Myth or Fact: Can You Fail a Drug Test from CBD?

Before deciding to use CBD, we should be asking questions such as,“Does CBD show up on a drug test?”, and “Can you fail a drug test from CBD?”. These questions are especially relevant if we are subjected to regular drug tests, and they will be today’s topic of discussion.

Why We See More CBD Products Lately

For decades, US laws did not differentiate between cannabis plants and hemp plants that contain very little THC, the active ingredient in marijuana that produces psychoactive effects.

In late 2018, US Congress passed what is known as The Farm Bill. This now allows farmers that acquire the appropriate licenses to grow hemp plants as long as the THC content is less than 0.3%. It is important to note, however, that there are still many restrictions imposed that carry penalties if violated.

Since this law was passed, we have seen many products that contain CBD, some of the most popular ones include:

• Foods
• Oils
• Lotions
• Beverages

They typically tout the benefits of CBD that can help with anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain.

Again, with so many products now containing CBD, we need to be vigilant and ask “Can you fail a drug test from CBD?”

Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?

In short, CBD does not show up on a drug test, because it is actually THC that drug tests are screening for.

However, this does not mean that using CBD products will never cause a positive drug test. So, can you fail a drug test from CBD?

Many CBD products actually contain THC. That is why before using CBD, it is important to know what the different kinds are, and which ones contain THC.

Different Kinds Of CBD And Their THC Contents

In addition to the categories of CBD, it is also important to note how it was derived. CBD derived from marijuana is more likely to contain THC than CBD derived from hemp, which contains little to no THC.

• Full-Spectrum CBD: contains compounds that naturally occur from where they were extracted. This means that if it was extracted from marijuana, it will contain higher amounts of THC. If it was extracted from hemp, it is actually legally required to have less than 0.3% THC.

• Broad-Spectrum CBD: While harder to obtain and typically found as an oil, broad-spectrum CBD is less likely to contain THC than other products as all the THC is removed. It also contains other compounds found in the plant, just not THC.
• CBD Isolate: Usually derived from hemp plants, and contains no other compounds besides pure CBD.

Also, it is important to consider the quality and source of the CBD product. Less reputable sources may not be as stringent in procedures, which could lead to higher THC content. This can occur through cross-contamination or mislabeling of products.

A 2017 study in the Netherlands found THC in 18 of the 84 CBD-only products that they tested. This illustrates the importance of reading product info, choosing products that actually list the amount of CBD, and sticking with reputable companies.

The takeaway

Today we asked can you fail a drug test from CBD, but if you’re considering using CBD, it is always best to discuss it with doctor first. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of CBD and how it works, check out our entry where we discuss how CBD oil works!