Quick Links:
- Not all CBD is Created Equally
- What Does this Mean for Drug Testing?
- Lab Variables
- Types of Drug Tests
- What’s the Verdict?
Not all CBD is Created Equally
Before exploring more about whether or not CBD can cause a positive result for Cannabis on a drug test or screening, it’s important to understand the key differences between the different types of CBD products available in the consumer marketplace.
- CBD Isolate – CBD isolated as a single cannabinoid.
- Broad Spectrum CBD – CBD containing several minor cannabinoids but “Zero” THC.
- Full Spectrum CBD – CBD Containing minor cannabinoids including small amounts of Delta 9 THC, but still less then the 0.3% legal limit.
What does this mean for Drug Testing?
In theory, the type of CBD you consume should determine how that use would reflect on a drug test. Consuming CBD Isolate or Broad Spectrum CBD should only be exposing you to virtually undetectable levels of THC, which one would assume would result in clear drug testing results for Cannabis or THC. While Full Spectrum CBD contains very little CBD, it does contain SOME, which could have the potential to raise a red flag during a screening.
Lab Variables
The truth is that the variables at play start long before you show up to your drug test. There exists a potential for variances between labs during the original product testing process. This means that depending on the calibrations of the equipment used, different labs may show different amounts of THC or other cannabinoids present. Testing methods also typically rely on LOD’s (limits of detection) set up within the test, meaning some labs may show small amounts of cannabinoids present, while others may show a flat zero. Any reputable labs will show results fairly close to one another, but the potential for a small margin may be worth considering.
Types of Drug Tests
There are numerous methods of drug testing or drug screening, all used for different purposes. Many of these tests are not actually looking for THC, but rather the metabolites produced during the human processing of THC. Because of the wide array of testing methods and thresholds, it’s absolutely crucial that you weigh the pros and cons of your own situation. While we can make assumptions, we simply do not know enough about the types of drug tests being used or how these different cannabinoids are metabolized in relation to a specific testing type.
What’s the Verdict?
When it comes down to it, we simply suggest not to risk it. While you could be in the clear consuming CBD isolate or Broad Spectrum CBD products and then taking a drug test, those trace amounts of THC could potentially show up on a sensitive test. With a Full-Spectrum CBD product, you are consuming measurable amounts of THC, but still maybe not enough to change a test result. Because of this level of uncertainty, we recommend that if you are subject to drug testing, especially if those tests determine your eligibility for employment, athletics, or legal status, that you make serious considerations before putting cannabinoids into your body.