Do Terpenes Show Up on Drug Tests? Facts & Risks

The cannabis or hemp plant contains hundreds of phytochemical compounds. Among all, cannabinoids steal the limelight due to varying therapeutic and recreational effects. Terpenes stay behind the stage and produce a fascinating aroma and tempting taste to each cannabis strain. 

Many consumers who consume hemp-derived cannabis products want to know whether terpenes show up on drug tests to cause positive results. This article will guide you on the interaction of terpenes and drug testing. 

Quick Answer: Do Terpenes Show Up on Drug Tests?

The quick answer to this question is, No. Terpenes do not show up on a drug test. Terpenes show negative test results for several reasons. Drug tests do not test for terpene content, but they tend to detect cannabinoids and other enzymes in the body produced in response to cannabinoids’ interaction with the body.

Understanding Terpenes

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are plant compounds that give different flavors and scents to cannabis strains. Terpenes are soluble compounds that determine how your product feels and tastes, ranging from fruity or minty, with earthy or citrusy aroma. Plants use glands to produce terpenes, similar to those involved in cannabinoid formation, such as THC and CBD. Most research in the past was focused on cannabinoids, and terpenes did not get much attention.   

Common Cannabis Terpenes

Cannabis terpenes not only give fragrance and taste to cannabis strains, but they also have unique effects. Some terpenes provide relaxation, while others can act as energy & focus supplements. Here are the common cannabis terpenes, their smell, aroma, and effects.

How Terpenes Work in the Body?

Absorption and Metabolism

When ingested, inhaled, or applied topically, terpenes quickly enter the bloodstream through the digestive system, lungs, and skin. The liver metabolizes the terpenes into harmless byproducts.  

No Psychoactive or Detectable Metabolites

Unlike THC, terpenes do not produce any psychoactive effect. They are aromatic compounds that indirectly interact with the endocannabinoid system and brain receptors to regulate mood, relaxation, or alertness. 

How Do Terpenes Work?

Terpenes were thought to produce smell and taste in cannabis strains and act as a barrier in the cannabis plant. However, various scientific studies are now linking terpenes to the potential therapeutic effects. Terpenes and cannabinoids work synergistically to produce the entourage effect among consumers. 

THC, limonene, pinene, and caryophyllene make a great pair and enhance THC’s benefits. Linalool and CBD form a special synergistic relationship to provide enhanced therapeutic effects. Moreover, terpenes also create effects of their own. Some terpenes promote relaxation and relieve stress, while others can be mood enhancers and promote focus.

Why Terpenes Don’t Appear on Drug Tests?

1.   How Standard Drug Tests Work?

Most drug tests, including saliva and urine panels, detect THC metabolites only, not the other aromatic compounds of plants. Since terpenes do not produce any detectable metabolites, they fall outside the target screening range of drug test detection.

2.   Chemical Structure: Terpenes Vs. Cannabinoids

Terpenes are simple hydrocarbons, while cannabinoids are complex molecules that directly interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body. Terpenes are primarily responsible for smell and interact with the sensory receptors and the olfactory system to influence the overall cannabis experience. However, some terpenes interact with the endocannabinoid system, but they are still different from cannabinoids. 

3.   Lab Testing Confirmation

Advanced lab tests, like GC/MS and LC/MS, analyze terpenes as a separate compound for quality control, with no detection in substance abuse panels. Certain certified labs also confirmed that terps do not interfere with cannabinoid detection or cause false positives. 

When Terpenes Might Indirectly Cause a Failed Test?

1.   Terpene-Enhanced Cannabis or Hemp Products

Some cannabis products, such as vape carts, edibles, or tinctures, are labeled as ‘terpene-infused’. These products may be full-spectrum or contain THC, which can cause a positive drug test. Always check the product lab reports before purchasing.

2.   Contamination or Trace THC

Trace amounts of THC in broad-spectrum or isolates, like CBD products for sleep aid, can accumulate in the body and make you fail a drug test. If the separation protocols are not followed completely, it can lead to cross-contamination during processing and packaging. Therefore, buy your products from a reputable and trusted cannabis brand, like CannaAid.

3.   Synthetic Additives and Fake “Terpenes”

Many low-quality and counterfeit products contain synthetic aroma compounds, marketed as terpenes. These products may contain THC or other unregulated compounds and lead to false positive drug tests. Buy your relaxation CBD products from lab-verified brands for no THC metabolites. 

How to Avoid False Positives?

Use Lab-Tested Hemp or CBD Products

Always purchase from brands that provide a third-party certificate of analysis (CoA). This verifies the THC and terpene profile of your product for full transparency. By purchasing lab-tested CBD products for pain relief, you can rest assured that they contain no detectable THC.

Choose THC-Free Formulations

Opt for CBD isolates or broad-spectrum products if you must appear for a drug test. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of cannabinoids and terpenes without intoxication and pass a drug test.

Wisely Consume Hemp Products

Wisely consume your hemp products if your drug test is near. For negative test results, it’s better to pause cannabis consumption for at least a week or more. 

Safe and Legal Use of Terpene-Infused Products

U.S. Legal Status of Terpenes

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, terpenes are legal to use at the federal level when derived from hemp or a natural plant source. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that can be used in cosmetics, food, and wellness products. However, when combined with THC, the legality depends on state cannabis regulations. 

CannaAid Terpene-Rich Products

At CannaAid, all terpene-rich formulations are made using premium-quality hemp extracts that undergo rigorous third-party lab testing for purity and safety. Whether it’s delta-8 vapes, a sexual wellness CBD product, or THCA disposables, each product gives a unique aroma and therapeutic synergy of natural terpenes.  

FAQs About Terpenes and Drug Tests

Q. Do terpenes show up on a drug test? 

No, terpenes do not show up on a drug test. These are simply aromatic compounds and are not screened for in CBD and THC testing panels. 

Q. How long do terpenes stay in your system?

Terpenes can metabolize quickly and leave the body within a few hours to days, depending on the consumption method and dosage.

Q. Are terpenes safe to inhale or ingest?

Terpenes are safe to inhale and ingest in moderate concentrations. High concentration can cause irritation and sensitivity in some consumers. 

Q. Do terpenes make you feel high?

No, terpenes cannot produce a psychoactive high like THC, but can influence mood, relaxation, and alertness.

Q. Can CBD products with terpenes cause a false positive?

Terpenes themselves cannot cause a false positive. However, if the CBD products contain THC, like in full-spectrum, it can lead to false positives, but not because of terpenes. 

Conclusion

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found naturally in the cannabis plant and act as a natural barrier. Their primary role is to give a unique aroma and taste to each cannabis strain and work in synergy with cannabinoids to produce entourage effects. Many consumers doubt that terpenes can make you fail a drug test. 

The reality is opposite because drug tests don’t screen for terpenes; they detect THC metabolites. Terpenes do not show up on drug tests. Check out CannaAid’s premium cannabis collection to choose the best, lab-tested terpene-infusion formulation to enhance therapeutic effects.