CBD Oil Show Up in Drug Tests? Everything you Need to Know
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When it comes to standard drug screening, the truth is that most drug tests look for the presence of THC metabolites, while CBD often goes under the radar simply because, unlike THC, it does not induce any psychoactive effects.
While you will not fail a drug test just for consuming CBD, consuming certain CBD products sold online and offline, including full-spectrum CBD oil and other full-spectrum CBD goodies, may get you a positive test result as these products have trace amounts of THC.
This guide focuses on the basics behind CBD drug testing, different types of drug tests, and, of course, the CBD detection window with saliva, hair, blood, and urine drug tests.
Besides exploring the basics behind having a positive drug test when using CBD, we also discuss different types of CBD in products, the average effect onset time associated with different consumption methods, and more, so stick around.
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What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a natural substance obtained from the cannabis plant, primarily consisting of cannabidiol (CBD), among other cannabinoids, present in minimal amounts.
CBD is different from THC in several ways, including the fact that THC produces high feelings while CBD does not. Since CBD is not psychoactive, CBD oil and other products are more appealing to those seeking the potential benefits of cannabinoids without the high effects.
In addition, many people are turning to CBD oil as a natural approach to managing chronic pain, often used in conjunction with traditional medications [1].
In addition to having pain-relieving effects, CBD oil may also help individuals feel less anxious and stressed out due to its natural soothing and relaxing effects [2].
When you consume CBD on its own without a trace amount of THC, you will not have a positive drug test, but the truth is that most CBD products have a smaller amount of THC, so getting a positive CBD drug test is a possibility, whether you consume CBD oil or some other CBD product.
Types of CBD Oil
While full-spectrum CBD oil is probably the most popular, there are different types of CBD oils that are based on broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. While these three categories share some similarities, they are ultimately different.
Full-Spectrum
Full-spectrum CBD oil is known for containing the entire range of compounds from the cannabis plant that naturally occur.
This includes not only CBD but also other cannabinoids from the cannabis sativa plant, like THC (though in very low concentrations, typically less than 0.3%), as well as terpenes and essential oils.
The presence of these compounds in full-spectrum CBD together is known to enhance the therapeutic effects of the product by inducing what is known as the “entourage effect.”
This “entourage effect” suggests that the combined efficacy of compounds in the cannabis sativa plant may be more effective than any single compound employed in isolation. Despite containing THC, Full-Spectrum CBD Oil does not produce psychoactive effects since the content of THC is rather minimal.
Broad-Spectrum
Broad-spectrum CBD oil shares some similarities with Full-Spectrum CBD in that it includes a wide array of cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils found in marijuana plants, with one significant exception: THC.
By removing THC, Broad-Spectrum CBD becomes an ideal option for people looking to avoid this cannabis compound entirely for different reasons, such as personal preferences.
Despite the absence of THC, Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil is still thought to offer the entourage effect, making it a preferred choice for those who wish to benefit from the combined effects of different compounds in the cannabis sativa plant without any THC and associated high effects.
CBD Isolate
CBD Isolate is known as pure CBD, being almost 99% cannabidiol. The production process for CBD Isolate products involves separating CBD from all other substances in the cannabis plant, resulting in a product that contains no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or essential oils.
These CBD products are available in powder or crystalline form and these products are known to offer versatility in use, including different options for ingestion, inhalation, or topical application.
A CBD product with CBD isolate is particularly appealing to individuals who are only interested in the benefits of CBD itself, without the influence of THC and other cannabis plant compounds.
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Legal Status of CBD Oil
As mentioned earlier, CBD is derived from the same plant that THC comes from, the cannabis plant, but unlike THC, CBD is non psychoactive, so its legal status is less complex.
According to the Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD products that contain less than 0.3% of THC are federally legal. However, different laws and regulations are in place in different USA states, which means there are some discrepancies.
This means that while CBD products are legal at the federal level, state laws differ. While in one state CBD products may be legal, they may not be legal in another state.
Therefore, it is crucial that you examine laws and regulations in your area before you even think about adding CBD to your daily routine.
This is especially important if you are scheduled to take a drug test, as having a positive drug test on CBD in an area where CBD is not legal can lead to different legal troubles, definitely something you want to avoid.
