companies use a combination of drug screening and drug testing to get the best results. Drug screens that come back negative are discarded and any positive results are sent in for a drug test.
So — the big question. Will CBD show up on a drug test?
Will CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?
Drug tests and drug screens measure for THC, which is the intoxicating cannabinoid present in cannabis. All legal CBD products contain only the smallest trace amounts of THC — 0.3% or less. Even a CBD isolate contains small traces of THC called metabolites.
So, to put it plainly, using CBD products may cause the average person to fail a drug screen, although it is unlikely. Legal CBD products contain such tiny amounts of THC, but they may result above the normal threshold on a drug test, although this is not common.
If you have taken daily CBD supplements for an extended period of time, you may find yourself in that small percentage of individuals who do not pass a drug screen or drug test. Depending on your body composition, metabolism rate, supplement usage, and overall health and wellness, your body may store higher amounts of THC metabolites. In this scenario, you could fail both a drug screen and test.
However, there is another catch. There are some instances in which a person could be more susceptible to a test result that is a “false positive.”
If you’re into sports, you’ve likely heard the term before, since many athletes use a “false positive” to fight doping claims. A “false positive” means that a drug test has detected a substance that was not consumed or used by the person tested. It may also flag the presence of THC that results in normal (approximately 20ng/ml) or below-threshold levels. Here are some examples of “false positive” triggers:
- Taking Certain Medications: Certain pharmaceuticals can affect drug test results. Drugs like dronabinol, NSAIDs, pantoprazole, efavirenz, and more can all increase the likelihood that a drug screening comes back positive for THC.
- A CBD Supplement That Contains Too Much THC: There are strict guidelines regarding THC and CBD supplements to help maintain normal THC levels within your body. But, not all CBD supplements are created equal. The maximum quantity of THC that’s acceptable in a CBD supplement is 0.3% THC. But, if a product is mislabeled or if the manufacturer has not tested THC levels in the product before sending it to market, you could be consuming more THC than intended.
- Second-Hand Marijuana Smoke: While it’s uncommon to breathe in enough secondhand marijuana smoke to cause a “contact high,” it can happen. If you’re in a properly ventilated area or outdoors this shouldn’t be a concern. However, if you’re in a confined space with someone who’s smoking marijuana, you may test positive for THC. In this case, however, you really can’t blame those CBD supplements you’re taking.
- THC Contamination: If a CBD supplement or hemp product comes from a manufacturing facility that also processes high-THC cannabis products, contamination could be an issue — but this is also unlikely.
How to Avoid A False Positive CBD Drug Test
Of course, you don’t want to test positive on your drug screen or drug test…so how do you avoid falling victim to a “false positive” test result? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- False Positives Are Rare: According to recent research, 5-10% of drug screens may result in “false positives.” But if you’re asked to take a drug test, chances are the results will be correct! Keep in mind that if you get a positive from a drug screen, you could request a drug test to accurately measure the amount of THC and ensure it’s below the threshold.
- Be Upfront About Medications: If you’re comfortable doing so, inform your employer or drug test administrator that you take CBD and any prescription medications before your drug test. Some medications can impact how your body handles and stores cannabinoids. Your doctor may also be willing to write you a note if necessary.
- Choose Products Carefully: If you’re concerned about testing positive for THC, do your due diligence when selecting CBD products. Only purchase supplements from companies that test their products and offer transparency about their quality practices, so you don’t have to worry about incorrect labels or contamination.
How to choose a CBD product so you don’t fail a CBD drug test
With so many CBD products on the market, how do you choose a CBD product that won’t contribute to a failed CBD drug test?
There are some things you should look for — no matter what the product is or who the manufacturer is — that can signal to you it’s a quality company with safe products. Here’s what to consider when you’re selecting a CBD supplement.
When It Comes To CBD Supplements, The Format Matters
There are three different forms of CBD products and they differ in the quantity of THC that’s present. While all CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, some CBD supplements contain absolutely none (less than 0.01%), and so remove even the slightest concern about the rare “false positive” from CBD use.
- CBD Isolate contains CBD and only CBD. It doesn’t include any other hemp compounds, plant extracts, or added ingredients. It contains zero THC. However, it can still contain THC metabolites, which are tiny particles produced when THC is broken down during processing.
- Broad Spectrum CBD contains CBD plus additional cannabinoids, too. But, it’s been processed to remove all THC. It contains zero THC. Again, like the isolate, metabolites may still be present.
