Will full-spectrum CBD products cause failed drug tests?
Despite all the advances in cannabis over the last decade, drug tests for cannabis still exist. Depending on which state or country you live in, certain types of cannabis may be legal or not. It is important to know the local and federal law when it comes to the legality of CBD and THC in your state. However, the local legality often doesn’t matter when it comes to drug testing. Private companies and public entities are all allowed to drug test for cannabis. But, does CBD show up on a drug test?
What are cannabinoids?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are molecules found in cannabis, as well as in several other types of plants such as echinacea. Cannabinoids are oily-like molecules thought by scientists to have certain beneficial effects. There are over 100 cannabinoids found in hemp, including CBD and THC. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the cannabinoid responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. In addition to CBD, other cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN play a small role in hemp.
When ingested, cannabinoids enter your bloodstream through the soft tissues in your mouth, stomach or intestines. When used topically, CBD absorbs through the skin directly into the bloodstream in the localized area. These cannabinoids bind with the endocannabinoid receptors in your body’s endocrine system. Your body makes cannabinoids naturally, and scientists believe that CBD and THC very closely mimic natural cannabinoids.
Does CBD show up on a drug test?
Straight CBD will not show up on a drug test. Cannabidiol is not considered an intoxicant and is not one of the substances tested for in most standard drug tests. However, THC is tested for. The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized CBD products with a THC content of less than 0.3%. However, THC technically remains a Schedule I substance.
Every person’s body is a little different, but THC has to accumulate in your system to a certain extent before it will show up on a drug test. The safest bet is to avoid full spectrum hemp oil and other products with THC. However, you should be able to consume a small amount of full spectrum CBD without issue.
How THC builds up in the body
The more THC you consume over a short period of time, the more it will build up in your body. Cannabinoids are fatty, oily molecules, and therefore often stored in our body’s fatty areas. Our bodies slowly consume fat stores over time, so THC may stick around in your system for several weeks before breaking down.
Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil
Knowing the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil and how to read the labels will help you determine if the product contains THC. Again, small amounts of THC should not appear on drug tests. However, it could possibly appear through build up in your system over time. A good way to avoid this is by combining full-spectrum and THC-free products. For example, try THC-free gummies in the morning and a little CBD flower at night.
Another tip to prevent failing a drug test due to CBD: know your dose. Prevent taking too much full spectrum hemp for your needs by following our CBD Dosing Guide .