Detecting CBD Oil in the Body
This leads us to different drug screenings that primarily detect THC but may also be used for looking for the presence of CBD, and these include a urine drug test, a blood drug test, a saliva drug test, a hair drug test, and a sweat drug test.
Urine Tests
Urine tests fall into the category of the most common form of workplace drug testing, primarily due to their ease of collecting urine and the long detection window for THC and similar substances.
At the same time, urine drug screening usually does not look for CBD since CBD is not psychoactive.
When a urine test is specifically designed to detect CBD, CBD can typically be found for up to 15 days in frequent users, depending on the amount of CBD used and the individual’s metabolism. This being said, urine screenings for CBD are a common way to detect CBD in the body.
Blood Tests
Blood drug tests are known to offer a shorter detection window compared to a urine test and are typically more invasive.
Blood drug testing is not commonly used for detecting CBD due to the compound’s speedy elimination from the bloodstream.
At the same time, blood drug tests are more suitable when looking to detect recent use, typically within hours to a couple of days post-consumption. Blood drug tests are rather precise but less practical for routine drug screenings.
Saliva Tests
Saliva drug screenings are less invasive and can detect CBD and associated substances soon after use, making them a preferable drug screening option for roadside testing or immediate detection.
At the same time, the detection window for CBD in a saliva drug test is relatively short, and there is limited data on the reliability of saliva drug testing when it comes to CBD detection.
The saliva drug testing window for detection can vary, but CBD usually remains detectable for a few hours up to a day after use in a person’s saliva. Saliva drug testing is a common workplace drug test.
Hair Tests
Compared to other CBD drug test options discussed earlier, hair drug screening has the longest detection window, capable of identifying CBD and THC substance use for up to 90 days or more.
This is due to the fact that substances like CBD tend to integrate into the hair shaft as the hair grows.
However, hair drug screening tests are not often used to detect CBD specifically, as they are usually more expensive and generally focus on detecting the use of more commonly abused substances.
Sweat Tests
Finally, sweat drug tests require wearing a patch that collects sweat over a period of a few weeks. These types of drug tests are relatively uncommon and are mostly employed in specific circumstances.
The detection window for CBD in a sweat drug test is not fully understood, and like with saliva drug tests; not much is about the efficiency and reliability of these kinds of drug tests, which makes them the least used drug screening method.
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For How Long Does CBD Oil Show Up on Drug Tests?
The duration that CBD-based oil and other CBFD products can be detected in a person’s body varies based on several factors, including the type of drug tests, amount and frequency of use, person’s body composition and metabolism, as well as product’s composition.
The previous section discussed each different type of drug test that looks for the presence of CBD or THC in CBD products that have trace amounts of THC. In a urine drug test, CBD remains detectable for up to 15 days following consumption in regular CBD users.
In a saliva drug test, CBD is usually detectable for up to four days after use, while a hair drug test has the longest CBD detection window, and it can detect CBD or THC metabolites up to 90 days after consumption.
In heavy and regular CBD consumers who enjoy products with THC, these substances remain detectable for longer regardless of which drug test they take, and this is due to the fact that THC or CBD accumulates in fat tissues as time goes on.
People with faster metabolism and lower body mass index usually eliminate CBD and THC quicker than people with a slower metabolism and higher body mass index.
The composition of the CBD product consumes also plays a role here. Full-spectrum CBD products have trace amounts of THC so a chance to fail a drug test is higher than with broad-spectrum CBD products.
What Is the Half-Life of CBD Oil?
The half-life of CBD-based oil varies depending on different factors, including the method of consumption, the dosage consumed, the person’s metabolism, and of course, the frequency of use.
While scientific information on the half-life of CBD is not widely available, most agree that the compound’s half-life is between 18 and 32 hours when consumed orally.
In other words, after consuming CBD-based oil, half of the substance (CBD) remains in the system for up to 32 hours while half of the substance is eliminated.
When CBD is consumed orally, the first metabolic process takes place in the liver. As the metabolic process takes place, the content of CBD is reduced before CBD reaches the bloodstream.
At the same time, the bioavailability of the active substance is also reduced, which naturally impacts the effectiveness and half-life of CBD-oil consumed orally.
