So, a big concern when using marijuana is that it will trigger a positive result on a drug test. Now, typically THC is what triggers that result, so since Cannabidiol (CBD) isn’t THC, many assume that CBD won’t show up on a drug test.
But, will it?
The short answer: No… but in some cases, it will.
The long answer: It’s not exactly straight-forward, so let’s walk through it.
First off, Why Use CBD?
If you aren’t aware exactly what CBD is, it’s is an antipsychotic compound found in the hemp plant that provides a ton of medical benefits. Numerous scientific studies have already confirmed that CBD can help a wide array of medical conditions including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, depression, anxiety, arthritis and much more. The medical applications for CBD have created a widespread popularity amongst patients seeking an all-natural method to treat their conditions.
While these benefits are amazing, is it worth it to get in trouble by testing positive with CBD? You’ll have to decide, but it’s always better to stay informed and aware.
Let’s talk about when CBD won’t trigger a positive result…
…and when it will.
Whole Plant CBD vs. Isolated CBD, and Why it Matters
Standard drug tests are designed to detect substances such as THC, methamphetamine, opiates, and so forth (Keep in mind, there such a thing as CBD oil drug tests. These are typically used in the few states where CBD is not legal, but it is still important to be aware of what you are being tested for). On most tests, a positive result for THC will occur when an amount of 0.3% or higher of THC is detected.
Now to clarify:
Even though THC and CBD both yield from the hemp plant, they are two entirely different substances. This is where the primary difference lies – and why CBD will not indicate a positive result for THC.
There is, however, another very important factor that comes into play here.
There are two different forms of CBD available on the market today – full spectrum CBD (also referred to as whole plant CBD) and CBD Isolate – both of which can be used in various products including tinctures, e-liquids, edibles, and more. CBD isolate is pure CBD isolated from the other cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, such as THC. Full spectrum CBD, on the other hand, is CBD that includes some or all of the other cannabinoids found in the hemp plant in varying amounts.
And that includes THC.
That being said, CBD isolates will not test positive for THC on a drug test, while full spectrum CBD may test positive based on the amount of THC contained and a few other factors.
Other Factors if Full Spectrum CBD will Test Positive
So, some of you may now be realizing that they are indeed using a full spectrum CBD product, and are concerned about taking a drug test. The first thing you want to do is look at the lab results to determine if the THC concentration is below 0.3%. Other factors that come into play include how much CBD you’ve taken, your health and metabolism, and other medications you’re using and the procedure in which you take them. In some cases, CBD actually blocks certain enzymes in your body that break down THC. When this happens, a small quantity of THC is metabolized, allowing more to stay in your system.
The Bottom Line
Evidently, when it comes to full spectrum CBD, it can be pretty tricky to really know if you’re going to test positive for THC. That being said, if you’re concerned about being drug tested, the safest bet is to use a lab-tested CBD isolate product. That way, you won’t test positive for THC, and you can enjoy the many CBD benefits.
We hope that this article has been helpful and was able to answer the question “Does CBD Show Up on Drug Tests?” If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please feel free to address them in the comments section below.
Thanks for reading, and make sure to stay aware, and stay safe.
