Cannabidiol (CBD) should not appear on a drug test as hardly anyone (if anyone) in the country tests for CBD itself. However, those same people do often test for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Since CBD products contain a small amount (less than 0.3%) of THC, it is possible this will appear on a drug test.

Throughout this article, we’re going to observe why you may fail a drug test due to CBD and what you can do in order to avoid potential consequences.

1Find A Manufacturer You Trust

As mentioned, some CBD products contain trace amounts of THC and, due to this, it is possible for people who take these products to fail a drug test.

However, not all products contain CBD. It’s often difficult to tell which do and which don’t as the industry isn’t currently regulated by the Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA).¹ Therefore, some businesses currently in the market have gotten away with either not labeling or mislabeling THC count.

This is why it’s important to find a CBD manufacturer you can trust. There are plenty of legitimate companies out there who properly label their products and offer CBD without any THC in it.

2Try CBD Isolate

It should be noted, all full-spectrum (or whole flower) CBD will contain trace amounts of CBD. This is due to the fact that full-spectrum CBD offers all the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant the CBD is harvested from.²

If you want CBD without the chance of failing a drug test, keep an eye out for products labeled CBD isolate. Still, plenty of people still want to opt for full-spectrum CBD as it still won’t get them “high” and there are a lot more health benefits.

3Trying To Keep THC Low Probably Won’t Work

You might be asking, “How much THC needs to be in my system in order to appear on a drug test?”

It’s a difficult question to answer. Most drug tests are seeking out marijuana smokers, not CBD consumers. With that, they’re looking for high levels of THC rather than small amounts.³ Many people with trace amounts of THC in their system have still passed a drug test.

Furthermore, it’s even more difficult to measure the amount of THC you intake while trying to keep remain at a passing level. For example, in order for THC to show up positive on a urine drug test, you need to have a concentration of 50 nanograms per millilitre.⁴

“How am I supposed to measure that?” you may be now wondering.

The truth is, you’re not supposed to measure it. A drug test is supposed to catch users off-guard.

4Talk To Whoever Requires The Drug Test

Be honest with your supervisor (or whoever is conducting the drug test) that you’re taking a CBD product (which is completely legal!) that contains trace amounts of THC. It could be beneficial and shine a light on your honesty.

Wrapping Up Your Options

It may be in your benefit to take the test and see what happens. If you show up positive for THC, then you can come forth with your honesty. Or you can avoid the risk altogether by only taking CBD isolate. The decision is up to you. For those who want to get the full benefit of using CBD we suggest using full spectrum or whole flower products such as our Whole Flower Myst that you can find here.

Reference Sources

¹ FDA: FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products

² MDPI: Quality Traits of “Cannabidiol Oils”

³ Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Clinical Interpretation of Urine Drug Tests 

⁴ Springer Journal of Medical Toxicology: Interpretation of Workplace Tests for Cannabinoids