Broad Spectrum CBD and Drug Tests

Written by: Hunter Podell, Subject Matter Expert and Website Founder
Published: March 15, 2024; Last updated: April 6, 2024

With the rising popularity of CBD products, a question that often looms large is – Will Broad Spectrum CBD and drug test results mix? This question is particularly relevant for athletes, employees undergoing workplace drug tests, and anyone who wants to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of CBD without risking a positive drug test. Let’s unravel the mystery!

Key Takeaways

• Broad Spectrum CBD, which is THC-free, is generally preferred by those who wish to avoid the risk of testing positive for THC in drug tests, but it is still important to note that trace amounts of THC might be present that could affect drug test outcomes.

• The extraction process for Broad Spectrum CBD aims to preserve beneficial compounds while removing THC, and third-party lab testing can verify THC content and product quality, mitigating the risks of mislabeling and cross-contamination.

• Understanding drug testing policies at work or for athletes is crucial, and in case of a drug test after CBD use, individuals can request re-tests or provide documentation to explain legal CBD use if it’s potentially contributing to a positive result.

Broad Spectrum CBD: What You Need to Know

Broad Spectrum CBD is a popular choice among CBD users who want to reap the benefits of the cannabis plant without the psychoactive effects of THC. It contains all the cannabinoids present in hemp except for THC, which is meticulously removed during the extraction process. This makes Broad Spectrum CBD an ideal option for individuals who are concerned about drug tests, as it offers the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids without the risk of a positive test result. In contrast, Full Spectrum CBD Oil contains trace amounts of THC, which may not be suitable for those looking to avoid any THC exposure. For those seeking a THC-free option, Spectrum CBD Oil provides a viable alternative.

However, one should keep in mind that Broad Spectrum CBD may still contain trace amounts of THC. Even though these quantities are usually minimal and often undetectable, the presence of these trace amounts could potentially influence a drug test result.

The Extraction Process

The extraction process of Broad Spectrum CBD involves the following steps:

1. Ethanol soak method: The plant material is fully submerged in an ethanol solution.

2. Filtration: The solution is filtered to remove impurities.

3. Preservation of beneficial compounds: The extraction process is designed to meticulously preserve beneficial compounds while excluding THC.

4. Urine test compatibility: The final product is less likely to affect a urine test.

The extraction process has proven highly effective in removing THC from Broad Spectrum CBD, which is derived from hemp and not marijuana-derived CBD. To reduce THC levels in CBD products, techniques like ethanol extraction and solvent-free remediation systems are employed.

Benefits of Broad Spectrum CBD

Broad Spectrum CBD offers a unique advantage – the entourage effect. This phenomenon refers to the collaboration of multiple cannabinoids and compounds, excluding THC, to amplify the overall therapeutic impact of CBD. Broad Spectrum CBD can provide a wide range of therapeutic benefits, including:

• Relief from anxiety

• Relief from depression

• Relief from inflammation

• Relief from pain

• Improved sleep

• Management of epilepsy

Moreover, the absence of THC in Broad Spectrum CBD does not degrade its therapeutic effectiveness. Users can still experience benefits such as relaxation, anxiety reduction, and a sense of overall well-being. Importantly, Broad Spectrum CBD ensures that users are less likely to fail a drug test due to THC content.

Comparing Broad Spectrum CBD to Full Spectrum and CBD Isolate

When it comes to CBD products, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. There are three main types of CBD:

1. Broad Spectrum CBD: This encompasses all cannabinoids except THC.

2. Full Spectrum CBD: This includes all cannabinoids, including THC.

3. CBD Isolate: This consists solely of CBD.

Each type of CBD has a different cannabinoid profile and potential implications for drug tests.

The differences in THC content can indeed influence drug test results. Here’s how different types of CBD products may affect drug test results:

• Broad Spectrum CBD is designed to contain no THC, making it less likely to affect a drug test result.

• Full Spectrum CBD contains legal amounts of THC, which may lead to a positive drug test.

