Does CBD Show in Drug Test?

CBD oil has many benefits, but it is not considered medicine or a drug of any kind. Officially, it falls into the category of novel foods and can be purchased in stores and online.

This classification means that the CBD products you purchase in the UK do not contain any psychoactive substances. Therefore, the answer to the question “Does CBD show in drug test results?” should be an emphatic no.

However, the regulation of CBD is still not perfected, and there are products on the market that can be problematic. That’s why it’s essential to understand what CBD is exactly and how you can consume it safely.

What Is THC?

THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, one of the compounds found in the cannabis Sativa plant. While research indicates that THC has a wide range of therapeutic benefits, it’s primarily known for its psychoactive effect. Essentially, THC is the part of cannabis that makes you feel “high.”

Keep in mind that there are over 400 chemical compounds in cannabis, but THC and CBD are the most researched and recognised. THC is important in the context of CBD because it’s used as a parameter in defining its legality.

In the UK, cannabis falls under the classification of a Class B drug, precisely due to its THC content. However, CBD products can contain up to 0.3% levels of THC per 1mg. This amount is considered legal and can’t produce psychoactive effects. The amount is also sufficiently low and won’t show up on a drug test.

Understanding Types of CBD

The levels of THC in CBD depend on harvesting and extraction techniques. If you’re thinking about trying CBD for the first time, you might be worried about drug testing at work. It’s essential, therefore, to understand the differences in the refinement processes first.

Full-Spectrum CBD

The term full-spectrum means that the CBD extracts contain every naturally occurring compound from the plant it was extracted from.

A full-spectrum CBD product contains mainly CBD, but it also has varying amounts of THC and flavonoids, terpenes, and many others.

This type of CBD typically has the most potent and most distinct flavour and is generally less purified than other types. Legally, full-spectrum CBD products can’t contain more than 0.3% of THC.

But the problem is that manufacturing methods are not up to regulation, and it has shown that some full-spectrum CBD oils may have up to 5% THC content.

If you were to take CBD oil with this level of THC, it would show up on a drug test and could get you in trouble. For that reason, full-spectrum CBD is not the best option if you want to be on the safe side regarding drug testing.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Most CBD oils on the market today are classified as broad-spectrum. This type of CBD is the same as full-spectrum, meaning that it contains many additional compounds found in hemp.

There is one significant difference, though – the THC has been completely removed. By this definition, there is no reason why taking broad-spectrum CBD would register on a drug test.

CBD Isolate

Another way of referring to CBD isolate is pure CBD oil. It doesn’t contain THC or any other chemical compound found in the plant. CBD isolate is also freely available on the market, typically in carrier oil or tincture.

But due to its purity, it can also be transformed into crystalline powder and eaten. CBD isolate is typically the safest way to avoid any THC in the system.

Reasons for Positive CBD Drug Test

Sadly, there are no guarantees that you’ll pass a drug test when it comes to CBD products. There are so many products on the market, and not all of them are well-regulated, nor are all brands equally careful about THC levels.

So, it’s essential to understand the reasons why the test may be positive for THC, even if you were careful about what you bought.

Mislabelled Product

Using the wrong label on CBD products has been an ongoing issue for years. Many CBD manufacturers use the “THC free” label to describe a full-spectrum oil with 0.3% THC.

That is not the same as broad-spectrum or CBD isolate, as it still contains CBD. People may feel comfortable using it thinking that it’s safe, and the content of THC may build up in their system over time, just enough to trigger the drug test.

Cross Contamination

Another common issue is THC cross-contamination during the manufacturing process. Indeed, THC is typically found in trace amounts, but it’s worth noting that it can happen.

This is more likely to occur when the manufacturer extracts CBD and THC in countries where THC is legal. Therefore, in the UK, cross-contamination is rare.

Second-Hand Exposure to THC

Unfortunately, you can absorb THC into your system from second-hand smoke. Fortunately, it would have to be a prolonged exposure to make a difference on a drug test.

How Not to Fail a CBD Drug Test

The only sure way not to test positive for THC is to avoid taking any product with even the slightest potential of carrying it.

However, many people want to try CBD because it can be a fantastic therapeutic agent and experience its benefits. Luckily, many ethical CBD brands go out of their way to make a safe and pure product.

As a consumer, you should always do thorough research and find a reliable and reputable CBD manufacturer. Make sure to ask everything about the extraction process and if there is a chance for cross-contamination.

If the CBD brand conducts independent lab testing, it’s doubtful it will contain any THC. The hemp source is also crucial. High-quality, organic hemp should be the golden standard for CBD oil.

Also, be mindful of dosages. If your doctor recommended higher amounts of CBD for a specific condition and you’re taking full-spectrum CBD, that might be a potential problem.

Playing It Safe With CBD

The classification of cannabis is somewhat controversial, and many feel that it should at least be downgraded to a Class C drug. A THC positive drug test can cause many problems, such as getting dismissed from your job.

But, ultimately, does CBD show in drug test results? The answer is – it might. The best strategy to ensure you never have to worry about is buying from trustworthy CBD brands.

Why not consider Advance Biotech? We only sell lab-tested and certified CBD products and apply holistic extraction methods.