Will CBD Show Up On Drug Tests?

Concern about positive drug tests have become common with the explosion of CBD products on the market. As the variety of uses for such products increase; I am getting more and more I am getting questions from clients such as:

• “Will I pass a drug screening while taking CBD?”
• “Can I pass a drug test at work while taking CBD?”
• “Does CBD show up on a drug screen?”

The answer to these questions depends on the type of products you are consuming and the processes the manufacturer used in creating the product.

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is known commonly as THC or Delta9 THC. This is what shows on drug screens for marijuana AND is the cannabinoid responsible for marijuana’s “high.” Some CBD products contain THC or Delta9 THC, while other’s don’t.

Different Types of CBD

CBD Isolate – if properly manufactured will not show as a positive on a drug screen.

• CBD Isolate is considered the purest form of CBD, since it only contains CBD. Meaning that during the extraction process all other cannabinoids (including THC) were removed leaving only CBD remaining.

Full Spectrum CBD – is likely to show as a positive on a drug screen. Especially, if taken regularly, where the level of THC can build up in your system.

• Full Spectrum CBD contains a full array of whatever cannabinoids were in the plant your CBD was extracted from. Meaning it is likely to contain a certain amount of THC.

Broad Spectrum CBD – may show as a positive on a drug screen.

• Broad Spectrum CBD fits between CBD isolate and full spectrum. Some of the cannabinoids are removed, but not all. The goal for broad spectrum is to remove only the THC, however, that is not always successful. Therefore, similar to full spectrum there may be THC in the product of a varying levels.

Delta 8 THC or Δ8THC – is not legal in the state of Kentucky as of April 19^th, 2021. Further, Delta8 THC is likely to show as a positive on drug screens.

• Delta8 THC is produced by taking CBD isolate and introducing a catalyst to convert the CBD to Delta8. The process can create 4-20% Delta9 THC, which means Delta8 THC can get you high. Thus, it has been identified as a Schedule I controlled Substance by Federal law.

What CBD Products Are Detected By Drug Tests?

The only CBD product that will not show up on a drug screen (as long as it is properly manufactured) is CBD isolate. It is not supposed to contain any THC, making it the safest to take, especially if you are subject to drug screenings.

Both full and broad spectrum CBB have the potential to show up as a positive for marijuana on a drug test, especially if they are used regularly since the THC level in your body can build up over time.

Delta8 THC will show positive on drug screens and is also illegal in Kentucky under federal and state law.