Will CBD show up on a Drug Test?

This is such an important question that we field often here at KC Hemp Co.®. Knowing how drug tests work, what drug tests actually test for and knowing exactly what is in the products you’re taking can save you a lot of headache in the long term.  

It’s near impossible to walk into any store and not see CBD in at least ONE product or more. This is due to its ever rising popularity in the supplement space and for good cause. CBD has been shown to help with a wide range of issues and provide support to your Endocannabinoid System. Want to learn more about your Endocannabinoid System and How CBD Works Within the Body? Check out our blog here!

It’s natural to be curious of the hype surrounding CBD but if you are in a position that requires you to be drug tested, it can be scary to tip toe into the world of cannabis for fear of losing your job or possibly violating any court orders. So, Does CBD show up on a drug test? The short answer is no. BUT, DO NOT BE MISLED. Not all CBD products are made with CBD only. A lot of products on the market also have the compound THC. The presence of this compound CAN and WILL cause a positive result on a drug screen. Understanding the difference between CBD and THC will help you to ensure you are making the best decision regarding the products you chose as you begin your cannabis journey.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychotropic and naturally occurring phytocannabinoid found within the hemp plant. The hemp plant is a plant within the cannabis family and more properly known as cannabis sativa L. While there are hundreds of these cannabinoids found within the plant, CBD and THC are the most common and most studied. 

What is THC?

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a highly psychotropic and naturally occurring phytocannabinoid found within the cannabis plant. While THC is most prevalent within marijuana plants, it can legally be found in the hemp plant at levels not exceeding 0.3%. **This is an important fact, remember this for later** When consuming THC at these low levels will not cause you to get that notorious “high”  that is often associated with cannabis, it DOES have the potential to cause you to test positive on a drug test.

How do Drug Tests Work?

Most drug tests taken for employment or probationary reasons are typically taken through a urine sample. When you consume cannabis, much like when you consume food, your body goes to work at breaking it down into smaller compounds. These smaller compounds are called metabolites. Drug tests work by typically testing your urine for the common metabolites of THC only. These metabolites are what causes a positive result on a test.

For this reason, drug tests do not show if someone is currently under the influence of cannabis but instead shows that they have used THC in the past. This is due to the quickness in which drugs can be broken down in the system. By testing for the metabolites, you can tell days, and sometimes weeks later, if someone has been engaging in “extracurricular” activities. 

If you find you’re in a position to be drug tested, rest assured you can still use CBD products but it is imperative you know what type of CBD to choose and what exactly is in your bottle. 

Third Party Lab Testing

Any reputable CBD company will offer third party lab testing on their products. These tests will show EXACTLY what is in their products. On these lab reports, you can double check that there is the amount of CBD as advertised and any other cannabinoid, including THC, that may be present.

If the CBD you are looking at buying doesn’t offer third party lab testing reports on their website, RUN! It usually means there are things within their product they don’t want you to know about. Transparency is KEY in this industry! Check out this lab report from our latest batch that shows it contains no detectable amounts of THC, only broad spectrum organic cannabinoids!

Types of CBD

Being familiar with the types of CBD products out there is key in your success to keeping your drug screen clean.

There are three main types of CBD: full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate.

• A Full Spectrum CBD product means it contains ALL of the components found within the hemp plant including, but not limited to: natural plant matter like chlorophyll, CBD, CBN, CBG, and THC. The small amount of THC in these products COULD cause you to test positive for cannabis on a THC drug screen, especially if you are using the product regularly as it will build up in the system. However, it is not enough THC to cause psychoactive activity in the body as there is still less than 0.3%. Anything above those percentages is considered a marijuana product and is still federally illegal.

• A Broad Spectrum CBD product means it contains MOST of the components of the plant but has had the THC removed. You still get all of the other cannabinoids like CBD, CBN and CBG, just to name a few. Since there is no THC in this product, it has no potential to cause a positive drug screen

• An Isolate product is a completely isolated CBD molecule. This product will not contain any other part of the hemp plant or other cannabinoids but instead is CBD in the purest form. This product also contains NO THC, meaning it will not cause you to fail a drug screen.

To learn more about the Types of CBD, check out our blog here.

Based on the information provided above, if you are drug screened, you want to purchase products that are a Broad Spectrum or Isolate based product. NOT A FULL SPECTRUM PRODUCT.

But that isn't all, its also important to chose a product that contains a THC free carrier oil!

What is a Carrier Oil? And why does it matter?

The importance of using a broad spectrum or isolate based product should not be overshadowed by what carrier oil is used as well. A carrier oil is used as the vehicle to get the CBD into the body. CBD needs a fat source in order to be absorbed and cross the blood/brain barrier which is where it goes to work for you from head to toe! 

A lot of companies will use hemp seed oil as a carrier oil in their products which in turn could cause issues with a positive drug screen. Though hemp seed oil is oil from the plant no different than any other vegetable oil or olive oil, it does contain TRACE amounts of cannabinoids, which can include THC. If you were using large amounts of CBD oil that utilizes hemp seed oil, those trace amounts could possibly build up in the system and create a false positive on a drug screen.

It is for this reason that checking the carrier oils of the products is of the utmost importance. If drug testing for cannabis is something you’re weary about, make sure the CBD oil tincture you chose does not use hemp seed oil, but instead uses an MCT oil, to avoid any false positives. Organic MCT Oil (a.k.a fractionated coconut oil) is a great carrier oil for CBD it has a high fat content which helps maximize the absorption of CBD into your Endocannabinoid system. KC Hemp Co.® uses MCT oil in our tinctures. MCT oil has many benefits for us on its own; it can help boost energy levels, aids in heart health, managing diabetes, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and even weight loss! 

Purchasing CBD Oil Confidently

Don't want to test positive on a drug screen? Remember these key tips!

• Purchase a Broad Spectrum or Isolate based CBD product
• Check the THIRD PARTY lab tests
• Avoid hemp oil in your products

CBD is for EVERYONE! Knowing how to purchase for your specific needs can help you enjoy the benefits of CBD without having to worry!

At KC Hemp Co.® we use Broad Spectrum CBD in our tinctures and CBD isolate in our Relief Lotion and Gummies. All of our lab reports are available here. Any product on our website that is a full spectrum product comes with a disclaimer at the bottom of the description! Your health and safety is our TOP priority! Let us help you find the perfect product for you!