When someone first hears the words hemp or cannabinoids, their next question is typically, “will it make me high?” followed by “does it show up on a drug test?” We realize while there are many benefits of taking cannabidiol (CBD), the benefits go out the window if we are unable to get a job, keep a job, or are unable to compete in collegiate or professional sports.
So, does CBD oil show up on a drug test? The short answer is no, CBD should not show up on a drug test. However, various types of CBD products can contain trace levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound most drug tests are searching for, and thus in some rare instances, a CBD product could lead to a failed drug test.
Continue reading to learn the key things to look for to ensure you don’t fail a drug test when taking CBD products.
What is Your Drug Screen Looking For?
First, it is important to understand what kind of drug screen are you taking. The type of test administered can depend on the type of job you are applying for. Usually, the greater the risk of injury, the more substances a company will test for. This will vary from company to company, however, so finding out will be important. You can call the company administering the test beforehand to find out what you are being tested for as well as what type of specimen they will take. Specimens can include:
- Urine
- Blood
- Hair
- Nails
- Saliva
Through our own independent research both online and by calling many various facilities to ask what they test for most often, we have found most companies administering drug tests will look for either a 5-panel or 10-panel test.
5-panel tests look for:
- Cocaine
- Amphetamine / Methamphetamine
- Opiates such as heroin, codeine, and morphine
- Phencyclidine or PCP
- THC (marijuana)
10-Panel tests look for:
- Cocaine
- Amphetamine
- Methamphetamine
- Opiates such as heroin, codeine, and morphine
- Phencyclidine or PCP
- THC (marijuana)
- Propoxyphene
- Methadone
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
As you can see above, when it comes to cannabis, THC is most widely tested for in the majority of drug tests. Drug tests for THC consist of an immunoassay. This test has antibodies that are designed to detect THC and its main metabolite, 11-nor-deltag-caboxy-THC (THC-COOH).
Fortunately, urine tests for THC are not known to show for other cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, CBN, and more. Therefore, a drug test looking for THC should not show a positive result for a CBD product alone. However, we mentioned earlier some CBD products can contain THC, so here is what to look for next.
Do Dab Pens Show Up on Drug Tests?
If you’re using CBD with a dab pen, it’s unlikely that method will show up in any drug testing results. However, if you’re shopping for CBD online, it’s important to read the label so you know exactly what you’re getting. Some online retailers sell cannabis oil, THC oil, and CBD oil with added THC. These products are very different from regular CBD oil, which is extracted from the hemp plant. Anything with high levels of THC is illegal in some states and cannot be legally sold which could affect your results.
The Legality of CBD
In the United States, cannabis and THC are illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized marijuana use, but you could still lose your job if you fail a drug test.
Unlike cannabis, CBD is perfectly legal. Cannabis contains high amounts of THC, which produces the “high” feeling you experience when you smoke marijuana. CBD contains insignificant amounts of THC that don’t alter your consciousness and rarely show up on drug screenings. You can sell, use and possess CBD without worrying about being arrested.
Sourcing: CBD from Hemp vs CBD from Marijuana
Be sure to find out which plant your CBD product is sourced from. If it is sourced from marijuana, it may contain enough THC to show on a drug test. If it is sourced from properly grown hemp, the product should legally only contain 0.3% THC or less. Taking a suggested serving size of most Farm Bill compliant hemp oil products containing < .3% THC is not likely to show in a urine test. As mentioned above, it will depend on what the test is screening for, the threshold of the test, how much and how often the product is taken, and the metabolic rate of the person taking the test.
The limit of THC to cause a failed drug test is 50mg/ml as set forth by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Even though 0.3% is a small amount (not enough to create psychoactive symptoms) it could still show a positive result for THC if you are taking an unusually large amount of hemp oil. When we say unusually large, we mean like a 1/2 of a month’s supply or more per day, which most people are not likely to do.
Another thing to keep in mind is the type of sample being taken. The above information is mostly referencing a urine test. A hair, nail, or saliva test may increase the chances of THC showing up on a drug screen.
[RELATED POST: Hemp vs Marijuana: What’s the Difference?]
Are there any hemp oil products containing zero THC? Keep reading.
Full Spectrum Hemp vs CBD Isolate
When we talk about hemp containing less than 0.3% THC, we are referring to what is called “full spectrum” hemp oil. Full spectrum hemp oil contains CBD as well as other cannabinoids and phytonutrients. This is where the 0.3% THC comes from, as THC is a cannabinoid. Many people prefer full spectrum hemp oil as taking all of the cannabinoids together seems to be more effective than just taking one. This is known as the entourage effect.
If you are in a zero-tolerance situation with your job, there is a way to take CBD with zero THC.
CBD isolate and isolate-based CBD products contain 96%-99% pure cannabidiol and no other cannabinoids. CBD isolate is NOT a synthetic or a lab-made cannabinoid. On the contrary, CBD isolate is all natural and sourced from hemp and then refined down to a powder form. This would be the best option if you are taking a drug test or have to continually take drug tests searching for THC.
[RELATED POST: Full Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, Isolate, and PCR: Decoding the Difference]
Buy from a Reputable Seller
Make sure you always purchase CBD oil from a reputable seller. Here are a few things to look for when searching for one.
First, ask for a lab test or certificate of analysis. This test should be done by a reputable third party and should tell you most of what you need to know. If a company is unable to provide a lab test or COA, it’s probably best to find another company.
Next, if the lab test doesn’t have the source, ask the seller where their hemp is sourced from. Farms in the United States, as well as Europe, are typically the best sources. We strongly advise against hemp sourced from China as we have tested many various sources and have not found one without contaminants, herbicides, pesticides, and more. Again, if the company is unable to inform you of the hemp’s origin, we suggest not buying from them.
Lastly, be sure the seller isn’t making any sort of crazy health claims. In our experience, the more health claims a company is directly making, the less they care about the well-being of their customers. Yes, CBD can help support the body in many ways, but it’s not some kind of cure-all panacea and anyone making those kinds of claims is plain irresponsible.
Our manufacturing lab just outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan is a licensed food facility within the state of Michigan. We properly source our industrial hemp from the United States and test it for quality before it’s used in our proprietary formulations. Using quality products with guaranteed levels of CBD and THC will greatly lessen the chance of a failed drug test.
Final Word
Will CBD oil show up on a drug test? No, CBD should NOT show up on a routine drug test, but be sure to look out for the type of product, where it is sourced from, and obtain a lab test or certificate of analysis BEFORE buying any CBD oil.
Remember, to completely avoid THC in any CBD product, be sure to purchase products that are made from CBD isolate only.
I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.
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