CBD is something that everyone seems to be talking about. Unfortunately, many of those people talking about CBD don’t actually know what it is and what it does. Due to its close chemical relationship with THC, and its convoluted legality, there are a lot of misconceptions about CBD that simply aren’t true.
If you work at a job that requires drug testing, you may be worried. However, there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to drug testing and CBD, so long as you understand what CBD actually is and the importance of purity.
Are you interested in learning more? Continue reading, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about drug testing and CBD.
Table of Contents
Can You Fail a Drug Test for CBD?
To put it simply, no. There is no amount of pure CBD that you can take that would trigger anything in a drug. And this is a good thing, considering how CBD doesn’t impair your ability to work or perform in any way.
However, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear every time you buy a new vape pen. That’s because even though CBD won’t make you fail a drug test, there may be residual THC in your CBD product that could make you fail a drug test.
THC is one of the most commonly tested for drugs because of it’s so popular and easy to test for. So how does a drug test actually work?
An employer collects samples, usually urine, and sends those samples to a drug testing lab. The samples are then run through a machine that is able to measure small amounts of chemicals in the liquid. Lab technicians look for evidence of THC byproducts.
Why Is There THC in CBD Oil?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound that can be found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. There are two types of Cannabis Sativa – marijuana and hemp.
Hemp contains high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. Marijuana, on the other hand, produces high amounts of THC and low amounts of CBD.
THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary active ingredient in marijuana. It has psychoactive properties and is responsible for that classic “marijuana high.” CBD has zero intoxicating effects on the body which is why it’s becoming so popular.
Federally legal CBD must come from the hemp plant. And while hemp contains very low THC, it still can have up to 0.3% THC. If you ingest high doses of CBD, you could also be ingesting a detectable amount of THC.
Also, labels are just simply wrong a lot of the time. Other than some state-licensed systems, there really isn’t much regulatory oversight. Outside of the licensed cannabis market, mislabeled CBD products are abundant.
If you’re a CBD user who tests positive for THC on a drug test, that means either your drug tests results are false or, more likely; your CBD product contained some THC in it.
To avoid this issue, you should only consume CBD products that are tested and licensed by the state. Also, look for CBD products that are tested by independent third-party labs.
Is There a CBD Drug Test?
There is no CBD drug test out there. This makes sense because CBD doesn’t affect your ability to work. And it may even make you a better worker depending on how your body reacts to the substance.
If you’re worried about still failing a drug test, you should consider abstaining from CBD for a bit, if you’re not totally sure about your product’s purity. If you consume THC, you will likely fail your drug test.
It’s also worth knowing that the effects of CBD last between one to eight hours, depending on how you consume it, how high the concentration is, and how your body reacts to it. Your body turns CBD into the byproduct CBD-COOH in just a few hours. That byproduct than stays in your system for several days.
However, no employer will be testing for this byproduct, so you don’t have to worry.
There is no drug test – whether it’s a urine test, mouth swab, or blood test – that tests for CBD. Even drug testing with hair follicles can’t reveal CBD in your system.
The Legality of CBD
Even though you won’t fail a drug test for taking CBD, that doesn’t mean it’s still completely legal. Unfortunately, the laws surrounding CBD are extremely murky and convoluted. And this certainly isn’t helped by the fact that the marijuana laws are just as confusing.
Ever since President Donald Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law, it became federally legal to grow industrial hemp in the United States. Growing hemp was originally illegal because it was viewed as too similar to marijuana, and thus easy for people to fool the authorities.
Now, from a federal standpoint, it is completely legal to grow hemp and to consume CBD. Unfortunately, there are some states and jurisdictions that state it’s illegal to consume CBD. While you probably won’t get into trouble for consuming CBD, it’s still a good idea to brush up on your state’s laws.
The Importance of Knowing About Drug Testing and CBD
Hopefully, after reading the above, you now feel that you have a better understanding when it comes to drug testing and CBD. The most important thing is to make sure that the CBD you are ingesting is pure and legal.
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