Does Using CBD Affect Your Drug Test Results?

CBD is everywhere these days in gummies, oils, creams, vapes, and more. People use it for everything from better sleep and pain relief to easing anxiety. CBD is basically a natural substance found in the cannabis sativa plant, which is also known as hemp. It's important to note that CBD is different from THC, and it does not make you feel high or intoxicated. However, many people ask the concerning question: Does CBD show up on drug tests? 

Most of the drug tests look specifically for THC or its by-products, not CBD itself. However, some CBD products have tiny amounts of THC, which can potentially raise concerns. That’s why users are unsure about passing a drug test if they’re taking CBD. 

In this blog post, we’ll explain all you need to know about CBD, THC content in CBD products, and drug tests.

What is CBD?

Let's understand CBD thoroughly, it is a short form of Cannabidiol, primarily extracted from hemp. It belongs to the group of compounds called cannabinoids, which link with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to control functions like mood, pain, and sleep. 

CBD's chemical formula is C₂₁H₃₀O₂. It contains three elements: 21 carbon, 30 hydrogen, and two oxygen atoms. The CBD molecular weight is 314.46 g/mol, and its molecular structure is different from THC’s molecular structure, which is why CBD does not cause a “High”.

Cannabis Sativa plants contain low levels of THC (less than 0.3%), and CBD is commonly derived from that species of plant, and this plant is also known as hemp. Industrial hemp contains more CBD than THC, which is why it is legal in many countries and used in most commercial products. There are some common CBD extraction methods:

• CO₂ Extraction (Supercritical CO₂ Method)
• Ethanol Extraction
• Lipid-Based Extraction

After the extraction process, CBD undergoes purification to filter other impurities based on the different product ingredients.

Properties of CBD 

• Non-Psychoactive
• Fat-Soluble
• Therapeutic Potential
• Modulates the Endocannabinoid System

Typical Ways of Using CBD 

CBD is available in a variety of forms, allowing users to choose according to their tastes and needs. Here are some common forms to ingest CBD:

• CBD Oils and Tinctures: These oils and tinctures are mostly used for a fast effect. You have to take drops under the tongue (sublingually) for fast absorption in the bloodstream, and usually, it starts working in 15-45 minutes.
• CBD Edibles (Gummies, Capsules, Drinks): This is the easiest way to consume CBD; you just have to chew, swallow, or drink, and they will be absorbed through digestion. This method has long-lasting effects and starts working in 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• CBD Topicals (Creams, Lotions, Balms): These CBD topicals are used for fast pain relief, usually for muscle and joint pain. You have to apply them on the painful area, and they start working in 10-30 minutes, depending on their absorption.
• CBD Vapes: This method of using CBD vapes works very fast because of its quick absorption. You have to inhale through the vape pen for direct absorption into the lungs, and the process starts working within minutes. However, this method is not suitable for everyone.

Each strategy has a different onset time and duration of effects, so people choose them according to their needs and preferences.

How Do Drug Tests Work?

Drug tests serve the purpose of detecting the presence of drug metabolites in various bodily fluids, including urine, saliva, hair, and blood. These tests are prepared to identify a range of chemicals, including THC, opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines.

What Do Drug Tests Look For?

Most Drug tests used for the workplace or legal purposes, specifically detect THC and its metabolites, not CBD. However, in some cases, CBD products may cause a false positive due to the manufacturing process, as Cannabis naturally contains trace amounts of the psychoactive compound THC.

Types of Drug Tests and How They Work

• Urine Test(urinalysis): In this test, a sample of urine is collected and analyzed for drug metabolites. It commonly detects alcohol, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, opiates/opioids, cocaine, and marijuana (THC). This test can detect a wide range of metabolites, and in some cases, even small amounts of substances used days earlier. 
• Blood Test: In this drug test, a blood sample is collected and analyzed to detect drug use, often in cases of accidents or DUI. It measures the actual level of the drug in the bloodstream and can only detect substances used within a few hours or days.
• Saliva Test (Oral Fluid Test): This drug test detects drugs through a swab in saliva. It is a quick method that can identify drug use within 24-72 hours. This test is generally used to detect recent drug consumption.
• Hair Test: Unlike other tests, this drug test method takes a long time. It detects drugs stored in hair follicles and provides a history of drugs used in 90 days.