When CBD is consumed sublingually by placing a few drops of oil under the tongue or inhalation, the first-pass metabolic process in the liver is bypassed, which leads to a quicker effect onset time and typically a shorter half-life, which means that CBD leaves the system quicker when consumers sublingually and via inhalation.
Can CBD Oil Be Flushed from the System?
Whether you want to avoid getting a positive CBD drug test or you simply want to learn more about CBD and its presence in the body after consumption, information on possibly flushing CBD from the system is more than valuable.
To understand the process of eliminating CBD from the system, it is important to discuss what happens in the body when you consume CBD oil.
After consuming CBD, the active substance is absorbed and processed in the liver and in the liver is where CBD is broken down by different enzymes before it reaches the bloodstream. CBD metabolites are known to linger in the system way longer than your feel CBD effects.
How long CBD remains in the system depends on different factors, as discussed earlier, and there are no scientifically proven methods to speed the process of flushing CBD from your system, but just a few guidelines that may be helpful.
If you want to reduce the chance of having a positive drug test on CBD, one thing you can do is to stay hydrated before, during, and after consuming CBD.
What can also speed up the process of eliminating CBD from your system is regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, which, in addition to staying hydrated, can encourage the body’s detoxification process.
While staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and eating healthy will not prevent you from getting a positive drug test if you have just consumed CBD, these guidelines may speed the CBD elimination process in the long run.
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How Long Does It Take for the Effects of CBD Oil to Wear Off?
The effects of CBD, when consumed, remain for a few hours, sometimes longer and sometimes shorter.
There is no one-size fits all duration information we can share here as many factors play a role in how long you experience effects.
These factors include the concentration of CBD and the quality of the product, the method of consumption, as well as your metabolism and weight. How frequently you consume CBD products is another important factor affecting how long you feel CBD effects.
Generally speaking, the effects of CBD consumed orally are felt for up to eight hours, while most consumers notice the first effects within two hours following consumption.
When consumed sublingually, the effects of CBD usually last up to six hours, with the first effects noticeable between 20 and 40 minutes after consumption. With topical CBD products, individuals experience localized effects that can last for several hours.
Those who inhale CBD usually experience immediate effects that typically do not last longer than three hours. Once again, how long CBD effects are felt depends on how frequently you use CBD cannabis products, your metabolism, and your body weight.
In addition, when consuming more potent and higher-quality cannabis products produced with an advanced extraction method, you will most likely experience effects for longer.
It is important to note that even secondhand exposure can also lead to experiencing some CBD and THC effects while being exposed to secondhand exposure can also lead to having a positive test result.
CBD Oil and Drug Testing
Understanding CBD drug testing and its different implications may not help you avoid getting a positive drug test, but this information is important for everyone interested in adding CBD to their daily routine.
Composition of CBD Oil
CBD-based oil primarily contains cannabidiol, one of the many cannabinoids found in the same plant that contains THC and other cannabinoids.
Unlike its more famous cousin, THC, CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect, meaning it will not cause the “high effect” associated with consuming cannabis.
CBD oil also includes different compounds found in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which significantly contribute to its therapeutic properties. The exact composition of the product varies depending on extraction methods and the specific strain of marijuana used.
THC vs. CBD: Key Differences
THC and CBD are both naturally occurring cannabinoids but have different effects on the body. THC is the main psychoactive component of marijuana, responsible for the stimulating and intoxicating effects.
CBD, on the other hand, does not have psychoactive properties and is favored for its potential health benefits that users experience without dealing with high effects.
The interaction of THC and CBD with the endocannabinoid system ECS also differs. THC is known to bind directly with cannabinoid receptors in the ECS in the human body, leading to its high effects.
CBD, however, interacts indirectly with the ECS, impacting the body’s natural cannabinoids to either block off or activate the receptors, which, as a result, leads to different bodily and mental responses.
Legal Limits of THC in CBD Products
In many areas, the legality of CBD products is tied to their concentration of THC. In the United States, CBD products derived from hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight to be considered federally legal.
This ensures that the products cannot produce high effects. At the same time, the legal status of CBD and permissible THC levels can vary significantly from one country to another, while laws and regulations also vary between different US states.
