Unraveling the Complexities of Cannabinoid Testing
Are you scared you might test positive on a drug test after CBD oil use? Or are you unsure about using CBD products due to the fear of getting a DUI?
Well, those seem valid concerns to us.
In this article, we will dwell on the ifs and maybes of using CBD products and your chances of getting a DUI.
CBD Oils: The Rising Popularity
CBD products are a worldwide sensation these days. And it appears that most people are turning to them to achieve maximum health benefits.
But how did CBD products become so popular? For all we know, they were considered harmful drugs a few years ago.
Did it happen overnight? Well, no. It is quite the opposite actually.
So, did it take years? Yes, it did indeed. And finally, CBD products were declared legal after enduring years of controversies.
Cannabidiol or CBD comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. For many decades, due to cannabis versatility, growers have been cultivating these plants for several reasons. Today, food and pharmaceutical industries use cannabis and cannabis-based products to formulate various food items and drugs for medicinal purposes.
According to Hannah and Marco, the cannabis plant contains over 400 chemical compounds, of which only 80 chemical molecules are biologically active. However, the most significant active cannabis compounds have to be cannabinoids.
That being said, a recent study has identified at least 60 cannabinoid compounds made from terpenes, the most well-known among them include.
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CBD Oils: Legal Or Not?
Unlike THC—a psychoactive compound—CBD is non-intoxicating and does not give a euphoric sensation to cannabis users.
However, some research findings have come up with contradictory statements. According to these recent studies, CBD may have some psychoactive properties, which explains why it helps manage stress and PTSD symptoms.
And because of their potential health benefits and non-intoxicating nature, CBD products are now legal in most countries
The U.S Farm Bill (2018) clearly states:
“In December of 2018, the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law. It removed hemp, defined as cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) and derivatives of cannabis with extremely low concentrations of the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis), from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).”
Concluding that: CBD oils and other products are legal only if they have less than 0.3% of THC. Anyone possessing a CBD product with a THC concentration of a little more than that would face serious consequences.
Drug Testing For THC In CBD
To understand how THC might result in a positive drug test, it is essential to know about the two types of CBD products available in the market
- Hemp-derived
- Marijuana-derived
The hemp-derived CBD products contain THC concentration within the legal range, i.e., less than 0.3%. However, marijuana-derived CBD products may have significantly higher THC concentrations.
Therefore, it is best to always look for the source while purchasing CBD oils. In this case, the ideal source would be hemp-derived CBD products.
As for THC drug testing, the standard tests include urine, blood, and saliva. However, the most common method used for detecting THC is via urine testing, since it is cheap and detects the following substances:
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
- Opioids
- Cannabis
Although hemp-derived CBD products do not contain more than 0.3% of THC concentration, there is still a possibility of testing positive for THC on a drug test. As urine tests do not directly detect THC in the body, they look for THC metabolites instead.
But how do THC metabolites remain in the body when THC concentration is as low as 0.3%?
When THC in CBD enters the body, albeit in small amounts, it accumulates over time, and its metabolites, such as THC-COOH, are formed. These metabolites are then easily detected on the urine drug test. This happens due to the prolonged use of CBD products or cannabis users consuming full-spectrum CBD products.
Factors Affecting THC Detection
There are several factors other than THC concentration that can give a false-positive THC on a drug test.
1. Type Of CBD Product
The use of full-spectrum CBD products might result in a positive THC drug test if they are used frequently or in large quantities.
2. Higher Dosages
CBD products that have higher dosages and are consumed in large amounts may give a positive THC test.
3. Mislabeled CBD Products
Always remember: Hemp-derived CBD products have a THC concentration of less than 0.3%, and that’s why they are legal. Any higher than that is either not hemp-derived or mislabeled.
According to a recent report from 2017, about 70% of CBD products purchased online are mislabeled and falsely advertised, since these products are not hemp-derived and therefore contain a higher THC concentration.
Many small online retailers looking for maximum purchase flow sell marijuana-derived CBD products as THC-free hemp CBD products. The recent widespread of such fraud indicates that FDA is not regulating CBD products as strictly as it should.
In addition to false advertisement, these CBDs are low-quality and have below-par qualities as opposed to their package claims.
4. Variation In Individual Metabolism
Biology and anatomy work on the same principle, i.e., different bodies will react to foreign compounds differently.
Hence, it is crucial to understand the rate of THC metabolism in an individual body may vary from others. Some might take longer to metabolize THC, while others take a minimum of minutes to do the same.
How To Avoid THC Drug Detection?
If you are planning to purchase a CBD oil but are afraid it might result in a positive drug test, here is what you need to do:
- Always purchase CBD products from a reputable brand. And if you are in search of it, we suggest Healthy Vibez CBD products. You can start by looking into their website and shopping for the products you’re looking for.
- CBD purchases while online shopping is the most convenient and safe way to get an authentic CBD product. Therefore, shopping through websites is your safest bet to avail a good quality CBD product.
- Choose products that are third-party tested and have a Certificate of Analysis report.
- Buy CBD isolates if you want your CBD oil free from THC. CBD isolates are pure CBD products that are free from any other cannabinoid compound.
- Avoid secondary exposure from marijuana or marijuana pot smokers, as inhaling the smoke can give a false-positive drug test.
Final Thoughts
While hemp-derived CBD products have a legal THC concentration, there is still a chance of getting a positive drug test due to high dosage consumption and prolonged use. Therefore, it is best to opt for a CBD isolate product or broad-spectrum CBD items to avoid getting a positive drug test.
As many studies claiming different health benefits of CBD continue to emerge, cannabis users need to be well-informed about CBD dosage, legal THC concentrations, and the possibility of getting a positive drug test.