As CBD products gain popularity, many users have questions about how CBD might affect drug tests. Whether for employment, legal, or medical reasons, it’s important to understand how drug tests detect substances and the potential impacts of CBD use. Let’s explore some key points about CBD and drug testing.
How drug tests detect substances
Drug tests typically screen for specific metabolites – substances produced when the body breaks down drugs. For cannabis, tests usually look for THC-COOH, the main metabolite of THC [1]. Most drug tests use immunoassay screening followed by confirmatory mass spectrometry testing if needed [2].
Common drug testing methods include:
- Urine tests: Most common for workplace testing
- Blood tests: Can detect recent use but have a shorter detection window
- Hair tests: Can show patterns of use over longer periods
- Oral fluid tests: Detect very recent use
Each method has its own detection windows and sensitivity levels. Urine tests are the most common due to their ease of use and longer detection window.
CBD vs. THC: what drug tests look for
Most drug tests specifically target THC and its metabolites, not CBD. Standard tests are not designed to detect CBD [6]. However, CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, which could potentially trigger a positive result on sensitive tests.
Full-spectrum CBD products contain small amounts of THC (<2% in NZ). THC-free products like CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD should not contain detectable THC levels [7].
The initial screening test for THC metabolites usually has a cutoff level of 50 ng/mL in urine. Samples that test positive at this level then undergo confirmatory testing, which has a lower cutoff of 15 ng/mL [8].
Factors affecting CBD detection in drug tests
Several factors can influence whether CBD use might lead to a positive drug test:
1. CBD product type and quality: Full-spectrum products have higher risk of THC content.
2. Dosage and frequency of use: Higher doses increase the chance of THC accumulation.
3. Individual metabolism: People process cannabinoids differently.
4. Test sensitivity: More sensitive tests may detect lower THC levels.
5. Route of administration: Inhaled CBD may have different detection times than oral CBD.
6. Secondary exposure: While unlikely, heavy exposure to cannabis smoke could potentially cause a positive test in extreme cases.
How long does CBD stay in your urine?
CBD itself is not typically screened for in standard urine tests. However, if a CBD product contains THC, metabolites could be detectable in urine for several days to weeks after use, depending on frequency of use and other factors [9].
For infrequent users, THC metabolites are generally detectable for 3-7 days. Moderate users (several times per week) may test positive for 5-10 days after last use. Heavy, chronic users may test positive for 30 days or more after last use [10].
How long will CBD show up on a blood test?
CBD has a relatively short half-life in the bloodstream. In one study, CBD was only detectable in plasma for about 6 hours after a single oral dose [11]. However, regular use may lead to accumulation in the body.
Blood tests are less common for cannabis screening due to their shorter detection window. THC is typically only detectable in blood for a few hours to a few days after use [12].
Will CBD usage impact work drug test requirements?
While pure CBD isolate should not trigger a positive result on a standard drug test, there is still some risk when using full-spectrum CBD products.
To minimize risk, choose legally prescribed high-quality, third-party tested CBD products, preferably THC-free formulations. If drug testing is a concern, consider discussing your CBD use with your employer or testing agency.
Some workplaces have begun updating their policies to account for CBD use, but this is not universal. It’s important to be aware of your employer’s specific policies regarding CBD and cannabis products.
While CBD alone is unlikely to cause a failed drug test, there is still some risk when using full-spectrum products or in cases of heavy, long-term use. Understanding how drug tests work and the factors that influence detection can help CBD users make informed decisions. When in doubt, consult with a healthcare professional or legal expert about your specific situation.
As the medicinal cannabis industry continues to evolve in New Zealand, staying informed about the latest research and regulations is crucial for anyone using CBD products, especially if they’re subject to drug testing.
References:
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- [2] Moeller, K. E., et al. (2017). Clinical interpretation of urine drug tests. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 92(5), 774-796.
- [3] Ewing, L. E., et al. (2019). Hepatotoxicity of a cannabidiol-rich cannabis extract in the mouse model. Molecules, 24(9), 1694.
- [4] Zendulka, O., et al. (2016). Cannabinoids and cytochrome P450 interactions. Current drug metabolism, 17(3), 206-226.
- [5] Brown, T. T., & Dobs, A. S. (2002). Endocrine effects of marijuana. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 42(S1), 90S-96S.
- [6] Citti, C., et al. (2018). Analysis of cannabinoids in commercial hemp seed oil and decarboxylation kinetics studies of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis, 149, 532-540.
- [7] Lachenmeier, D. W., et al. (2019). What is the best analytical approach for the determination of cannabinoids in cannabis-based medicines? Comparison of liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 411(15), 3351-3361.
- [8] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2017). Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs. Federal Register, 82(13), 7920-7970.
- [9] Bergamaschi, M. M., et al. (2011). Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent. Current drug safety, 6(4), 237-249.
- [10] Sharma, P., et al. (2012). Chemistry, metabolism, and toxicology of cannabis: clinical implications. Iranian journal of psychiatry, 7(4), 149-156.
- [11] Taylor, L., et al. (2018). A phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose, multiple dose, and food effect trial of the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of highly purified cannabidiol in healthy subjects. CNS drugs, 32(11), 1053-1067.
- [12] Huestis, M. A. (2007). Human cannabinoid pharmacokinetics. Chemistry & biodiversity, 4(8), 1770-1804.
- [13] Bonn-Miller, M. O., et al. (2017). Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online. JAMA, 318(17), 1708-1709.
