Since the legalisation of hemp products, many individuals think twice before buying them due to the risk of getting high. Nevertheless, not all hemp products behave the same.
The fascinating fact between the two cannabinoids, CBD and THC, remains that while the latter has mind-altering characteristics, cannabidiol does not. Talking of CBD products like CBD gummies, they are hemp-derived. However, it shares some therapeutic similarities with its psychoactive counterpart, THC.
Even though we know pure CBD is not psychoactive, it might show on a drug test depending on the product type.
Moreover, the quality of a cannabidiol-infused product also plays a significant role in determining whether or not it will show on a drug test. It is why one should always opt for pure and genuine products
Nevertheless, if you wonder whether you can show a positive drug test after consuming a CBD product, keep reading below.
Types of CBD
Cannabidiol cannot induce severe psychotropic effects on its own.
However, it can cause a high if its products are added with other cannabinoids and terpenes.
We have three different varieties of CBD products depending on the cannabinoid profiles. They are-
- Isolate
CBD products mentioned as isolate cannabidiol do not contain any other cannabinoid in their formulations. It means the product only has CBD and no other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Moreover, isolated CBD products are also devoid of any traceable amounts of THC.
- Broad spectrum
Broad-spectrum CBD products are the ones that contain cannabidiol along with other cannabinoids present in hemp. However, brands that label their products as broad spectrum CBD; do not add THC in this variant.
- Full spectrum
As the name indicates, full spectrum CBD contains cannabidiol as the primary cannabinoid along with variable concentrations of the different cannabinoids found in hemp. It means these products also possess traceable amounts of THC, making them more prone to appear in a drug test.
Even though this particular variant of CBD contains THC, it might not show up in a test if the concentration is negligible.
How do drug tests work?
Drug tests detect the presence of particular compounds in the body. These tests use blood, breath, urine, or saliva as a test sample to identify the presence of THC or any other illegal drug.
Similarly, a test meant to identify the presence of cannabis in your body usually refers to the presence of THC and not CBD. However, the results of each drug test differ in detecting a fixed amount of THC in your body. While some tests can detect even the slightest concentrations of a drug, some might not make detection even if the drug is in high amounts.
What is the probability of a CBD product showing up on a drug test?
Although CBD should not show up on a drug examination, certain cannabinoids added to its products can trick the test into becoming a positive one.
If you consumed a CBD isolate product, you might not appear for a positive test. However, consuming a full-spectrum CBD product is highly likely to fail a test evaluation. It is because of the presence of Delta-9 THC. Even traceable amounts of this cannabinoid can trigger a positive response.
Which type of CBD is more likely to show on a drug test?
CBD products are categorized as isolate, broad spectrum, and full spectrum. Even though the variety that contains all the cannabinoids (full-spectrum) will show up on a drug test, the quality of a product also determines the test.
A brand may label their products to contain CBD isolate when there is no guarantee that their label is accurate. It is so because any cannabidiol-infused product does not come under the regulation of the FDA (Food and Drug Association).
So, one should look at the percentage of THC present in their CBD product to avoid any discrepancies during a blood test.
How can THC interfere with the body?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC) is not similar to cannabidiol. It is different in having psychotropic effects and the overall effect on the body and mind.
In other words, THC is intoxicating and induces a high. This cannabinoid binds to the endocannabinoid receptors affecting the following areas of the brain-
- Hippocampus
- Hypothalamus
- Basal ganglia
- Cerebellum
- Brainstem
- Spinal cord
- Neocortex
According to some studies, even CBD has psychoactive properties. However, the studies do not include how intense the effects are. It is why more studies need to be conducted for a proper conclusion.
What precautions should one follow to prevent a positive drug test with CBD products?
When cannabidiol is extracted from hemp or cannabis, all the other cannabinoids get mixed. Hence, your product contains a full spectrum of cannabinoids apart from CBD. It is observed that even if you consume a CBD product, chances are you can still test positive for the sample examination.
As a consumer, what one can do to avoid being caught in a drug test is to check every CBD product whether it contains THC or not. The best way to ensure that your cannabidiol consumption is not masked by other cannabinoids, research your product in depth.
At the federal level, CBD products with no more than 0.3% THC are allowed for public consumption. One should read the labels carefully And see whether the product contains any traces of THC. Apart from this, also look for authentication certification and a third-party lab testing report on the amounts of Delta-9 present in your particular cannabidiol product.
The Final Thought
With so many CBD options available, finding a genuine and safe product becomes stressful. It is because these products do not come under the regulation of the FDA. Therefore, it becomes easier for the brands to add anything they wish.
Be sure that your CBD product is hemp-derived and does not contain any THC. Moreover, it would help if you did a thorough research about the brand. This will ensure better health and less chance of failing a drug test.