She Strengthens

The CBD Conundrum: Understanding Drug Testing and Compliance

As the world of drug testing becomes increasingly complex, one question remains top of mind: can CBD land you in hot water on a drug test? With medical marijuana legal in 33 states and recreational weed legal in 10, employers can still test employees for marijuana use nationwide. Add CBD to the mix, and things get even more confusing.

What is CBD, Anyway?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a form of hemp- or marijuana-derived oil that contains no psychoactive properties. It’s been shown to have positive effects on anxiety, pain, and epilepsy in children. But what happens when you’re asked to take a drug screening?

The Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana

Hemp is a cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC, while marijuana is a cannabis plant with more than 0.3% THC. All pure CBD oil will have less than 0.3% THC but will be full of anxiety- and pain-reducing properties.

Do Employers Test for CBD?

When an employer tests for cannabis, they’re looking for the presence of THC, not CBD. Even in states where weed is legal, an employer can still choose to have a “drug-free” workplace and test for THC.

Can You Fail a Drug Test Due to CBD?

Most companies only search for THC, but some testing facilities check for a spectrum of cannabinoids, including THC-free CBD products. However, these super-sensitive tests are rare, and most employers just want to know if you’re smoking weed, not taking CBD for anxiety.

Risks of False Positives

If you’re using CBD products without a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) that indicates zero THC, THC could show up on a drug screen. Some oils that claim to be pure CBD may contain sneaky THC, which could mess up a drug test. Always purchase CBD oils with a CoA purity guarantee to avoid ingesting trace amounts of THC.

How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?

CBD stays in your system for an unknown amount of time, depending on your size, BMI, and how often you’ve ingested CBD. If you’ve had pure CBD, it shouldn’t matter when you had it last since it won’t show up in urine tests. To be extremely cautious, stop using CBD oil a month before a test.

Is CBD Legal?

The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling.