CBD and Drug Testing
Controversy that surrounds CBD seems to be linked to the uninformed and miseducated. To help set the record straight we are going to break down CBD, THC and the difference between Full-Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD products.
Jane Schwab at US Drug Test Centers explains that,
“As the medical marijuana industry continues to leave its footprint on the field of medicine, science — and the general population — are exploring new ways of experiencing it. Cannabidiol, or CBD, has stepped into the spotlight as a highly-regarded form of alternative medicine and has gained much traction in the medical marijuana industry. A growing body of research is finding that CBD could be highly beneficial to treat certain medical conditions. That doesn’t mean it’s workplace-friendly, though, which leads to the question: Can you fail a drug test due to CBD?”
Keep in mind you can buy Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum CBD.
Broad spectrum CBD products contain an array of cannabinoids and terpenes but zero THC. Think of Broad Spectrum CBD as Full Spectrum without the THC. Broad Spectrum CBD is an excellent choice for individuals that can’t have any traces of THC in their system, whether for medical, personal or legal reasons.
“Much like the consumption of poppy seeds may lead to a positive drug test for opioids, the consumption of certain hemp products may lead to a positive drug test for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is inherently present in trace amounts in hemp plants. The legal limit of THC in hemp is no more than 0.3%. Furthermore, the underlying science behind the conversion of certain cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), when consumed, to other related cannabinoids, for example THC, is not yet fully understood. Although the risk is low, individual biochemistry, the possibility of conversion of cannabinoids and the possibility of trace, but legal, amounts of THC inherent in hemp products, we strongly suggest consulting your health care provider before consuming any hemp products if you are subject to drug testing.” Charlotte’s Web Hemp
The Answer?
While research has shown that it’s unlikely that CBD products alone would lead to a positive result on a drug test, it’s important to note that CBD was found to interact with the body’s metabolism of certain compounds. What this means is that CBD users who also use marijuana may actually show higher levels of THC for a longer period of time than when using marijuana alone.
So, it would seem that CBD alone is not enough to raise any red flags on a drug test; although, if you’d prefer to err on the safe side, refraining from taking even CBD if you’re expecting a drug test is likeliest the best approach.
So if you are being drug test for you job or legal reasons, ABC 15 found in their lates report which you can read here
Chris Martin, the owner of Hempful Farms in Phoenix, specializes in CBD products.
“I am going to tell you right now, any full spectrum product that has all of the cannabinoids in it, you’re going to run that risk,” Martin said.
He added that his clients included police officers, transportation workers and airline pilots, and he had warned all of them about the risks of taking a “full spectrum oil” when they came in to buy products.
“Any cannabinoid that you’re taking over a period of time can cause a build up. If you’re taking a cannabinoid test, I would avoid putting cannabinoids in my body — even one that says no THC because CBD is CBD. It could convert it if you heated it, it could convert in your stomach. So why run the risk if you’re going to take a drug test? Don’t put things in your body that could cause you to fail,” Martin said.