Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

CBD is an impressive compound found in the cannabis sativa (hemp) plant that interacts with the Endocannabinoid System. In fact, it’s just one of more than 80 cannabinoids in hemp and is thought to benefit the mind and body by regulating other systems. And while a lot of people have found great uses for it, some people still wonder, “Does CBD show up on a drug test?”

Is CBD Legal?

While CBD is found in hemp, which is legal at the federal level, it’s also found in and closely related to marijuana. This is the part that makes a lot of people nervous and uncertain about whether or not CBD shows up on a drug test. But take a breath — CBD is not the same as THC, the primary cannabinoid found in marijuana.

While they are both cannabinoids, CBD and THC are totally different compounds and cause very different effects on the body. THC is the compound in marijuana that causes the mind-altering “high.” CBD, on the other hand, has no mind-altering or psychotropic properties.

A federal law called the Farm Bill of 2018 moved hemp and hemp products off the list of controlled substances, making CBD products legal federally, as long as the THC remains under the federal threshold.

So what exactly is the federal threshold for THC, and what does that mean? A product can be federally legal if it has less than 0.3% of THC. At this small amount, it will not get someone high.

Types of CBD Products: Broad Spectrum vs. Full Spectrum vs. Isolate

If CBD is legal and THC is not above a certain level, shouldn’t all CBD products be made THC-free? While that might seem to be the easy answer, it’s not necessarily the best solution. Cannabinoids, including CBD, benefit from something known as “the entourage effect.” In other words, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. CBD and other cannabinoids are actually more effective and work better when they’re taken together. That’s why CBD products such as oils and gummies come in a variety of combinations.

• Full spectrum products contain some THC to maximize the entourage effect. But the THC is below the 0.3% legal threshold.

• Broad spectrum CBD products contain other cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN, but will not contain any THC.

• Isolate CBD products contain no other active ingredients than CBD. It’s completely isolated from THC.

CBD and Drug Tests: What Does a Test Look For?

Drug tests can be given for a variety of reasons, including as a condition of employment or when an accident occurs. The most common drug test administered is a urinalysis, which analyzes a urine sample. This tests for a variety of substances including:

• Alcohol
• Meth
• Opiods (i.e. heroin)
• Marijuana
• PCP and more.

While many drug tests will only look for THC over the federal threshold, some tests seek any presence of THC (not CBD). This is why it’s so important to know what you’re getting by checking out a company’s Certificates of Analysis (COA) and what a potential employer or employer expects.

Other drug tests could include blood and hair follicle tests, which detect the presence of drugs over various lengths of time. Blood tests show drugs that have been consumed more recently, while hair follicle tests may show past use.

Available CBD Products

When you’re looking for CBD products, whether full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate, there are a variety of options available for delivery. Two of the most common products include CBD oil and CBD gummies. 

CBD oil can be found in various strengths (concentrations). It is most frequently used under the tongue, sublingually. This delivers the CBD into your bloodstream quickly, and effects can be felt within 15-25 minutes. The average person will benefit from CBD oil for 2-4 hours. It can also be used on food, which makes the time it lasts (and the effects) more closely in line with eating gummies.

Gummies (and CBD oil used with food) have to go through the digestion process. As a result, it could take 30-60 minutes before the effects are noticed. But it will last longer than any other delivery, in some cases 6+ hours!

Can CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

Okay, now you know what CBD is, that it’s legal, that there are many options, delivery methods, and various strengths and combinations. But back to your real question, does CBD show up on a drug test? And, let’s not forget the even better question, do CBD gummy bears show up on a drug test?

The short answer is — no, CBD is unlikely to show up on a drug test. Most tests don’t look for or detect CBD or ultra-low levels of THC. However, just like everything else, there’s a longer answer. (You knew that was coming!)

There are a few things to consider, like how long CBD lasts in the system, how much you take, how long you’ve been using it, as well as your personal body chemistry. The average person has detectable levels of CBD in their system for 2-5 days, significantly longer than the effects are experienced. Obviously, the more you take and use CBD, the longer it lasts in the body. False positives have been reported on drug tests for people who only take CBD, but it’s very uncommon.

That being said, you can find CBD products with zero THC if you are concerned. Because CBD is not regulated, it’s up to consumers to make sure they’re getting a quality product from a reputable company. To make sure of that, look at the COAs. They can easily be found or provided if the company is worth a damn!

If you really want to make sure you’re getting what you expect and deserve from your CBD, buy IGNITE.

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