Does CBD Show Up on Drug Tests?

Reviewed by: Chief Scott Silverii, PhD

Perhaps you recently used a CBD product, and you have an upcoming workplace drug test. You’re worried, and you’ve been mulling over the question: Does CBD show up on a drug test? CBD itself won’t show up on standard drug tests, because tests screen for THC rather than CBD.

Which raises the question: How do CBD drug tests work? Read on to learn how CBD and THC affect test results, what can cause a positive result, and how to lower your risk of testing positive.

Key Takeaways

• Pure CBD itself doesn’t show up on drug tests, but many CBD products may contain THC that does.
• CBD products labeled ”100% pure” or ”THC-free” may contain THC even if they state that they don’t.
• CBD may cause drowsiness and fatigue in some people, while THC may cause side effects like memory issues or impaired coordination.
• THC can impair short-term memory, judgment, and reaction time, making driving unsafe after using it.

Impaired driving is often associated with alcohol, but it isn’t limited to it. Learn more about drugged driving and what MADD is doing to prevent it.

Will CBD Show Up on Drug Test?

CBD itself won’t show up on a drug test, but this doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. Many CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, which can result in a positive test, depending on the product’s ingredients, your usage frequency, and the type of drug test.

What Drug Tests Look For

CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. While CBD has no intoxicating effects, THC is an intoxicating compound that can make you feel ”high.” This is why standard drug tests typically look for THC and its metabolites rather than CBD.

However, taking a product that claims only to contain CBD won’t put you in the clear. Many products marketed as pure CBD may still have trace amounts of THC. That’s why it’s more important to scrutinize a product’s ingredients rather than assume it doesn’t contain THC just because it has a ”THC-free” label.

Worried about an upcoming drug test because you recently used a CBD product with THC? Discover how long THC can stay in your system.

Why You Could Fail a Drug Test Because of CBD

While standard CBD drug tests screen for THC, there are reasons why you could still fail a drug test because of CBD, including:

Inaccurate Labeling

Many CBD products sold online labeled as ”THC-free” or ”100% pure CBD” contain undisclosed amounts of THC. In fact, one study discovered that among 89 products, 76% of the CBD products available online and at national retail stores were inaccurately labeled for potency.

Cross-Contamination

Many CBD manufacturers process both THC and CBD products in the same facility. Shared equipment or insufficient separation protocols can unintentionally introduce THC into otherwise pure CBD production lines.

Using a THC Product

CBD products are available in three spectrums: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate, each with varying levels of chemical compounds.

Full-spectrum CBD contains all natural compounds of the hemp plant and at most 0.3% delta-9-THC by dry weight, while broad-spectrum contains the same compounds as full-spectrum CBD except THC. Meanwhile, CBD isolate is the purest form, containing only CBD and no other compounds.

If you use CBD products regularly and you test positive for THC, you could potentially be using a full-spectrum product with some THC.

What Can Lower Your Risk

If you take CBD products, take these measures to help reduce your risk of testing positive for THC:

• Check product ingredients carefully and avoid full-spectrum CBD products.
• Purchase products from manufacturers that use third-party testing to verify THC is absent.
• Buy from trusted online stores and retail outlets.

Keep in mind that taking these steps won’t entirely guarantee you won’t fail a drug test, particularly since cannabis has become increasingly more potent. The only sure-fire way to pass a cannabis drug test is to abstain from cannabis use entirely. So, if you need to take CBD for health or wellness reasons, make sure you talk to your employer about the drug-testing policies that apply to you.

CBD Impacts on the Body & Impairment

CBD and THC affect the body differently. While CBD may increase drowsiness and cause dry mouth, THC more widely impairs short-term memory, judgment, and reaction time.

As a result, you should never use THC if you intend to perform tasks that require your full concentration and control, such as operating heavy machinery or driving.

Planning to get behind the wheel after using a CBD product? Learn more about how CBD and THC impact the body and brain before you do.

CBD & Drug Testing FAQs

How long does CBD stay in your system?

The time it takes CBD to clear from your system may vary depending on the dosage, your usage frequency, metabolism, body composition, and the product’s formulation.

Can CBD oil make you fail a drug test?

Taking CBD oil itself won’t necessarily make you fail a drug test. However, if you take a full-spectrum CBD oil containing THC, it could lead to a positive result because standard drug tests screen for THC, not CBD.

Will Delta 8 test positive on a drug test?

Delta-8 THC is a form of THC that can produce metabolites that can show up on drug tests that screen for THC. While not always understood, delta-8 THC is intoxicating and can put you at high risk of testing positive for THC metabolites if you use a product containing it.

Can CBD cause impairment?

Pure CBD is non-intoxicating, but it can cause drowsiness and changes in alertness that may make driving unsafe. Full-spectrum CBD products that contain trace amounts of THC may cause impairment. If you feel any side effects that could interfere with safe driving, arrange another ride home.

Can you drive after taking CBD?

Don’t decide whether to drive based on the ”CBD” label alone. Formulations vary, and some products contain enough THC to cause impairment. CBD itself can also cause drowsiness or fatigue in some individuals. If you feel any effects, or if a product contains an intoxicating amount of THC, don’t drive. Arrange another ride.