CBD Oil and Drug Tests

Will CBD Oil cause me to fail my drug test? It’s a common question, with an answer that deserves a bit of explanation. Not all CBD products are created equal, and various preparations can lead to different outcomes.

The short answer is: ‘It depends.‘

The possibility that you’ll test positive for any hemp-based CBD product remains unlikely, but there is a non-zero chance of it. The reason is that when drug testing is employed, it is looking for THC metabolites which like to hang out in the body for an extended period of time bound to fat cells. Industrial hemp, by federal law, contains less .3% Delta-9 THC. With such a low amount of THC, it is unlikely that your body would be able to store and subsequently excrete enough THC metabolite to exceed the standard NIDA threshold of 50ng/ml. Most industrial hemp products are processed from varieties of hemp that have far less than the maximum .3 percent as mandated by the federal government:

(1) HEMP.—The term ‘hemp’ means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.

So, now that we’re on the same page, just a quick rundown of the forms so you can minimize your risk.

CBD Flower

This is the natural starting point for all cannabinoid products. The flower contains structures called trichomes which produce the substances we are after. Raw CBD flower carries the highest risk of all CBD products, and THC levels can vary within the same batch. Nature does the quality control, and a little variance is OK. The only trouble is that you won’t know if it’s .02% or .3% and depending on the amount you take to experience relief this could end up being a problem on a drug test.

Full Spectrum Extracts

These extracts may be made with carbon dioxide, ethanol, or any number of other solvents (which you should entirely avoid!). The entire essence of the source plant are contained in the end product. The good news here is many producers are very aware that many end users would like to avoid THC entirely if possible, so formulate their oils to remain at undetectable levels. Look for the words ‘THC Free’ on our products. This shouldn’t steer you away from products without the designation if you don’t need to – very low, but detectable levels of THC contribute toward an ‘entourage effect.’ When combined synergistically with the other cannabinoids found in the plant, many of its effects are magnified. Legal products of less than point three percent enable this ‘entourage effect’ while producing no psychoactive effects. Most CBD oil falls into this category – not likely to be a problem for a drug test, but it is possible.

CBD Isolate

It is chemically 100% pure cannabidiol with no other components. No additional cannabinoids, no terpenes, no fatty acids, salts, or minerals. Oils, tinctures, gummies and other consumable or topical CBD products will not trigger a standard NIDA drug panel for ‘marijuana’. Many people feel that these aren’t as effective while others shout for joy over them. While we prefer full-plant extracts, . This gives those in zero-tolerance environments options.

But…

There are many varying factors in how long your body can store up these THC metabolites. Body fat stores these metabolites, and the less you have, the less there is to hold on to and release. Also, consider hydration and urine dilution. Tests are measuring nanograms per milliliter. A needle in a haystack even when dehydrated and using industrial hemp products. Having a glass of water makes that haystack much larger.

In Summary

Medicinal hemp or CBD oil minute thc levels are unlikely to present a problem in typical drug test scenario. One option available for those unable or unwilling to expose themselves to THC are CBD Isolates. If you aren’t forced to avoid THC, looking into the entourage effect might be a good idea. This theory might explain how sub-clinical dosages of compounds enhance others, or create entirely new effects. Different cannabinoids work synergistically with each other to produce effects. While isolated compounds have value, they may not present the full value of the plant in total. Often, the sum of its parts regarding beneficial effects, and THC is often central to unlocking these doors. The ultra-low levels of thc found in hemp products is just enough to unlock these benefits while keeping you grounded. Fearing a CBD Oil Drug Test? No big deal!