Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?

Time to read 5 min

Hemp-derived CBD products may not show up on a drug test. Cannabis-derived THC products will definitely show up on a drug test if you consume enough in the right time frame. 

Studies and supported medical research prove that Cannabis products can support a balanced, healthy life. But, the fact remains that it is still a Class 1 substance and so will be included in a standard employer drug test. A common practice for jobs within medicine, aviation, government, construction, and sports. It is not illegal to request a drug test, nor a violation of your rights, so what does this mean for you if your employer requires a drug test. 

Can CBD Show Up on A Drug Test?

There are two main cannabinoids in Cannabis plants: CBD and THC. CBD offers subtle effects that help keep the body balanced, while THC produces the psychoactive effects associated with Cannabis consumption. During a drug test, the tester is looking for THC, which is why it's important to be aware of the THC content in any CBD product you consume.


Legal CBD products in the US must be derived from hemp and contain less than 0.03% THC, a trace amount that is unlikely to show up on a drug test. Full Spectrum CBD products, which do contain THC, should be purchased from a trusted company like Mello Daily, which ensures that all its products contain less than 0.03% THC.


All of Mello Daily’s products contain less than 0.03% THC and are derived from hemp.


Testing for CBD is uncommon, and the only way to do so is with Beam’s test, which detects hemp. However, if you're concerned about the trace amount of THC in your CBD products, opt for Broad Spectrum products, which have the THC removed. To be sure of the THC content in a product, you can request lab results from the manufacturer.


Cannabis-derived CBD products purchased from a recreational or medical dispensary are likely to contain enough THC to show up on a drug test. THC is detectable in the body immediately upon consumption, and how long it stays in your system depends on several factors, including the amount of THC you consume and your metabolism. Cheating a drug test is difficult, if not impossible.

What Type of Drug Tests are Used to Detect CBD?

CBD itself is not typically included in drug tests. However, some drug tests may detect the presence of THC, which can be present in trace amounts in some CBD products. Below we have listed the standard drug tests that typically detect THC metabolites in urine, hair, blood, or saliva.

Urine

This one is super common. If you consume THC less than 2 times a week, you’re only at risk of testing positive for 1-3 days after your last consumption. Moderate users —more than 2 times per week, can test positive for up to 21 days. And heavy users can expect a positive test for over 30 days. 

Hair

If you’re applying for a high-stakes (perhaps government-related) job, you’ll probably get a hair test. This test is less likely to detect light use but will detect a moderate to heavy user. THC can be detected in hair tests for up to 90 days. 

Blood

The metabolites in Cannabis can be detected for up to 36 hours on a blood test.

Saliva

THC can be detected for up to 48 hours in saliva after the most recent use.

While CBD products have many health benefits and are generally safe, it's important to be aware that even trace amounts of THC in CBD products could lead to a positive drug test. If you have a job that requires drug testing, it's best to abstain from using CBD products for at least a few weeks before any important events. Stay informed and make informed decisions to avoid any potential negative consequences.

Is There a Way to Pass a Drug Test if You Take CBD?

CBD oil typically contains very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in marijuana that causes the "high" sensation. However, CBD oil products can contain trace amounts of THC, and these trace amounts could potentially show up on a drug test.


While it is unlikely that a CBD user would test positive for THC after using a product containing trace amounts of THC, it is not impossible. The amount of THC that is detectable on a drug test depends on several factors, including the amount of THC in the product, the frequency and amount of use, the individual's metabolism, and the type of drug test being used.


There are no guaranteed methods to pass a drug test after taking CBD oil. However, some steps that may help reduce the risk of testing positive for THC include using CBD products that are labeled as "THC-free," choosing products made with CBD isolate rather than full-spectrum CBD, and avoiding high-dose or frequent use of CBD products.


If you are concerned about passing a drug test, it is important to speak with your doctor or the testing facility to discuss any potential risks and to determine the best course of action.

How long does CBD stay in your system?

The amount of time that CBD stays in your system can vary depending on several factors such as the dose, frequency of use, and the method of consumption. CBD typically has a half-life of 2-5 days, which means that it takes this amount of time for half of the CBD to be eliminated from your body.


However, CBD can be detectable in your system for much longer, especially in cases of heavy or frequent use. In general, it can take anywhere from several days to several weeks for CBD to completely leave your system.

Can topically applied CBD products cause a positive drug test result?

It is unlikely that topically applied CBD products will result in a positive drug test, as the cannabinoids are not typically absorbed through the skin in significant amounts. However, there have been rare cases where individuals have tested positive for THC after using topical CBD products. This may be due to contamination of the product with THC, or because of the sensitivity of the drug test. It's always best to use CBD products from reputable sources and be aware of the potential risks associated with any product.

Can CBD Suppositories cause a positive drug test result?

CBD suppositories have the potential to cause a positive drug test result. Even though CBD suppositories are usually labeled as containing less than 0.3% THC, which is the legal limit, they can still contain trace amounts of THC that could accumulate in the body over time and trigger a positive result on a drug test. However, the chances of this happening are generally low, and it would depend on several factors such as the individual's metabolism, dosage, and frequency of use.