Does CBN Show on Drug Tests? What You Should Know

As the wellness industry is incorporating cannabis products, the demand for different cannabinoid products increases. Many consumers now look at how these cannabinoids are related to drug testing. 

You might know that drug tests only test for THC metabolites. Have you imagined that other cannabinoids like CBN can make you fail a drug test? Continue reading this article to know more about CBN and drug testing.

Quick Answer: Can CBN Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes, CBN can show up on a drug test. Though CBN is not usually the standard for the detection of cannabis consumption, it can create false positives due to its similarity with THC metabolites. In screening tests, like immunoassay, CBN shows a positive result because it can cross-react with the antibodies and predict false positive results. However, confirmatory tests like GC/MS can clearly differentiate between CBN and THC metabolites and clear all false positives. 

What Is CBN and How Is It Different from CBD or THC?

How CBN Forms?

CBN is a minor cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant in small amounts. Naturally, it is formed when THC breaks down through exposure to light, heat, or air. It helps in pain management, promotes better sleep, and increases appetite. 

CBN vs. CBD 

CBN and CBD are both non-intoxicating substances, but CBN has slightly sedative effects and is known mainly for its sleep-improving ability.  CBD products are non-psychoactive and provide calmness, focus, and balanced effects without drowsiness. 

CBN vs. THC 

CBN is structurally derived from THC, but the loss of hydrogen atoms changes its ability to interact with receptors in a way THC can. THC strongly binds with CB1 receptors to create a high. You can enjoy THC effects through our lab-tested THC disposable vapes. However, CBN weakly binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors to produce mild relaxation. 

How Drug Tests Detect Cannabinoids?

Drug tests for cannabinoids usually detect THC and its metabolites. CBN can also sometimes trigger cross-reactivity in the initial screening test because of its similar structure to THC. This can result in many false positives if you are a frequent CBN user. 

1.   Immunoassay Screening (Initial Test)

An immunassay screening test is a quick and cost-effective option for workplaces and laboratories to check for cannabis consumption. It is a less specific test and can detect other cannabinoids like CBN that share a similar structure to THC. This way, false positives can occur even if you have not consumed THC.

2.   GC/MS or LC/MS Confirmation (Confirmatory Test)

Once the initial screening test gives positive results, a confirmatory test is performed using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) or Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS). 

These tests specifically detect THC and its metabolites by chemically differentiating CBN and THC. Before any official reporting of a positive drug test, this confirmatory test is performed to clear all false positives.

3.   Detection Sensitivity & Cutoff Levels

Each detection test has a specific cutoff level to detect THC metabolites. The cutoff level is the minimum concentration of THC required to show positive test results. Urine tests usually have a cutoff level of 50 ng/ml of THC metabolites. While the threshold for hair and saliva tests is lower. 

Detection Windows: How Long Can CBN Stay in Your System?

1.   Urine Tests 

The most common method to detect cannabinoids is a urine test. If you have consumed CBN products, the metabolites will be excreted in urine for up to 5 days. However, for frequent or high dosage consumption, this period can extend up to two weeks or longer. 

2.   Blood Tests 

Cannabinoids circulate for only a few hours in the blood after consumption, so it has a shorter detection window. In the blood, CBN cannabinoid can last for up to 24-48 hours after consumption, depending on the metabolism, dose, and body fat.

3.   Saliva Tests

Saliva tests usually detect the cannabinoids for recent consumption. CBN can be found in your saliva for up to a few hours to one day after consumption.  

4.   Hair Tests

Among all the cannabinoid detection tests, the hair test has the longest detection window. It can detect CBN metabolites for up to 90 days after consumption.

Factors That Affect Drug Test Results

1.   Product Type (Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs Isolate)

Full-spectrum products contain a small amount of THC and can show up on a drug test due to accumulation after several uses. Broad spectrum is a safer option as it removes THC but contains all other cannabinoids. However, isolates or pure CBD are the safest option as they cannot show up on a drug test.

2.   Frequency of Use and Dosage

High frequency and dosage are more likely to give positive test results, as THC and CBN metabolites will accumulate in fat cells over time. 

3.   Metabolism, Body Fat, and Hydration

High metabolism and improved hydration flush the metabolites more efficiently out of the body. However, high body fat retains these metabolites for a longer period. 

4.   Quality and Lab Transparency

Low-quality products with no third-party lab testing can have unhidden THC content or contaminants. To ensure product safety, always purchase CBN products from a well-reputed, trusted cannabis brand like CannaAid that offers lab-tested products to ensure transparency and potency with attached CoA or lab results. 

How to Reduce Risk When Using CBN Products?

Choose THC-Free or Broad Spectrum Options

If you have to appear for drug testing, we recommend that you go for the safest approach and select THC-free or broad-spectrum products. Always check for non-detectable THC or THC-free labels to minimize the risk of a positive test result. Check our THC and CBD gummies to find the best fit for you.

Always Check COA for THC Content

The best way to check for THC content is the certificate of analysis (CoA) from a third-party laboratory. Match the batch number of the product with the lab reports and check the THC level in the cannabinoid profile to ensure transparency. At CannaAid, we provide attached lab reports with each product, including THCa flower. 

Pause Use Before Testing (If Possible)

If you are concerned about your drug test, try to pause cannabis consumption for at least one or two weeks before your drug test, depending on the dosage and frequency of use.  Eating healthy, staying hydrated, and regular physical activity can help cannabinoids be eliminated quickly from the body. 

Legal Perspective: Where Does CBN Stand?

CBN Under the 2018 Farm Bill

At the federal level, CBN products are legal to use under the implications of the 2018 Farm Bill. According to this bill, all hemp-derived cannabis products are legal if they contain THC content less than 0.3% by dry weight. 

State Variations on THC Analog Laws

In some states, CBN products are used as a legal alternative to THC cannabinoid. However, in other states, all the THC derivatives and hemp-derived THC analogs are strictly prohibited. Therefore, before consuming CBN products, it’s crucial to check your local cannabis law. 

FAQs

Q. Does CBN show up on a drug test?

CBN itself is not screened for drug tests; however, it can give false positive results as it can cross-react with THC tests. 

Q. Can CBN cause a false positive for THC?

Yes, CBN causes a false positive for THC because of its structural similarity to THC. The initial screening tests, like an immunoassay, mistakenly detect it as a THC metabolite and give false positive results.

Q. Is CBN psychoactive like THC?

CBN is mildly psychoactive in nature and is far weaker than THC. Consumers experienced mild relaxation or drowsiness, which makes CBN a perfect sleep-support formula. 

Q. How long does CBN stay in your system?

For occasional users, CBN stays in the system for 2 to 5 days. However, for regular or frequent users, it stays for a week, considering all influencing factors, like metabolism, dosage, and body fat.

Q. Will full-spectrum CBD with CBN show on a test?

Yes, it might show on a drug test because full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC and CBN along with other cannabinoids. This small amount may accumulate over time and cause a positive drug test.

Q. How to check if my product contains THC?

Check the certificate of analysis (CoA) from a third-party lab testing. You can see THC levels in the cannabinoid profile. If it says ‘ND’ (not detected), it means your product is THC-free.

Conclusion

The cannabis products, from pain creams to edibles, are penetrating deeply into the wellness industry because of their wellness benefits. Some cannabinoids in these products are detectable in drug tests. The primary detectable compound is THC and its metabolites. Other compounds, such as CBN, with a similar structure, are also detected in screening tests to give false positives. 

To avoid the consequences of a positive drug test, make sure to check the transparency and THC levels before purchasing any product. Explore our high-quality cannabis collection to experience a THC-free cannabis session with attached lab reports.