Will CBD Products Show Positive on a Drug Test?

For the most part? No. However, there are other things to consider about CBD use that can influence whether or not you have a positive test result.

CBD and Drug Screens: What You Need to Know

Most marijuana plants, the plants that CBD is derived from, contain two types of chemicals, CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). These two produce very different effects on the body,

THC is the chemical responsible for the “high” of marijuana users, and the molecules that comprise THC are very similar in chemical structure to the “bliss molecule” that our body naturally manufactures. Its scientific name is anandamide, and it engages the CB1 receptors in the brain. Because THC is molecularly so close in structure, it, too, interacts with the CB1 receptors, producing feelings of bliss, pleasure, a “high sensation,” and increasing appetite.

CBD also interacts with the CB1 receptors in the brain, although not in the same manner that THC does. Instead of producing the high effect, CBD actually counteracts the receptors, which produces a more therapeutic effect. Many users take CBD doses for painkilling properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and to reduce anxiety, either chronic anxiety or situational anxiety, like flying on an airplane. CBD doesn’t share the same psychoactive effects as THC, though.

Why Doesn’t CBD Trigger a Positive Result For Drug Tests?

There are many different reasons that people undergo drug testing. Many companies, despite their state’s laws about the legality of marijuana and THC products, will still make a negative drug test as a condition of hire. Or, you may be required to take a drug test if you were injured on the job, in order to receive workmen’s compensation benefits. Other reasons for drug screening can be due to a court requirement, or if you’re in rehab for substance abuse.

Regardless of the reason for a drug test, all the tests are created with the same kind of screening sensitivities. Standard drug tests test for THC metabolites, not CBD. Therefore, people who use 100% pure CBD oil won’t have the THC metabolites in their system and therefore won’t test positive for THC or marijuana. This will be the case for both the rapid result testing and lab testing.

How Do Instant Drug Screens Work?

Instant drug screens, also referred to as Point of Collection Testing (POCT), uses enzymes for testing. Each testing strip in the test kit has a dedicated set of enzymes built-in, which are activated when the sample hits the testing strip. If there are THC metabolites in the urine sample, then the enzymes in the testing strip will activate, thus giving a positive result. However, CBD and THC have different metabolites, and therefore the CBD metabolites won’t active the testing strip.

Do I Need to Stop Using CBD If I’m Being Drug Tested?

The short answer is that it depends on the kind of CBD products you’re using. 100% pure CBD oils and gummies won’t have the metabolites that THC does, and so don’t trigger a positive result. However, some products use both THC and CBD extracts, which would mean that there are traces of THC in your body.

If you aren’t entirely sure whether your product is 100% pure or if it’s a blend, then you probably should refrain from using it prior to drug testing, or switch to a product that’s 100% pure CBD. You may also have a prescription for a blended product from your doctor, in which case you’ll need to let the person administering the drug test, or the Medical Review Officer evaluating the results know that the prescription is the reason that there are levels of THC in your sample.

Takeaway

If you’re concerned about a positive drug test, make sure that you purchase only 100% pure CBD products, from a reputable seller. These can help with a variety of health concerns, while still enabling you to pass a drug test, no matter the circumstance. If you’re concerned about testing positive for CBD, and you aren’t sure about the purity level of your products, it’s best to refrain from use.