Page Contents
CBD oil drug test – a drug test is conducted to analyze the presence of illegal drugs or other chemical substances in one’s body. In the past, drug tests were mostly conducted by sports organizations. But nowadays, drug testing has become common across professions. Employers, doctors, the police force, and intelligence agencies all use drug tests to determine if a person was under the influence. Needless to say, failing a drug test administered by an employer can spell doom for the employee.
Many people consume cannabinoid (CBD) oils as painkillers (among other uses). Due to its popularity, it’s very common that people ask whether one can fail a CBD oil drug test. There is a lot of information on the internet which seeks to answer this question. But, not all of it is accurate. Read on to find out more about a CBD oil drug test.
CBD Oil Drug Test – Risk factors
Basically, CBD oils are cannabis plant extracts. Beyond a certain level of concentration, cannabis extracts can be addictive.
Now, in the case of a CBD oil drug test, the risk of a positive is low. Some people pass drug tests even after consistently using CBD oils over a long period of time. But mind you, we said the risk factor is low — not absent. There are chances of testing positive, but this is as much a risk as anything else we indulge in. Just like how we risk our lives whenever we fly on a plane, there’s always some risk associated with a CBD oil drug test. If you don’t want to take a risk, we would advise you to stay away from CBD oils altogether.
More often than not, companies advertise that their products have 0% THC and won’t show up on a CBD drug test. Yet, there are scores of people who have tested positive after using CBD products. The products range from full spectrum CBD oils with traces of THC to a broad spectrum and isolated “zero-THC” products. Zero-THC does not directly imply that a customer will pass the drug test. Certainly, there is no guarantee of a risk-free CBD product, even if companies claim so.
CBD Oil Drug Test – Noteworthy Points
Now, we have understood that we cannot be sure of testing either positive or negative on a CBD oil drug test. Let us go through a few important points that’ll help us get a better idea about a CBD drug test.
THC And A Positive Drug Test
Cannabis plants contain many psychoactive ingredients. Tetrahydrocannabinol is one among them. By law, CBD oils that are available in retail stores and online must contain less than 0.3% of THC. Industrial hemp plants contain traces of THC and higher levels of CBD, while marijuana has high levels of THC. Consequently, CBD products don’t give the high that a marijuana product would since the concentration of THC is smaller.
A typical drug test analyzes the presence of THC in a person’s body. Though CBD products have a minute quantity of THC, it is enough to trigger a positive drug test.
As we said earlier, many companies claim to sell zero-THC products. It does not mean that their products don’t contain THC. For instance, the third-party lab engaged by the company may have faulty mechanisms to detect THC. Or, the levels may have been smaller than the lab’s lower detection limit. In such cases, THC can be detected by a high sensitivity drug test.
What Contributes To The Risk Of Testing Positive?
- Test sensitivity — Different types of drug tests may show different sensitivities to the same compound (THC in this case)
- Duration of usage and dosage of CBD oils — If you’ve begun consuming CBD oils only recently, you have a lower risk of testing positive. THC can accumulate in the body over time. Also, the average daily dosage of 25 to 50 mg of CBD is considered safe.
- Metabolism — Depending on your body’s capability to assimilate compounds, THC may stay for a longer or shorter duration in the body. Those blessed with a quick metabolism have smaller chances of testing positive.
- Type of product — Broad spectrum and isolate products contain comparatively lower levels of THC, which can go undetected on a CBD oil drug test.
Individual Differences
Everyone’s body works in a different way. Some people metabolize CBD quickly depending on the dosage, while traces of THC can remain in the body for a longer period of time in others. You may be using the same product and dosage as your friend. Just because they did not test positive does not mean you won’t. It’s possible for you to fail a drug test that someone else passed since there are other variables which contribute to the result.
Product Quality And Brands
Companies may claim that they’re selling the best products, but reputed ones don’t guarantee that you won’t test positive on a drug test. If you come across a salesperson assuring of a negative drug test, be wary. Rest assured they won’t be as confident when you ask them to provide a legal guarantee document!
Implications Of A Positive Drug Test
Before taking a drug test at work, you can try a do-it-yourself drug test kit at home. They are not as accurate as an actual drug test, but you may get a few basic indications. Remember that a negative home drug test does not automatically mean the same thing will happen at work.
If you do test positive on a test administered by your employer, the best thing to do is, to be honest. Tell the testing authority that you use CBD oils for a reason and traces of THC may have triggered a positive test. THC is commonly found in marijuana, but you can clarify that your THC came from CBD oils. If your case is convincing, a positive drug test will not affect your relationship with the employer.
To Sum It Up
Does CBD oil show up on a drug test? Yes, no, or maybe. The answer depends on a number of factors, as we already discussed. Broad spectrum and isolate products contain lower amounts of THC, which can go undetected in drug tests. Customers who want to use CBD oils but are willing to take some risk prefer these products.
Finally, if you choose to consume any CBD oil, we recommend that you first understand the possible risks involved and then make an informed choice.