Will Using CBD Lead to a Positive Drug Test?

As interest in CBD increases, some have voiced concern over whether the cannabinoid can trigger a positive drug test result. However, as you'll discover, the issue isn't with CBD, but the quality of CBD products. To find out what you need to know about CBD and drug testing, keep reading.

How does a drug test work?

Whether you agree with drug screenings or not, they have become a prevalent tool throughout many workplaces. As such, it's important to know how these tests work and what substances they detect.

The three most common drug testing methods are:

• Saliva: The least invasive of the three major drug testing approaches, a mouth swab checks for several common substances. Swabbing only takes a few seconds, but you'll have to wait up to 24 hours for the results.

• Urine: Urinalysis is the most common form of workplace drug testing. It's slightly more invasive than a swab test, but again, it only takes a few minutes and results usually come back in 24 hours. Urinalysis also has a longer detection range than swab tests.

• Blood: It's doubtful that an employer or enforcement officer will require a blood sample to test for illicit substances. That said, it is the most accurate method, and has a somewhat lengthy detection range.

It's important to note that none of these tests are looking for traces of CBD. Instead, drug testing focuses on illicit or prohibited substances such as THC, amphetamines, opioids, and alcohol.

Can CBD make you fail a drug test?

If drug tests aren't looking for CBD, then surely there's nothing to worry about? Honestly, the answer is both yes and no. If the subject has consumed CBD products from a reputable source, then they are likely to pass. After all, drug screenings (including the methods listed above) are really only testing for the intoxicants in cannabis—namely, THC and its metabolites.

Unfortunately, some CBD products contain THC levels that could indeed trigger a positive result. In the case of most reputable CBD oils, THC content is so insignificant (usually

Although rare, even these legal, reputable products could potentially result in an initial "false-positive" if the subject has consumed a large-enough amount of CBD oil (usually over 1,000mg per day). However, to put 1,000mg into perspective, you would need to consume an entire bottle of Cibdol 10% CBD oil (in one sitting)—and that's assuming none of the CBD leaves your system by the time the test is conducted!

Even if a false-positive result does come up, there's no need to panic. Further screening should reveal the presence of CBD, which should leave subjects in the clear.

CBD vs THC: What’s the difference?

There are over 100 cannabinoid compounds in cannabis, with CBD and THC being the most prominent. However, despite their prevalence, they are very different, both in mechanism of action and effects. THC is largely responsible for the psychotropic effect of cannabis, while CBD is the cannabinoid most responsible for the plant's soothing, holistic influence. Perhaps most notably in this context, THC is a prohibited compound throughout most of the world, while CBD is widely accepted and legal to consume (local laws apply).

There's also the difference of where these compounds come from. Recreational cannabis strains (marijuana) often contain high amounts of THC and varying amounts of CBD, whereas industrial hemp features extremely low THC levels but is high in CBD.

High-quality CBD products should come from naturally grown hemp, meaning they're free from harmful levels of THC and psychotropic side effects.

Does CBD oil contain THC?

The biggest problem with using CBD products before a drug test is that you can never be sure of what you are getting, unless you trust the source. The reality, however, is that even if you try to make your own 100% pure CBD oil at home, you are likely to fail.

The CBD extraction process is not something you can cook up in a kitchen. In short, if you want to ensure you are consuming pure, untainted CBD, you have to get it from a reliable source. The testing itself isn't usually the problem; it's the source of the CBD that will most likely be cause for concern.

The final factor to be aware of regarding CBD production is different CBD formulas. Most products fall into one of three camps: CBD isolates, broad-spectrum CBD, or full-spectrum CBD. Isolate contains nothing but CBD, while broad-spectrum CBD includes a greater selection of cannabinoids, but zero THC. On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD does contain trace amounts of THC, but provided extracts are produced to the correct standard, levels will be significantly below the drug testing limit.

What is the detection threshold for THC?

Although it varies by country and organisation, the threshold for a positive test result for THC's primary metabolite THC-COOH is 50ng/ml (urinalysis) and 25ng/ml (saliva test). After an initial positive test, the sample is usually sent for confirmatory testing using a process called gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, or GC/MS for short. Once a sample makes its way into this process, the analysis will have no problem discerning THC from CBD.

It's difficult to quantify how much THC you'd have to consume to exceed the testing threshold, but for reference, Cibdol CBD oils contain less than 0.05% THC. In fact, levels are so negligible that it's difficult for highly advanced laboratory equipment to detect. For the everyday user, our full-spectrum extract shouldn't trigger a test looking for THC.

How to check THC levels in CBD oil

The simplest way to check the integrity of any CBD product is via third-party testing. Given that private testing is expensive and inconvenient for companies, you should always choose producers who publicly display their results.

CBD analysis spec sheets will differ from one laboratory to the next, but using Cibdol's as a reference, they should contain a complete breakdown of the following:

• Compounds present
• % Ratios
• Laboratory credentials
• Sample and batch number

Using these details, you can quickly and easily check exactly what each CBD product contains. Independent third-party testing is an absolute must if you want to safely consume CBD products and avoid the risk of a positive drug test result.

Bottom line: Will CBD oil trigger a positive drug test?

No. Provided CBD products meet the correct standard, they shouldn't trigger a positive test result for THC. If you’re looking for a CBD oil that is guaranteed to contain THC levels below the legal threshold, the current market leader is Cibdol. Cibdol CBD oil is some of the purest available, sourced from organically grown hemp and harnessed using supercritical CO₂ extraction and a proprietary filtration process.

Our entire procedure is conducted under stringent conditions to ensure the utmost transparency and efficiency. All of our products are tested and confirmed of their contents by a reputable third-party organisation. Go into your drug screening with confidence thanks to Cibdol CBD oil.

Ready to experience the wellness-boosting influence of third-party verified CBD oil for yourself? Visit the Cibdol store for a full selection of full-spectrum CBD oils, supplements, creams, and more. And to learn more about cannabidiol, what makes a quality CBD oil, and much more, dig into our CBD Encyclopedia.