CBD and Drug Tests: What Should You Know?

Did you know employees who abuse drugs are ten times more likely to miss work? However, if you’re a business or individual looking to test employees or yourself for drugs, you probably have one burning question: will CBD appear on a drug test? 

The short answer is…maybe. As cannabis-derived compounds like CBD become increasingly popular in commerce and everyday life, it’s important to be aware of how they may impact the accuracy of drug tests. 

Keep reading if you want to learn more about what you need to know regarding CBD and drug tests so that you can ensure your results are accurate. Or, if you’re an employer, keep reading to learn how to test for certain types of drugs and where to find the best-quality tests.

What to Know About CBD and Drug Tests

If you frequently use CBD products, you may have wondered if it could ruin a drug test. If you’re an employer, you might wonder if employees taking CBD might accidentally fail a routine drug screening. So, does taking CBD affect a drug test? The answer is not a simple “yes” or “no.”

You see, CBD products come in various forms. Drug tests are designed to detect specific compounds in different drugs. For instance, typical drug tests are intended to detect THC, the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects.

While CBD products also originate from hemp plants, like marijuana, most contain less than 0.3% THC, which isn’t likely to get picked up in drug tests. However, some products contain THC amounts that exceed this threshold, which could result in failing a drug test.

To avoid this, as an employee, check the THC levels in your CBD products before using them, especially if you’re subject to random drug tests at work. Also, it’s worth noting that most employers conduct drug tests to check for illegal drug usage rather than CBD products, so there’s no need to worry too much.

Types of Drug Tests That Pick Up CBD

While CBD is considered safe, legal, and non-psychoactive, it can, as mentioned above, still cause a positive result on a drug test. This section will explore the different types of drug tests that can pick up CBD. Here’s what to know about CBD and drug tests, including how certain tests detect CBD or other marijuana-based drugs.

Urine Tests

Urine tests are one of the most common types of drug tests used in the workplace and can detect CBD usage for up to 30 days after the last dose. These tests don’t directly detect CBD but instead analyze the presence of THC and its metabolites. This means that even if you use a CBD product that contains less than 0.3% of THC, it still has the potential to make you test positive.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are less common but still used by some employers and law enforcement. They can detect THC and CBD usage but only within a few hours to a few days after the last dose. So, if you have been using CBD regularly, you may not test positive. Plus, most employers aren’t looking for CBD usage anyway.

Saliva Tests

Saliva tests, known as mouth swab drug tests, are becoming more common and can detect CBD usage within a few hours to a day. These tests are less invasive than urine or blood tests but can still pick up on small traces of THC. Typically, employers use them to test for harder drugs, such as cocaine, THC, methamphetamines, and opioids.

Hair Tests

Hair tests are less common and typically used as a last resort. However, a hair follicle test can detect THC usage within the last three months but cannot differentiate between THC and CBD products.

The Importance of Drug Screening

Is testing for drugs even that big of a deal? Why invest in drug screening anyway? Drug screening is an essential tool that has helped many employers keep their workplaces safe and drug-free.

As an employer, drug screening can be your best bet in identifying employees who may have substance abuse problems and seeking help for them. Not only does it promote a healthy work culture, but it also ensures that your business runs smoothly without any disruptions caused by drug misuse.

Drug screening can also be useful for individuals looking to care for their children or loved ones.

Knowing whether someone is using substances can help ensure they receive proper care, particularly during high-stress periods when substance use may increase. For instance, drug screening can be useful to a caretaker or nanny, who might spend a lot of time with the kids.

In addition, knowing whether someone is using drugs is critical in preventing any accidents that may arise due to impaired judgment or motor functions. As a parent, you wouldn’t want to leave your children in the care of someone using substances, especially if they’re responsible for driving them around.

The Bottom Line: CBD and Drug Tests

With the legalization and popularity of CBD products, it’s crucial to understand how drug screening works, especially if you’re looking for a new job or have a job that requires routine drug tests. Most employers aren’t testing for CBD. So, if you use CBD for pain relief or other medical or recreational reasons, you’re likely fine.

However, the most important thing to know is that CBD products, although legal, may contain trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive substance in cannabis. This means that they could potentially lead you to fail a drug test even if you didn’t consume any THC.

If you have concerns, bring them to your employer or whoever tests you. If you test someone else and they fail the cannabis drug screening, be sure it wasn’t due to the presence of a substance like CBD.

Browse Different Types of Drug Tests

In conclusion, when it comes to CBD and drug tests, it’s helpful to know that most don’t test for CBD. However, they are effective in testing for THC, the active compound in marijuana that is still illegal in many states. If you need to order tests to screen for marijuana or other substances, we can help.

At ReliaLabTest, we offer a wide range of testing options, including DNA, urine, hair, nail, and alcohol screening, to fit your specific needs. Our extensive selection of substance abuse panels, ranging from 5 to 17-panel drug tests, allows you to choose the perfect solution for your situation.

Trust ReliaLabTest centers to provide accurate and reliable results for all your drug testing needs. Order your tests now.