- Full Spectrum CBD contains CBD and then some. It’s chock-full of hemp plant compounds and additional cannabinoids that are beneficial to your health. It can contain up to 0.3% THC.
If you’re very concerned about drug tests and a “false-positive” result, choose a Broad Spectrum CBD supplement. It offers almost all of the same health benefits as a Full Spectrum supplement, but you’re guaranteed to consume less than 0.01% THC — and therefore have a greatly reduced chance of failing a drug screen or drug test. We prefer broad-spectrum CBD options over CBD Isolates because they include a better array of beneficial compounds.
But you can also choose a CBD Isolate. Because they are a purified form of CBD and undergo more processing, they will be the safest possible option in terms of drug tests. They are also the least likely to have contamination from processing THC-containing products in the same manufacturing facility. (Again, we’re talking the tiniest, trace amounts — less than 0.01%.)
Here’s a summary of the situation.
- If you’re regularly taking CBD Isolate or Broad Spectrum CBD, which are both THC-free (less than 0.01%), then there is little reason to be worried about failing a drug screen or a drug test. (Keep in mind that nearly 10% of drug screens result in “false positives” or incorrect results.) However, while very unlikely, both of these still could trigger a false positive!
- If you’re regularly taking Full Spectrum CBD (less than 0.3% THC), you’re still unlikely to fail. However, if you test positive, it’s likely due to other medications or there is a chance that you’re above the threshold because your body has not metabolized the THC quickly enough.
Check CBD Regulations In Your State
The CBD industry is booming, no doubt, but that also means that legislation is scrambling to keep up! Because of this, individual states all have their own rules, regulations, guidelines, and laws about CBD products.
It’s important to know what the regulations are where you live because they differ from other areas. Some states have stricter standards when it comes to amounts of THC, others have lax labeling requirements and others still don’t have much legislation at all. And this is exactly why you should keep an eye on the rules in the state where you live!
Check CBD Regulations At Your Company
Does your employer have a policy regarding CBD products? Are you able to submit a letter notifying your employer that you’re taking or have been prescribed a CBD product? Oftentimes, the easiest way to avoid an issue with your employment is by having an upfront conversation right away. Consult your HR department if you’re concerned.
Research Before You Purchase
Before committing to a particular product, take time to research the seller and manufacturer. The only way to feel confident that you’re using a CBD product that does not contain enough THC to trigger a drug test is to select products from companies you can trust.
We believe that it’s important to offer transparency into our entire manufacturing process — from growing to harvesting, extraction to processing and labeling to testing. We want our customers to feel confident about our quality standards.
And, look for certificates of analysis and test results. Any reputable CBD supplement company will offer you documentation proving that a particular batch is guaranteed and tested by a third-party vendor. If you have any questions about our documentation, please reach out to us for clarity.
Wild Theory Products & Our Quality Standards
Wild Theory CBD products are extracted from hemp that’s grown locally on family farms in Wisconsin. Our team has personally met with and walked the fields with our growers! One of our passions is supporting small businesses and local growers, so we’ve been absolutely delighted to develop these relationships and personally ensure that quality and care can be seen throughout the entire process — from planting to extracting!
Plus, we have a strict testing regimen that ensures every single tincture, oil, gummy, and CBD supplement meets the highest standards for potency and purity. Every single product has a Certificate of Analysis that’s available to check out online.
Stop worrying about false positives and still enjoy the benefits of CBD for stress, sleep, and more when you choose a product that’s THC-free! Here are some of our favorite products:
- Breathe — Broad Spectrum CBD Stress Blend: This CBD tincture is the perfect formula to help with life’s everyday stresses. The recipe includes CBD of course, but it’s also made with a potent dose of CBC, a proven mood-booster, Evening Primrose Oil (another mood booster), and additional terpenes for even more support.
- Dream – Broad Spectrum CBD For Sleep: If you’re having a hard time getting a restful night of sleep, try adding this CBD sleep support to your nighttime routine. It’s formulated THC-free (less than 0.01%) and includes CBD plus sleep-promoting CBN in every dose.
- Soothe — Broad Spectrum CBD Pain Blend: This CBD supplement is the ultimate alternative to painkillers. It’s packed with ingredients to help you fight discomfort. CBD, CBG, Evening Primrose Oil, and terpenes to help make the blend even more effective.
Want support choosing the right CBD supplement to support your health needs? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’d be more than happy to chat with you about CBD, CBD drug tests, and choosing a CBD supplement. Contact us here.