Understanding the Differences between CBD and THC
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, which comprises two main species – hemp and marijuana. Both hemp and marijuana contain CBD, as well as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is responsible for the psychoactive ‘high’ feeling and is only present in trace amounts in hemp. CBD should be derived exclusively from the hemp plant, which also contains a much higher percentage of CBD than marijuana. The World Health Organization reports that “CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential. … To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
The Legality of CBD
Cannabidiol is currently legal at the federal level in the United States, provided it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC. While CBD hemp oil is technically legal on the federal level nationwide, laws vary by state, and individual states still have the authority to ban CBD. At the time of this article, Idaho, South Dakota, and Nebraska had more stringent regulations on CBD than other states. We recommend checking local laws to ensure compliance. It is also worth noting that CBD can be easily purchased online and delivered to one’s home, regardless of state regulations.
Will CBD Oil Cause a Positive Drug Test?
Whether or not CBD oils cause a positive drug test for THC depends on the purity of the CBD oil. Pure CBD oil will not yield a positive result for a THC drug test. As mentioned earlier, CBD products must be produced from hemp plants with no more than 0.3% THC. If there is a higher percentage of THC contamination (enough to trigger a presumptive positive drug test result), the oils would actually be illegal according to the FDA.
The issue becomes complicated when considering reputable versus non-reputable brands of CBD oils. While the industry is improving its regulation of production, it’s possible for non-reputable CBD brands to have higher levels of THC contamination than legally allowed. If a candidate tests positive for THC and claims to have only used CBD, you may want to recommend they switch to a more reputable brand. A reputable brand should have clear labeling and use high-quality hemp, while also taking part in third-party lab tests to ensure the product contains the advertised amount of CBD and is within the legal THC limit.
Types of Drug Tests and CBD
There are various types of drug tests, including urine, saliva, blood, and hair tests. Most drug tests screen for THC, not CBD. However, some tests may be sensitive enough to detect trace amounts of THC in CBD oil. It’s also important to note that a laboratory confirmation test can help quantify and differentiate the levels of CBD and THC in the specimen. However, if the CBD oil was heavily contaminated, interpreting the lab results could still be challenging, as it may be difficult to determine whether the THC was purposefully ingested or inadvertently consumed due to contamination from a non-reputable brand.
—–
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is intended for informational purposes only. RiskProducts.com is not a law firm, and no attorneys were employed or consulted in the compilation of the information contained herein. It is highly recommended that users consult with an attorney or a drug testing expert before making any policy decisions based, in part or in whole, on the information contained in this article. All forms of diagnostic and employment testing must be conducted in compliance with applicable state and federal laws. Ensuring compliance is the sole responsibility of the user of this information and the entity they represent.