Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?

Cannabinol (CBD) use won't trigger a positive drug test result. But there's more to the story.

Standard drug testing is designed to test for illicit drug use, and because CBD isn't on the list of Controlled Substances, it's not something they screen for. However, using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the main psychoactive component in cannabis — will get you a positive test.

How Drug Tests Work

Drug tests detect specific compounds in your body — usually through your urine, blood, or saliva. For cannabinoids like THC, urine tests are the most common.

They look for THC metabolites, which are the chemicals your body makes when it breaks down THC. Blood and saliva tests can also be used, but they're usually less common, especially for work-related drug screenings. These tests are looking for the presence of THC or its metabolites, not CBD.

Some industries may require drug testing during their job or pre-employment screening or subject their employees to random drug testing, which could cause concern when taking different types of wellness products.

The Difference Between CBD And THC

CBD and THC are both chemical compounds found in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, but they have different effects on your body.

THC is the compound that gets you high, and it's what drug tests are designed to detect. CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t have the psychoactive effects of THC and is not usually screened for in standard drug tests.

Since CBD doesn't make you feel high, it doesn't produce the same metabolites that THC does —meaning it's generally undetectable. However, issues can arise if the CBD product you use contains trace amounts of THC.

Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate CBD

Not all hemp-derived CBD products are the same.

Full-spectrum CBD contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant, including small amounts of THC (usually below 0.3%). While this amount of THC isn’t enough to get you high, it could still be enough to show up on a sensitive drug test, especially if you're regularly consuming it.

CBD isolate, on the other hand, is pure CBD and doesn't contain any THC. If you're worried about a drug test, isolate or broad-spectrum CBD (which removes THC but keeps other beneficial cannabinoids) are safer bets.

Can CBD Products Cause a Positive Drug Test?

Yes, it's possible to trigger a positive test result with CBD products — but not because of CBD itself.

The main reason someone might fail a drug test after using CBD is if the product contains trace amounts of THC. Even though full-spectrum CBD products are required by law to contain less than 0.3% THC, poor quality control, mislabeling, or taking high doses could result in enough THC to cause a positive result.

This is why it's so important to purchase CBD products from trusted brands that provide third-party lab testing to ensure transparency about what's in the product.

Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test In Hair, Blood, Or Saliva?

These tests are still looking for THC metabolites, so using broad-spectrum CBD products won't result in a positive drug test. Each of these tests can show different time frames for substances that may be in your system.

How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?

CBD can stay in your system for several days to a couple of weeks, depending on your metabolism, frequency of use, and how much you take.

For most people, CBD is eliminated from the body within 5 to 10 days. If you're using a CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD that does not contain THC, there shouldn't be any THC lingering in your system.

However, if you're using full-spectrum CBD, trace THC could stick around for a similar period. It's always safest to stop using any CBD products 4-8 weeks before a scheduled drug test if you're concerned.

Minimizing the Risk of Failing a Drug Test

If you're using CBD and worried about drug testing, here are a few tips to minimize your risk:

1. Opt for CBD Isolate or Broad-Spectrum: These products are less likely to contain THC. If you're used to taking full-spectrum CBD products, you might find that CBD isolate products aren't as strong. This is why we opt for broad-spectrum CBD products as the THC-free option, as they'll contain natural cannabinoids and terpenes that complement the effects of CBD for a more well-balanced effect.
2. Check for Third-Party Lab Results: Reputable brands provide lab tests to confirm the levels of THC in their products. This isn't a mandatory practice in the cannabis space, but more and more brands are opting for this extra step in transparency to demonstrate their commitment to quality cannabis products.
3. Avoid High Doses of Full-Spectrum CBD: Even small traces of THC can build up over time and are stored in fat tissue. If you know you have an upcoming urine test, it's a good idea to switch to broad-spectrum CBD and stop all marijuana use at least four weeks before the test.

Is There A CBD Drug Test?

We're not aware of any specific CBD drug test, but even if a CBD oil drug test did exist, since CBD is federally legal and has no psychoactive effects, it's doubtful that anyone would be screening for CBD. Most drug tests are looking specifically for THC. 

What to Do if You Fail a Drug Test After Taking CBD?

If you fail a drug test and believe CBD is the cause, let your employer or the testing party know that you have been using CBD and provide any documentation you have, like product labels or lab test results.

Some employers may be understanding, especially if you can prove that the CBD product you used was meant to be THC-free. Sometimes, you may request a retest, mainly if the original test was a urine test, which can sometimes give false positives.

Is There THC In CBD Products?

Yes, there can be THC in full-spectrum CBD products.

In 2018, the farm bill passed legalizing hemp plants and their products as long as they contain 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC. A full-spectrum extract consists of all of the cannabis plant compounds necessary to produce the optimal benefits of the plant. These compounds include cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Depending on how many milligrams of full-spectrum CBD oil you take (upwards of thousands of milligrams), you may end up taking enough THC to test positive on a drug test. 

Another way THC could end up in CBD products is if a company mislabels its products. 

The hemp and CBD industry doesn't have as many regulatory systems in place as recreational marijuana. This means that CBD product quality can vary, and some products end up testing for higher than legal levels of THC. In such an unregulated market, it's up to you as a consumer to research the product.  The best practice is to read over the company’s lab analysis. 

Does Topical CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?

Topical CBD or THC products, like creams, lotions, and balms, when used on the skin, won't show up on a drug test. This is because cannabinoids aren't absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin, and because drug tests look for THC or its metabolites in urine, blood, or saliva, using topical cannabis plant products is highly unlikely to result in a positive drug test.

The Takeaway: The Future Of Cannabis And Drug Testing

As cannabis laws continue to evolve, drug testing policies are also changing to reflect shifting attitudes. Cannabis has become more accessible across the United States, both socially and medically, and some states have started to reconsider their stance on drug testing for cannabis use.

For example, Nevada has prohibited employers from refusing to hire someone based on a positive THC test (with some exceptions), and New York City has banned pre-employment marijuana testing in most cases.

While there is still progress to be made, the increasing acceptance of cannabis is leading to changes in how drug tests are administered.

CBD, in particular, has helped many individuals adopt a more natural approach to health without the worry of psychoactive effects or failing a drug test. As the cannabis plant moves closer to full legalization, drug testing for THC will likely become less common, especially in non-safety-sensitive jobs. Employers will still need to screen for illegal substances, but cannabis may eventually be treated similarly to alcohol — legal for personal use but monitored for on-the-job impairment.