Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

The Basics

CBD is often used as part of therapy or treatment for certain chronic conditions, including: rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s. In addition to this, many use it to help control anxiety, ADHD, and depression symptoms. The use of CBD is increasing as people are turning away from prescription medications to this more natural solution.  This has resulted in an increase in the production and cultivation of the hemp plant, where CBD is derived from. 

This plant is often associated with marijuana, which carries with it a long history of stigma and legality issues. CBD and marijuana are vastly different substances, with the main difference being the presence of THC. THC is the cause of the stoned and high feeling many people experience with marijuana use. While marijuana is rich in THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, which can be detected in many drug tests, CBD has no THC present. The complex legality of marijuana is a conversation for another day, but it does beg the question: Will CBD show up on my drug test? 

Chemical Compounds Make the Difference

The answer is a bit more complicated than one would think. First off, most drug tests are not designed to examine for traces of CBD. Most tests administered at your workplace or by the cops are testing for the presence of THC, aka tetrahydrocannabinol. So if you have not consumed marijuana (and your CBD oil or product does not contain THC) then you are not going to fail the drug test. However, if any CBD product contains substantial amounts of THC then there could be a buildup and that will show up in the test.

Brenda Gannon, laboratory director and toxicologist at Steep Hill Arkansas, says “CBD has a different chemical composition than THC. Pure CBD cannot be detected by tests meant to find traces of THC. This does not mean you will definitely pass the test as many CBD products using hemp extracts can have some traces of THC. Some manufacturers tend to use a bit of THC in their CBD products to enhance the effects of CBD.”

Quality is King, Yet Again. 

So if passing a drug test is your concern, make sure you know the ingredients of the product you’re buying. Many lower quality CBD products may add THC in order to slightly enhance the benefits of their oil. A good quality CBD brand doesn’t need to do this, and will often provide you with the lab tests for their CBD oil. 

(Is there where we shamelessly plug Roma Leaf CBD? It’s really good, give it a try!)

 

So What’s the Deal?

Employers and law enforcers are not looking for CBD in your body. CBD has no psychoactive effects, leaving the user clear headed and free of anxiety and pain. This is why the product has gained popularity with parents, business people, and essential workers. It allows for relief while remaining focused and free of side effects. 

So, if you are using hemp based CBD products, then you are already in the safe zone. Most drug tests administered look for traces of mind altering and inebriating substances like THC or alcohol. As long as you are using a high quality CBD oil with no THC, you have nothing to worry about! CBD is a safe solution for so many people, and the benefits are growing by the day.