Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is gaining popularity and becoming more accessible to medical and recreational users. However, many questions remain unanswered, such as whether or not it would show up on a drug test. In this article, we will explain the answer to a commonly asked question - does CBD show up on a drug test?

Cannabinoids, or active components of the cannabis sativa plant, include both CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC has some psychoactive effects which can cause a feeling of intoxication, or what we know as being high. CBD does not have the same psychoactive results, but can achieve many of the same benefits.

Since THC and CBD come from the same plant, it is natural to question if either one or both might register on a drug test. Continue reading to find out how cannabis drug tests function and what the available evidence suggests concerning the possibility of a positive result from CBD use.

Drug Tests for Cannabis

There are a few different kinds of drug tests that can detect the presence of cannabis in the human body. CBD is not a typical target of cannabis drug tests.

The immunoassay is a common diagnostic method. This test involves analyzing a sample of a patient's urine for molecules that look like the active metabolite, or THC’s breakdown product. The presence of THC cannot be determined by the immunoassay, nor can the extent of impairment or the dose of THC to which a person was exposed.

Immunoassays are easy to use, widely available, and produce results rapidly. Presumptive screening tests are sometimes used due to the possibility of false positives and false negatives, and follow-up drug testing is common practice for many businesses.

Confirmatory testing using mass spectrometry is typically used for forensic or occupational drug testing, as it is the "gold standard" for drug testing. Mass spectrometry is an innovative technique for detecting chemicals based on their distinct chemical structures. It is generally paired with other innovative testing techniques for result confirmation. However, compared to immunoassays, mass spectrometry is more costly, needs specially educated personnel, and might take days or weeks to yield their findings.

THC can be detected in a drug test for up to 30 days after heavy or repetitive usage, and for up to 3 days after occasional or one time use. THC is fat-soluble, therefore it can be retained in your body fat for a long time. It can accumulate in fatty tissues following chronic usage, and it can subsequently be released into the bloodstream in a time- and dose-dependent manner.

Can CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

In some cases, CBD use can cause a positive drug test result if the CBD product used included more THC than was listed on the label. This discrepancy is not as rare as you might assume, which is why it is important to purchase products from a trustworthy and educated source.

The widespread lack of regulation in the CBD industry means that some products may include trace amounts of THC or other substances. One 2017 study found that less than one-third of widely sold items had correct labeling of the concentration of their CBD, and another found that 21% included THC. In another published study, researchers found that 25% of CBD-containing food products in Germany had THC concentrations beyond the 2.5 milligrams per day that are considered safe for human consumption.

Any and all users of CBD products should be aware that some of these products may contain more substances than advertised. This is why we always recommend researching and purchasing your products from a reliable source, rather than trusting what is widely available in retail stores. CBD itself might not cause intoxication or show up on a drug test, but goods with more THC than advertised could.