Does CBD show up on a drug test? Guide to Cannabis Drug Tests

With cannabidiol (CBD) products like CBD oils and edibles becoming increasingly accessible and popular, more and more people are using and experiencing the unique benefits of this fascinating cannabinoid. At the same time, many people also have questions about CBD, and “Does CBD show up on a drug test?” is one of the most commonly-asked queries.

This guide will provide a clear and proven answer to the question of “Will CBD oil show up on a drug test?” so you know exactly what to expect if you’re using any type of CBD product and have to submit for workplace drug testing, or other sorts of testing for athletics, legal matters, and so on.

Understanding Cannabis Drug Tests and How do They Work

Before we look at “Does CBD show up on a drug test?” or “Do edibles show up in drug test?” it’s important to understand the basics of how drug tests tend to work.

There are four main varieties of drug tests:

Urine tests: Urine tests tend to be the most common variety of drug tests to look for traces of cannabis, especially at work. However, like most drug tests, they’re mainly designed to check for levels of THC in the blood. Typically, THC needs to be present at a level of at least 50 nanograms/ml to result in a positive test.
Blood tests: Blood tests for the presence of cannabis plant compounds or pure CBD products are far less common. This is mainly due to the fact that THC disappears from the blodstream quite quickly (a matter of hours after consumption). In general, this type of CBD drug test will only be conducted by the police if they feel that someone is under the influence.
Saliva tests: The saliva CBD drug test method is not very common at all, as there are no clear time limits for when THC can be detected in saliva samples. This is therefore a very unreliable method.
Hair tests: Another method of potentially testing positive for THC is via hair testing. But, once again, this isn’t a common method and there aren’t any clear time limits regarding when THC can be found in hair samples.

Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?

So, will CBD oil show up on a drug test? And does CBD show up on drug tests in general? Well, the quick and simple answer is no, as drug tests designed by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) are designed to look for THC, rather than CBD. However, it’s not quite as simple as that.

Many CBD products, like full-spectrum CBD products, may contain THC, even in small amounts, which could lead to a positive result. Note that this doesn’t mean that the actual CBD will show up on the test, but you could technically still fail one due to the presence of THC.

Do Edibles Show Up in Drug Test?

Edibles are very popular items, sold in any Torrance cannabis dispensary. But can they show up in drug tests? Again, if THC is present in cannabis edibles, then yes, there’s every possibility that they’ll lead to a failed drug test. Contact us to learn more about the ingredients in your favorite edibles.

Factors Influencing CBD’s Presence in Drug Tests

A range of different factors could lead to someone failing a drug test after consuming CBD products, including:

CBD isolate vs. full-spectrum CBD products: Isolate CBD shouldn’t cause a failed test, as it only contains pure, 100% CBD and no THC. However, full spectrum products also contain THC, among other cannabinoids.
THC content in CBD products: As explained previously, THC is often found in a lot of CBD products, like certain CBD oils and edibles. So, there’s a possibility of failing a test if you consume any CBD product with THC as an ingredient.
Quality and source of CBD products: You also need to consider the quality and provenance of the CBD products you use. Low quality products may be poorly manufactured and could include THC, even if it’s not mentioned on the packaging.
CBD product mislabeling: Sometimes, CBD brands mislabel things and fail to mention that a product can contain THC. This can lead to accidental situations where people fail drug tests without expecting to.
Secondhand exposure to THC: It’s also possible to have secondhand exposure to THC if you’re hanging around or using the same items as other people who have been smoking or using marijuana products with high THC levels.

THC Levels and Drug Testing

As mentioned above, drug tests aren’t designed to scan for CBD. Instead, they focus on finding THC, which is the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis plants and the one responsible for getting people high.

What Level of THC Leads to a Positive Result on a Cannabis Drug Test?

It depends on the method of testing. Urine tests can show up positive for 50 nanograms of THC per ml, while blood tests look for blood concentrations around 1-5ng/ml. States also have different rules over what level of THC content should be punished and classified as a failed test.

How to Make Sure That a CBD Product Doesn’t Contain THC?

The best way to ensure that your CBD products don’t contain THC is to always buy from reputable brands and official dispensaries. In addition, always read the label. CBD manufacturers are obliged to clearly state the full contents of their products, as well as highlighting any possible presence of THC.

Risks of Testing Positive for THC on a CBD Drug Test

There are several possible risks if you have a positive drug test, including potential legal penalties, depending on the rules around cannabis in your state. In some cases, employment can also be affected and individuals may have to complete treatment programs or fulfill certain criteria before returning to work.

Overall, if you use the right CBD products and pay close attention to labels and ingredient lists, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about drug tests. However, there are always risks of failed tests if you consume THC, so keep a close eye on the contents of the products you use if you want to avoid any legal or employment consequences.