CBD products are extracts of the hemp and cannabis plants, and they contain a chemical compound called cannabidiol. In addition, these products have a small quantity of THC, the chemical compound in cannabis that causes hyperactivity.
Taking CBD can be problematic if you constantly take drug tests. However, drug tests screen for THC and not CBD, and you can only fail the test if THC levels are high. Otherwise, CBD does not show in drug tests.
In this guide, we look at some reasons CBD products can make you fail a drug test. We’ll also show you how to get THC-free CBD edibles to help you pass drug tests.
Let’s get started!
Why Some CBD Products Could Make You Fail a Drug Test
Not all CBD products will make you fail a drug test because most contain meager amounts or no THC. However, some people are unlucky to get positive results for a drug test because of the following reasons.
a) A high amount of THC in the product
First, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate most CBD products, so it is hard to know the exact components. Second, some CBD extraction from cannabis is not up to standards, and they could have more THC than the required amounts.
It is unlike hemp CBD products. Hemp has low amounts of THC, so its CBD products are less likely to make you fail a drug test.
b) Harvesting Techniques
Another reason is if the harvesting and refinement techniques are of low quality. That is because some CBD products types like the full-spectrum CBD contain all the components available in cannabis.
Taking full-spectrum CBD products, like gummies and other CBD Edibles, could be a reason for a failed drug test. Besides having varying amounts of THC, they also have other cannabis products like terpenes and flavonoids.
Some brands get their full-spectrum CBD products from other marijuana subspecies, and they might not faithfully disclose this. They could also have lower amounts of THC on their product label than what is in the products.
However, the case differs from other types of CBD products, like the broad-spectrum and CBD isolate. That is because, for the broad-spectrum CBD, all the different cannabis products like terpenes are present, except THC.
Therefore, you are less likely to test positive about drug tests. If this happens, then the method of extraction and production was inferior to that brand.
The isolate CBD does not contain other compounds of cannabis products except CBD. This CBD comes from the hemp plant. Therefore, you can confidently know that you won’t test positive on a drug test if you take isolate CBD products.
Other factors that could lead to a failed test are;
c) Cross-Contamination of CBD Oil Products with THC.
It happens not only during production but can also happen at home. If you have other THC products in the house, some could spill over to your CBD, which will remain in your bloodstream for a while, hence positive tests.
Also, contamination can occur during packaging or transportation if the CBD-making company also produces THC products.
- CBD Doses
Another factor is the amount of CBD you take and the duration of use. Although CBD products have slight traces of THC, the more you take them, the more THC accumulates in the body.
THC stays in the system for hours, but it can show in the urine even after 15 days.
- Misleading Labels
Product mislabeling by some brands could result in positive drug tests. The law requires manufacturers to do a third-party lab testing of their CBD products, but some don’t. As a result, some products could contain more amounts of THC than the required amounts.
How to Ensure You Take THC-Free CBD Products
Although you cannot be completely safe from THC compounds in CBD because some brands give out misleading information, taking these precautions could help minimize the chances of having THC in your body.
a) Check the Product Information
Some brands take third-party lab tests for their CBD products, and the labs correctly show the components and their percentage. Take some time and read what is on the product information.
Also, please get to know where the product comes from; it could be from hemp or cannabis. Next, check if it is a full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate CBD. If the CBD product you bought does not have this information or is unclear, this is a red flag.
b) Check the Amount of CBD in the Product
Check for the amount of CBD in each dose. These amounts vary depending on the manufacturer and the form of CBD product, including edibles and tinctures. If you are a beginner with CBD products, start with low-concentrated CBD products.
c) Check the Plant the CBD Product is Extracted From
Hemp-derived CBD products do not have traces of THC. Cannabis CBD products should have 0.3 percent of THC, but some manufacturers do not adhere to this. Other species of cannabis plants also contain higher amounts of THC, so find out.
Do Not Buy CBD Products That State More Health-Related Claims
The FDA only approves epilepsy medication, epidiolex. Brands should not state other health benefits you will get from CBD products. Those who do so are going against the law because some try to lure people into buying their products.
Drug tests are mostly done with the urine and bloodstream, although some labs will also test the saliva and hair. In urine, THC is likely to be detected 3 to 15 days after use.
Blood tests are also not as standard as urine because THC eliminates in the blood within 5 hours of taking it. Therefore, they are primarily for current impairments, like drunk drivers on the road.
Saliva is also not a standard method because THC stays in oral fluid for about 72 hours. However, this method is used by heavy users.
Final Words
Drug tests do not screen for CBD but THC in CBD products. CBD products containing meager amounts of THC will not show in the test, but you could fail a drug test when taking products with high THC amounts. Always ensure you read product labels.