How to Minimize the Risk of False Positives 

• Before purchasing the products, read labels and always review for third-party lab testing to confirm that the THC range is within legal limitations.
• Avoiding high doses of full-spectrum CBD is the best practice for safe consumption.

Can CBD Show Up on Drug Tests?

Pure CBD does not show up in standard drug tests. Most of the workplaces and legal drug screenings focus on THC (psychoactive compound found in cannabis), not on CBD. However, some CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, which could lead to a positive test result.

But not all CBD products are the same when it comes to drug testing, it depends on the CBD type you are using. Here are some types of CBD:

1.   CBD Isolate: 

CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, containing zero THC. It consists only of cannabidiol (CBD) and does not include other compounds that could lead to a positive drug test. However, mislabeling or contamination during production can sometimes result in trace amounts of THC in low-quality CBD isolate products. To secure purity and accuracy, always purchase from trusted brands like CannaAid, which provides properly labeled products with verified third-party test results. This type of CBD is for those who want to completely avoid THC and need high doses of CBD without any psychoactive effects.

2.   Broad-spectrum CBD: 

This type of CBD is a middle ground between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD. During processing THC is removed, but other beneficial compounds like CBG, CBN, and terpenes remain, providing the benefits of multiple cannabinoids. This type of CBD is THC-free, so it typically does not trigger a positive drug test result. However, in rare cases, improper processing may lead to trace amounts of THC, which could cause a false positive. Broad-spectrum CBD is ideal for those who want a more natural experience than CBD isolates but without THC.

3.   Full-spectrum CBD: 

This type of CBD has the highest risk of showing up on a drug test because it contains all naturally occurring cannabinoid compounds derived from the hemp plant, including CBD terpenes, flavonoids, and THC up to 0.3%(the legal limit in the US). with frequent use even this small amount of THC may accumulate in the body and result in a positive drug test. However, many people prefer full-spectrum CBD because it provides the benefits of all-natural compounds found in hemp. It is best suited for individuals who are not concerned about THC in their systems.

Choose the Right CBD Product 

To choose a CBD product that does not cause false positives on a drug test, select only those made from pure (isolate) CBD or broad-spectrum CBD. After that, identify the problem, whether you are facing anxiety, sleep, pain, or overall health problems. Here are some product suggestions that are only made from pure CBD.

• Stress Relief and Anxiety: If you are feeling stressed and want to relax, CBD Gummies offer a calming effect throughout the day. These gummies are made with pure CBD Isolate. If you prefer not to eat gummies, you can use CBD Vape Cartridges, which are made from broad-spectrum CBD. Vapes offer fast relief from stress and anxiety by quickly supplying CBD into the bloodstream.
• Pain Relief: For long-lasting pain relief, use  CBD Vegan Soft Gel, which provides consistent pain relief and is made from CBD isolate. However, if you need instant relief, apply CBD + CBG Pain Cream directly to joint pain or other affected areas. This cream is made from a combination of CBG and CBD isolate.
• Improved Sleep: Many people struggle with sleep even at night. If you want better sleep, you can take CBD + CBN Watermelon Gummies before bed. These gummies are made from Broad-spectrum CBD and CBN, which are known to support sleep. For quicker results and deep relaxation, consider using  CBD Tinctures (made from broad-spectrum CBD) at night. You will be surprised at the difference they can make.

However, if you want CBD in a tasty and convenient form, then gummies and chocolates are suitable for on-the-go use. If you prefer pill form, then soft gels are ideal. But if you want flexible dosing, you can use tinctures by adding them to any food or taking them sublingually.

Conclusion

CBD is beneficial, but some products, such as full-spectrum CBD, contain THC, which can be detected in a drug test. However, if you use CBD isolate in a regulated dosage, it will not show up on a drug test.

Though CBD is effective for pain relief, anxiety, sleep, and overall health, before purchasing a product, read labels to ensure it is THC-free, and follow the other instructions mentioned above.

Overall, CBD has many benefits, so if you're looking for trusted CBD products, CannaAid offers a variety of gummies, tinctures, soft gels, and topicals designed for different needs. All the products we offer are safe, certified, lab-tested, and won't show up on a drug test.