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CBD & Drug Tests: Will CBD Make You Fail a Drug Test?

Since CBD is sourced from the Cannabis plant, it’s unsurprising that many people assume it’s the same as taking drugs. But CBD, short for Cannabidiol, shouldn’t show up on a drug test, as it’s a non-psychoactive substance. In this blog, we dive deeper into what CBD is and whether it will make you fail a drug test.

Is it possible to fail a drug test if I’ve consumed CBD?

CBD shouldn’t show up on a drug test, but a lot of CBD products do contain trace quantities of THC, which is the active ingredient in marijuana. If there’s enough THC present, it will show on a drug test. So, while rare, there’s potential for CBD to lead to a positive drug test. CBD products vary in quality and composition, so if you’re using a lower quality product that’s not been properly tested and approved, then there may be trace quantities of THC present. If you want to know how CBD can affect a drug test learn more here.

What different types of CBD are there?

CBD contains a range of compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Marijuana and hemp are from the cannabis plant, but they each contain different levels of THC. CBD is available as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate forms. The latter is the purest form of CBD and is typically consumed sublingually in drop form. CBD isolate doesn’t contain any additional compounds and should therefore not contain any THC.

Full- and broad-spectrum CBD contain other compounds from the hemp plant, and as a result, they may contain traces of THC – the level will depend on the product and brand, but full-spectrum CBD is legally required to contain less than 0.3% THC.

What quantity would appear on a drug test?

A drug test screens for THC or THC-COOH, a primary metabolite of THC. The cut-off point for what constitutes failing a drug test depends on the test you take. For example, in a urine test (which is common for workplaces testing for cannabis to use), 50 nanograms per millilitre would be enough to trigger a positive test. For a blood test, which are less common but still utilised for drug testing, THC is only detectable in plasma for up to 5 hours, while THC metabolites are detectable for up to 7 days.

How can I ensure there’s no THC in my CBD?

The easiest way to ensure you’re not consuming any THC is to use high-quality, reputable CBD brands (like Vitabiotics CBD) and to check the product information carefully. Find out if the product is sourced from hemp or marijuana and whether it is full or broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate. Choosing CBD isolate is the safest option as this is pure CBD and won’t contain THC. It’s also important to check the concentration of CBD, as this will vary depending on the type of product, such as whether you’re using drops, gummies, vapes or topical treatments. If you’re new to using CBD, starting off with a low dose is the best way to gauge how your body responds to the product.