Will CBD Make Me Fail a Drug Test?

A drug test fails when illicit drugs are found in your body. Read this article to know more about factors that will cause you to fail a drug test while on CBD and how to avoid failing a drug test while on CBD.

The 2018 Farm Bill led to the legalization of hemp, causing a massive spike in the use and production of CBD. The bill implied that hemp was not as serious a drug as listed in the Controlled Substances Act, which also contains heroin and LSD. The decriminalization of hemp use, production, and sale had a global impact. It is essential to note that some jurisdictions do not allow hemp use. For instance, in South Dakota, hemp use is still illegal and attracts penalties and a jail term. Read on to know more about CBD and if it can make you fail a drug test.

Deconstructing CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a chemical element obtained from hemp and marijuana. Hemp and marijuana are not the same plants, although they belong to the cannabis family. The difference between hemp and marijuana is based on the amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) they both contain. THC is the cannabis component that makes the user feel 'high.' The hemp user does not experience the 'highness' as the user of marijuana because the amount of THC in hemp is 0.3% or less and is, therefore, too negligible to cause a psychoactive reaction. Marijuana, on the other hand, has a lot of THC of up to 90%. The amount of THC in cannabis determines whether it is legally forbidden. In most laws, hemp is defined by the amount of THC it contains, such that when cannabis contains 0.3% or less THC, it is considered hemp. The 0.3% is an important figure in cannabis, and as you purchase your product, you must check if the amount of THC is within the legal confinements of your locality.

Factors that Cause You to Fail a Drug Test while on CBD

A drug test involves testing urine, blood, saliva, hair, or sweat to check for illegal drugs. Suraev et al. (2020) discussed a study where a drug test on urine was meant to determine if the users had insomnia because of THC use. Below are the factors that contribute to drug test failure while on CBD;

The Legality of CBD

For a person to fail a drug test, the drug has to be illegal. Wiley et al. (2020) stated that the legality of CBD is usually affected by the presence of THC. In a jurisdiction where CBD use is legal, it will not be among the drugs they will be checking, and therefore, you will not be considered to have failed a drug test if they find some traces of CBD. However, if CBD is illegal in a particular locality, you will not pass a drug test because it is traceable in your blood and, if used topically, can be spotted in the follicles. Furthermore, traces of THC in the CBD product consumed can test positive in a drug test.

Using the Wrong CBD Spectrum

Knowing the spectrum of your CBD product is essential because in some jurisdictions and professions, THC, even as trace elements, is forbidden. They may not be looking for CBD, but if they are looking for THC, you will fail the drug test because it will show. Users should avoid the full spectrum CBD if they undergo a THC drug test. Therefore, CBD isolate is the best CBD spectrum for a person who does not want to fail a drug test.

The Quality of the CBD Product

The CBD market is flooded and unregulated; therefore, finding genuine CBD products is difficult, especially for new buyers. While your jurisdiction may allow CBD use, you can still fail a drug test if the product contains illegal drugs. The CBD product might be mislabeled or contaminated with other drugs. Lachenmeier et al. (2019) discussed that mislabeled CBD products could mistakenly cause the user to consume other illegal substances besides CBD.

Passive THC Exposure

Smoking THC might expose non-smokers to the effects of THC as second-hand users. The passive smoker may not experience the results of the smoke as the non-smoker, but THC can also be traced in their body system, leading to a failed drug test.

How to Avoid Failing a Drug Test while on CBD

Familiarize Yourself with the Legality of CBD

If your profession and your jurisdiction allow the use of CBD, you cannot fail a drug test based on CBD use only. The drug test is only meant to find the drug that has been forbidden, such as THC.

Buy High-quality CBD Products

Arkell et al. (2018) opined that a drug test on contaminated CBD could show some levels of THC. You may fail a drug test if the CBD product is contaminated with illicit drugs, usually when the CBD is of low quality. You should consider the following factors when buying high-quality CBD products.

Read Customer Reviews 

You should avoid the product if the reviews are negative. The other customers' reviews are critical in determining the product quality and the company's reputation.

You can access the Certificate of Analysis (COA), which details the CBD cream's contents. The COA is usually available on the company's website or can be delivered to the consumer upon request. If the company is evasive about its COA, it may be best to avoid the products because they may contain harmful contents that it does not intend to disclose.

Ensure the products have been tested by a third-party laboratory, meaning that the contents traced in the product are as they are in the COA. Allowing a third party to test the products intensively has hints of transparency and credibility.

Seek the Doctor's Opinion

Seeking a doctor's opinion is essential for CBD users who want to avoid failing a drug test. The following are the reasons why you should seek the doctor's opinion;

• The doctor can suggest places where you can buy the best CBD products.
• The CBD may have other drugs that the doctor can help you look through.
• The doctor may offer alternatives if CBD is not allowed in your jurisdiction.

Know the Types of CBD Products

If you want CBD products that do not have THC, which may be illegal in your locality, you should avoid full spectrum CBD and buy the CBD isolate which does not have THC.

Conclusion

CBD is legal in many states and is, therefore, not among the drugs tested during a drug test. However, some professions do not allow CBD use, which is traceable during a drug test. Some jurisdictions do not allow CBD use. For instance, South Dakota and CBD will cause a failed drug test. The legality of CBD in your locality determines whether it will be of concern if CBD is traced in your system or not. It is worth noting that drug tests usually look for illegal drugs, like THC. If your CBD has some traces of THC, you may fail the drug test. While purchasing CBD products, ensure you read the customer reviews and confirm whether the product has undergone intensive independent third-party testing.

References

Arkell, T. R., Lintzeris, N., Mills, L., Suraev, A., Arnold, J. C., & McGregor, I. S. (2020). Driving-related behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions among Australian medical cannabis users: results from the CAMS 18-19 Survey. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 148, 105784.

Lachenmeier, D. W., Habel, S., Fischer, B., Herbi, F., Zerbe, Y., Bock, V., ... & Sproll, C. (2019). Are adverse effects of cannabidiol (CBD) products caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) contamination? F1000Research, 8.

Suraev, A., Grunstein, R. R., Marshall, N. S., D'Rozario, A. L., Gordon, C. J., Bartlett, D. J., ... & Hoyos, C. M. (2020). Cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for chronic insomnia disorder ('CANSLEEP'trial): protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, proof-of-concept trial. BMJ Open, 10(5), e034421.

Wiley, J., Gourdet, C. K., & Thomas, B. F. (2020). Cannabidiol: Science, Marketing, and Legal Perspectives. RTI Press, 16720.