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Factors Influencing CBD Oil in Drug Tests
As mentioned earlier, there are different factors that impact drug testing on CBD, and as mentioned, these include the dosage consumed, frequency of use, individual body chemistry, and more as discussed below.
THC Content in CBD Oil
One of the major factors is the THC content present in the CBD oil. As you know, THC is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana plants that most drug tests are designed to detect.
While CBD oil is derived from hemp, which naturally has a lower content of THC, some CBD products may contain higher amounts of THC due to differences in manufacturing processes and plant genetics.
Even if you consume CBD products with trace amounts of THC, these can accumulate over time, leading to a false positive or to fail a drug test.
Dosage and Frequency of Use
The amount and frequency of CBD oil consumption also play an important role, as mentioned a few times before.
Consuming higher doses of CBD oil on a regular basis, especially those products with trace amounts of THC, usually means you fail a drug test.
This is because THC and similar compounds have the ability to accumulate in the body’s fat cells, and these metabolites are released into the bloodstream over time, which naturally increases the likelihood of testing positive on a CBD drug test.
Individual Metabolism and Body Chemistry
A person’s metabolism and unique body chemistry also impact how CBD and THC are processed and eliminated from the system.
Different factors such as age, body mass index, hydration levels, and metabolic rate significantly affect the rate at which THC and CBD are broken down and eliminated from the system.
Two people consuming the same amounts of CBD oil process the active compounds at different rates, which means one can test positive while the other can get a negative test, even though they consumed exactly the same amount of CBD.
Type of Drug Test Used
Lastly, the type of drug test is yet another important factor. The most commonly administered drug tests include urine, blood, hair, and saliva tests, each with different detection windows and varying sensitivity levels.
For example, urine tests are known to be highly sensitive to THC metabolites and can detect them for days and sometimes even weeks after use, depending on the frequency and amount of use.
Hair follicle tests have the longest detection window, potentially detecting drug use for up to 90 days after consumption. At the same time, blood and saliva tests are known for a shorter detection window and are not reliable when it comes to detecting minor THC amounts.
While how much THC you consume with your CBD product plays an important role, this is far away from being the only determining factor in whether you get a positive test or not.
Potential Risks of Testing Positive
Having a positive drug test result for CBD/THC can lead to different professional and personal consequences in addition to more serious legal implications, as discussed below.
Personal and Professional Consequences
When you test positive on a standard THC/CBD drug screening test, you may experience psychological or emotional distress, especially if you are employed in a place with a very strict drug policy.
If you test positive in a workplace like this, you may need to go through a disciplinary process, which may end in termination of employment. Even in workplaces where drug screenings are less common, having a positive test result may lead to facing scrutiny.
Having a positive drug test result in a professional environment may also have an impact on licensing, especially if professionals who need a license to work have a positive drug test result, such as lawyers and doctors.
Finally, there is the risk of facing social stigma associated with THC and, less commonly, CBD. While marijuana use is growing in popularity, the stigma is nowhere near gone, and getting a positive result on a drug test may involve facing judgment from colleagues, friends, and family members.
Legal Implications
Genuine and false positives can also lead to different legal implications.
Even though the smallest amounts of THC in CBD products can trigger positive results, having a positive result in some areas may mean facing criminal charges in areas where consuming cannabis is illegal.
Penalties for having a positive result on a drug test usually include community work fines and rarely imprisonment. Having a positive result on a drug test may also prevent people from enjoying different government benefits or retaining their parental rights.
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How to Avoid Failing a Drug Test with CBD Oil?
While there is no one answer on how to avoid having a positive result on a drug test when consuming CBD oil products or other hemp-derived CBD goodies, there are some general guidelines we wanted to share with you here.
Choosing the Right CBD Products
Choosing the right CBD product or CBD oils can go a long way when it comes to reducing the odds of false positives or getting a positive result on a drug test.
This is due to the fact that marijuana-derived CBD goodies, including CBD oils produced following a strict manufacturing process, have high-quality ingredients.
Full-spectrum CBD is known to have a smaller amount of THC, so going with isolate or broad-spectrum CBD that does not have any THC is a better option, as they are THC-free.
While THC present in full-spectrum is very small, even this small amount can lead to positive test results as THC accumulates in fat cells in regular consumers.
