Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in marijuana and hemp. Both are Cannabis sativa plants, but they have varying effects and use cases. The CBD products that are found widely online and throughout health food stores are derived from hemp. The primary difference between hemp and marijuana is the THC content. Marijuana is loaded with it, and it’s the THC that results in getting high. Hemp does contain trace amounts of THC, but any product sold to the public must have less than 0.3% THC. With so many CBD products on the market, it can lead one to wonder: does CBD show up on a drug test? And just how long does CBD stay in your system?
How Long Does it Take to Feel the Effects?
CBD acts like any cannabinoid by working with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) within the body. The ECS is responsible for modulating many of the body’s functions, including sleep, motor control, mood, appetite, and memory. The body makes its own cannabinoids, but adding hemp and marijuana-derived cannabinoids can help the ECS achieve homeostasis if it is out of balance.
Depending on the method of consumption, onset time can vary. When smoking CBD flowers in a joint or another smoking device, effects can come on within five to 10 minutes. Eating a CBD edible, such as a gummy, must pass through the digestive system. Effects usually begin within 30 minutes and are in full effect within 60-90 minutes. It is best to wait two hours before eating more to ensure full effects are in play.
Tinctures are taken by placing the drops under the tongues and holding them for up to 90 seconds. This method engages the sublingual delivery system as the active CBD is absorbed through the mouth’s soft tissues, entering the bloodstream faster than eating an edible. Effects can begin in as little as 15 minutes.
Can CBD Make You Fail A Drug Test?
CBD will not cause you to fail a drug test because drug tests don’t screen for CBD. When testing for cannabis use, drug screens are looking for THC. However, it’s important to note that there can be THC in many CBD products. Even though it must contain less than 0.3% THC for legal purposes, that still leaves room for some THC to appear on its laboratory testing.
Consider a CBD-infused gummy that contains 100 mg CBD, and the total weight of the gummy is 17 grams. The maximum amount of THC that can legally be in this product is 5 mg. While that may not be much to some, it can certainly still affect others. Will it cause CBD to show up on a drug test? No, CBD is not on a drug test, but it’s good to know that some products may contain THC. If consumed in excess for long periods, the residual THC metabolites may build up in fat cells and cause a positive test. The type of test also plays a role.
Urine
THC is detectable in a urinalysis for anywhere from three to 30 days. For occasional CBD users, there is little chance that enough residual THC will be present in urine, but it is not impossible.
Blood/Saliva
THC is found in the blood a few hours or up to one day after last use. Most standard saliva tests will only detect THC for up to 24 hours. However, some specialized testing can detect for up to 72 hours.
Hair Follicle
Cannabis is detectable in hair follicles up to 90 days after last use. For anyone consuming high doses of CBD products regularly, there is a greater likelihood of finding THC in a hair follicle test.
Key Factors That Affect Detection Time
Each person’s physical makeup will determine how long their body takes to digest, metabolize, and detoxify from chemicals. While this is not an exhaustive list, the following are a few key factors that affect detection time for any residual THC from long-term or excessive CBD use.
Age
People over 65 have less blood flow to the kidney and liver — the vital detox organs. Because of this, age is a factor in detox time.
Weight & BMI
THC is stored in fat cells, so people with more body fat tend to metabolize more slowly than people with less body fat. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation based on height and weight and is a scale used to measure body fat. Persons with more body fat may not detox from THC as quickly as people with less body fat.
Dosage & Frequency of Use
If someone is using large amounts of CBD products with notable THC levels (even though it falls under the legal limit), then the chances of failing a drug test for THC increase. For people who use small amounts infrequently, there is little risk of THC buildup.
How to Avoid Failing a Drug Test After Consuming CBD
Remember that drug tests do not screen for CBD. It is a legal substance. However, for anyone concerned about residual THC or anyone just looking to THC detox in general, the following suggestions may be helpful. It’s also a good idea to buy an at-home drug test and monitor progress independently.
Natural Detox
It will take approximately 30 days to rid the body of all THC metabolites entirely. First, stop using all cannabis products right away. Aid the body’s natural detoxification process by drinking extra water to help flush out toxins, and eat a diet rich in antioxidant foods like leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits. Get moving! Exercise can help boost metabolism and burn fat, which is where cannabinoids are stored.
Aided Detox
When there isn’t time for a natural detox and an unexpected drug test is looming, having a backup plan can provide peace of mind. For short notice, a detox drink with same-day results is a good option. If there is some forewarning, a multi-day cleanse in the form of a detox kit is a great way to purge many different kinds of toxins from the body.
Avoid the Myths
Do not attempt to follow some of the protocols found in online communities. A niacin flush or using Certo are not surefire methods. They can also be dangerous and cause serious side effects with permanent damage. And please – do not attempt to drink bleach to pass a drug test. Drinking bleach can result in death.
Final Thoughts
CBD is a wonderful cannabinoid that has provided many benefits to countless people on their wellness journeys. If you are concerned about failing a drug test due to any THC content present, there are still options for you. Look for products that are labeled Broad Spectrum CBD. These products are intentionally made to contain no THC. This is an excellent option for anyone who knows they may have to take a job or court-related drug test but still want to enjoy the benefits of CBD.
FAQ on CBD Drug Test
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is identified as a cannabinoid within marijuana and hemp plants, both variations of Cannabis sativa. It’s celebrated for offering therapeutic benefits minus the psychoactive effects attributed to THC.
What’s the difference between hemp and marijuana?
The distinction primarily revolves around their THC content. Marijuana is rich in THC, inducing psychoactive experiences, whereas hemp harbors trace amounts of THC (under 0.3%) and is predominantly harvested for its CBD content.
Can CBD products legally contain THC?
Indeed, CBD items can lawfully incorporate up to 0.3% THC. This minor quantity is deemed legal for products derived from hemp.
Does CBD show up on a drug test?
CBD itself does not trigger a positive result on drug tests, which typically search for THC, not CBD. Nonetheless, given that some CBD goods might carry trace levels of THC, there exists a minor chance of testing positive for THC, not CBD.
How long does CBD stay in your system?
The duration CBD remains in the system varies, depending on the method of intake, dosage, and individual metabolic rates, but effects can commence within minutes and persist for several hours.
What are the methods of CBD consumption, and how quickly do they take effect?
CBD can be consumed by smoking, ingesting as edibles, or using tinctures. Smoking brings about effects within 5-10 minutes, edibles within 30-90 minutes, and tinctures can begin working in as swiftly as 15 minutes.
What factors influence the detection time of THC in your body?
Variables such as age, weight, BMI, along with the dosage and frequency of CBD product utilization, impact the duration THC may be detectable through various drug testing methods.
How can you avoid failing a drug test after consuming CBD?
To reduce the risk, prefer broad-spectrum CBD products, which are devoid of THC, and contemplate natural detox techniques or acquiring an at-home drug test to check THC levels.
What are some methods for detoxing THC from the body?
Natural detox approaches include ceasing all cannabis product usage, increasing water intake, consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, and engaging in physical activity. For immediate results, detox beverages or kits are available.
What should you not do to pass a drug test?
Steer clear of unreliable and hazardous techniques such as niacin flushes, using Certo, or ingesting harmful substances like bleach, as they can lead to severe health complications.
