CBD on a drug test: does it show up or a complete myth?

Although CBD oil is legal in only a few places in the world, most of us have heard of it, or even managed to try it. Some already incorporate it into their daily routines, be it to treat anxiety, pain, inflammation, insomnia or many other conditions. Besides, its effect on seizures is being investigated and its use is already approved in certain parts of the world. While more studies are needed on CBD, the undeniable thing is that more and more people are choosing to use it.

Can CBD show up in a drug test?

If you are taking a drug test for whatever reason (work, routine checkup, post-rehab checkup, etc.) you may be concerned that CBD could show up on the test, as most tests look for cannabis concentrations. However, CBD is highly unlikely to show up as the tests look for metabolites of THC, not CBD. Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are natural components found in cannabis. CBD is found in extracts of the hemp plant, while THC is found in flowers. Unlike THC, CBD does not “high” you, because it is a non-psychoactive compound. There are several different types of CBD, and some have traces of THC.

It depends on the type of drug test

In a urine sample (which is the most common method of drug testing) there has to be at least 50 Nano-grams per millimeter to be detected. If more than 15 days have passed, it is highly unlikely that THC will be found. If the test is for saliva, there is currently no set amount of THC in your system for it to show up. With these types of tests, you can detect THC only within 72 hours of consumption (unless you have consumed a lot of THC for a very long period of time). In a blood test, the results show what is currently in your system. Lastly, with a hair sample, you would need to have 1 picogram per milligram of THC for it to be detected, and THC can be in your hair for about three months. While the chances of CBD making you fail the test are very slim, there have been cases in the United States where CBD users have failed the tests.

How can you avoid failing a CBD drug test?

Make sure the CBD products you are consuming are properly labeled and read the ingredients. It can be misleading. If you want to completely stay away from THC, make sure you’re not consuming full spectrum products. But since CBD is not regulated, there may be a chance that the products you get will contain more CBD than they claim. If you consume high doses of full spectrum CBD, there is a risk that you have accumulated enough THC in your system to fail the test. Consider the doses of CBD you are taking.

Is there a test that specifically looks for CBD?

Since CBD doesn’t get you high, the chances of this happening are pretty slim. However, testing specifically for CBD would involve “notifying the testing company that the employer wants to look for an additional substance, paying that company an extra cost to cover expenses related to CBD. In short, CBD is highly unlikely to show up on your drug test.

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