When looking for the right CBD/THC products, examine the list of ingredients to see how much THC the product contains. Examining the product’s list of ingredients will also tell you important information on its potency and purity, expiration date, and batch number.
Understanding Product Labels and Certificates of Analysis (COAs)
You want to focus your attention on third-party tested products that have COA certificates. COA certificates are issued by acclaimed third-party testing labs that conduct different tests to assess products’ potency and safety.
These tests also verify how much CBD and THC products contain, their chemical composition, their terpene profile, and more.
While going with products that are tested for potency and safety will not prevent false positives on a drug test, it will give you a piece of mind knowing that the product you are consuming has been looked into.
FAQs
For more information on the detectability of CBD on a standard drug test, check out our FAQs section down below.
How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
Generally speaking, CBD remains detectable in the body for two to five days, but it really depends on the consumption method, your individual metabolism, the dose you have consumed, as well as several other factors.
Are There Drug Tests That Specifically Detect CBD?
While every standard drug test is designed to look for the presence of THC metabolites, there are specialized drug screening tests that primarily look for the presence of CBD, but these are not commonly used.
What Should I Do If I Test Positive After Using CBD Oil?
If THC present in the CBD product you have consumed results in a positive test, the best option is to communicate with your employer right away. If possible, provide evidence that you consumed CBD-based products and not THC and explain the whole situation.
Can I Use CBD Oil If I Have Regular Drug Tests for Work?
Yes, you can use CBD-based products if you have to take a drug test frequently for work, but use it with caution. We also recommend you consume THC-free CBD products a few days before you are scheduled to be tested.
How Long Does CBD Stay in Urine?
CBD remains present in urine for three to fifteen days, depending on your specific consumption habits and other factors, such as your body weight and metabolism. How much THC you consume also plays a role, as smaller amounts of THC accumulate faster in regular consumers.
Is CBD Legal in All States?
Today, CBD products that have less than 0.3% THC are federally legal in the United States, according to the Farm Bill 2028. However, laws and regulations differ between states, so looking into local laws in your area is a must.
Is Hemp Oil the Same as CBD Oil?
No, these two are not the same. While CBD oil is derived from the cannabis stalks, flowers, and leaves, hemp oil is derived from the cannabis seeds. The concentration of CBD is higher in flowers, stalks, and leaves.
Does CBD Face Oil Show Up on Drug Tests?
CBD-based oil without any amount of THC will not show up on a drug test, but if you consume CBD products that have a trace amount of THC, there is a potential of getting positive test results on THC and not CBD.
Final Thoughts
In the previous sections, we delved into the world of CBD oils and their interaction with drug tests.
We have discussed the differences between different CBD formulations and looked into the most prevalent drug screening procedures for CBD.
Most importantly, we have established that while pure CBD is unlikely to lead to a positive drug test, the potential for trace amounts of THC in CBD products could lead to a false positive.
This information only underlines the importance of being well-informed about the products you choose and the legal and other implications they may carry.
As we wrap up this guide, we hope that you will find the information discussed earlier helpful as you navigate the world of CBD oils on your own. Please stay informed, stay safe, and let your curiosity guide you in a responsible manner.
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References:
Villanueva MRB, Joshaghani N, Villa N, Badla O, Goit R, Saddik SE, Dawood SN, Rabih AM, Niaj A, Raman A, Uprety M, Calero M, Khan S. Efficacy, Safety, and Regulation of Cannabidiol on Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2022 Jul 16;14(7):e26913. doi: 10.7759/cureus.26913. PMID: 35860716; PMCID: PMC9288157.
Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015 Oct;12(4):825-36. doi: 10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1. PMID: 26341731; PMCID: PMC4604171.
The information regarding cannabis, cannabis-related, THC and CBD products is for informational and educational purposes only, not substituting professional medical advice or treatment. We do not promote or endorse the use, sale, or distribution of cannabis where it's not legally permitted. The legality of cannabis varies by state and jurisdiction, and we urge users to comply with all federal, state, and local laws concerning its use and sale. We encourage users to consult with healthcare professionals. We might earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links. McClatchy's Commerce Content team, which is independent from our newsroom, oversees this content.