Can taking CBD cause you to fail a drug test? CBD companies want you to believe the answer is no, but we’ve got the facts in this guide to CBD and drug tests.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Can I fail a drug test from taking CBD?
Yes. You can fail a drug test after taking CBD, but not all CBD will cause you to fail a drug test.
If you enjoy the benefits of CBD or are interested in trying CBD, there are types of CBD you can take that will NOT result in a failed drug test. Namely, CBD that contains 0% THC will not cause you to fail a drug test.
Let’s take a look at the types of CBD you can buy and how each one will affect a drug test:
Type of CBD | Description | Drug Test (Pass or Fail) |
|---|---|---|
Full Spectrum CBD | Full Spectrum CBD contains CBD extract and a mix of other cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. The federal legal limit of THC that can be present in this extract is 0.3% | Fail |
Broad Spectrum CBD | Broad Spectrum CBD contains CBD and some (but not all) of the cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis. | Fail (if contains THC) Pass (if THC has been removed) |
CBD Isolate | CBD Isolate contains only CBD and no other cannabinoids or terpenes.... | Pass |
CBD and Drug Testing: It’s all about THC
CBD made from hemp is now legal at a federal level, so how can taking it result in a failed drug test?
Because some CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, which is detectable by drug tests.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, meaning it is the compound that causes you to get “high.” THC is illegal in the USA and many countries around the world.
So how is there an illegal substance in legal CBD products?
To answer that question, we have to discuss the two common types of the cannabis plant. Let’s take a look:
Legal CBD is made from hemp, a completely safe and legal type of cannabis. But, hemp is not 100% free of THC, meaning that when CBD companies process full-spectrum hemp extracts and put them in their products, their customers are consuming trace amounts of THC.
This is not illegal, and it will not get you high. But, even trace amounts of THC are enough to appear on a drug test.
Key Takeaway: If you take full-spectrum CBD, it is possible that you will fail a drug test.
What Types of CBD are Safe for Drug Tests?
The types of CBD that will leave you with a clean drug test are broad-spectrum CBD (sometimes) and CBD isolate.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is a blend of CBD, cannabinoids, and terpenes. But, it does not contain the full range of compounds from hemp.
Broad-spectrum CBD is almost always a THC-free version of full-spectrum CBD, but it isn’t necessarily so. It’s possible that, in some companies’ products, other compounds will have been left out (such as terpenes) and traces of THC will still remain.
Broad-spectrum CBD is a great choice for those who want to get the entourage effect of a full-spectrum blend without the risk of failing a drug test. But, remember to check the 3rd-party lab results provided by your CBD company to make sure the THC levels are zero.
Note: If a CBD company doesn’t provide 3rd-party lab results showing the cannabinoid profile of their hemp extract (including THC content), DO NOT buy from that company.
CBD Isolate
As the name implies, CBD isolate is 100% CBD and nothing else. There are no other cannabinoids present in products made with CBD isolate, which means there is zero THC.
CBD isolate is the safest type of CBD to take if you are worried about failing a drug test.
However, you should still always consult the 3rd-party lab results of the company you’re considering, as many CBD companies are less than reputable.
Remember, CBD producers are currently unregulated, so double-checking is a must.
How do I know what type of CBD my gummies, oil, lotions, etc. are made from?
CBD isolate? Broad spectrum? These names may not sound familiar, as you’re probably used to buying CBD in the form of edibles, creams, oils, vape liquids and more.
When we talk about full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate, we’re referring not to the finished product but to the type of hemp extract that is put into each product.
Therefore, when you buy CBD gummies or CBD oil drops, you’re buying a CBD product made with a certain type of hemp extract.
To find out which type of hemp extract is in your CBD product, you can do the following:
It’s important to remember that many CBD producers make products from different extracts. So, a site may sell full-spectrum CBD products as well as CBD isolate products.
Checklist: How to Take CBD and Pass a Drug Test
It’s easy to enjoy the benefits of CBD and never worry about failing a drug test. Just remember this simple checklist.
- 1Buy CBD from a trustworthy manufacturer: There are a lot more shady CBD companies than there are trustworthy ones. Do your research before buying, or choose a company that we’ve reviewed on this site. We only recommend honest CBD manufacturers that make high-quality CBD products.
- 2Check 3rd-party lab results: We can’t say this enough. CBD extraction is a tricky process, so what you get in the bottle doesn’t always reflect what you read on the label. Checking lab results will ensure that you know what you’re consuming and that you know your CBD product will not cause you to fail a drug test.
- 3Buy CBD isolate: The safest way to use CBD and pass a drug test is to stick to CBD isolate. This is the only type of CBD that is, by its very nature, free of THC. If you enjoy the benefits of other cannabinoids and terpenes, you can shop for a broad-spectrum product.
There are plenty of CBD products you can use without having to worry about failing a drug test. It might take a bit of research, but it’s well worth the small amount of effort. If you’d rather not take the time, check out our CBD company review section and choose a trustworthy company to buy from.
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