• CBD Isolate, which consists solely of CBD, should not affect a drug test unless there is contamination or mislabeling.

Drug Testing 101: How It Works and What It Detects

Drug tests are a common tool used by employers, sporting bodies, and law enforcement agencies to detect the presence of illicit substances in an individual’s system. They aim to detect a wide range of substances, including illegal drugs and nicotine/cotinine. Urine analysis is the most common method of drug testing, operating by examining the presence of metabolites in the urine.

However, it should be highlighted that drug screenings are not flawless. Although quick and affordable, drug screenings can yield incorrect results nearly 10% of the time. For more accurate results, drug testing is employed, which can precisely determine the levels of each substance.

Urine Tests

Urine drug tests are widely recognized as the most accurate and commonly used method for detecting drugs, including THC. They work by detecting a variety of substances, such as:

• Alcohol

• Amphetamines

• Cannabis

• Cocaine

• Nicotine

• Barbiturates

• Opioids like heroin and methadone

The detection window for drugs in urine varies by substance. For instance, long-acting benzodiazepines can be detected for up to 30 days, while cocaine metabolites are detectable for 2-4 days. ²

Detection Times

The detection times for drugs can be influenced by various factors, including the frequency of use and individual metabolism. For example, Marijuana/THC can typically be detected for 1-7 days, Meth for 2-3 days, and MDMA for 2-4 days. However, these are general estimates, and individual factors can greatly affect these detection windows. ¹

The duration a drug remains detectable in the body can be influenced by several factors, including the frequency and intensity of drug use and individual metabolic rates. Here are some examples:

• Chronic use of substances like marijuana, PCP, and benzodiazepines can be detectable for as long as 30 days.

• Other drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, may only be detectable for a few days.

• Some drugs, like alcohol, can be detected for a short period of time (hours to a few days) depending on the amount consumed.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and individual results may vary.

Broad Spectrum CBD and Drug Test Results: The Connection

Now that we have a solid understanding of both Broad Spectrum CBD and drug tests, let’s explore their intersection. Broad Spectrum CBD is unlikely to cause a positive drug test result due to its undetectable THC levels. However, there is a small risk if THC concentration and cannabinoid derivatives convert into THC-COOH, which may yield a positive drug test. ¹

But, what happens when the CBD product you’re using isn’t exactly what it seems? In the CBD industry, mislabeling and cross-contamination can inadvertently introduce THC traces into Broad Spectrum CBD products. Consumption of these contaminated or mislabeled products may lead to a positive drug test for THC.

Therefore, consumers should be cautious and understand that THC-free CBD oil, like Broad Spectrum CBD, is not expected to appear in a drug test, as these tests specifically search for THC. However, there is a small possibility of THC detection due to cross-contamination and mislabeling.

THC Levels in Broad Spectrum CBD

THC levels in Broad Spectrum CBD are generally undetectable, reducing the likelihood of causing a positive drug test result. The extraction process removes THC from Broad Spectrum CBD using chromatography, an effective method that isolates most of the THC from the extract.

A common method to ensure that THC levels in CBD products are within permissible limits is the rapid HPLC technique with UV detection (HPLC-UV). This technique quantifies THC levels, providing an extra layer of assurance for the consumers.

Cross-Contamination and Mislabeling

Cross-contamination and mislabeling in the CBD industry can lead to an elevated risk of obtaining a positive drug test result. Some factors that can cause cross-contamination include:

• Microbial contaminants

• Pesticides

• Heavy metals

• Residual solvents

It is important to be aware of these risks when purchasing CBD products.

Mislabeling is also a widespread issue in the CBD industry. Studies indicate that nearly 60-76% of CBD products are mislabeled. This can potentially introduce Δ9-THC contamination in CBD products, influencing the THC levels in those products.

Tips for Choosing a Reputable CBD Product

To mitigate the risks associated with cross-contamination and mislabeling, it’s important to:

• Purchase CBD from reputable companies

• Look for companies that use third-party lab tests

• These tests help ensure that the product does not contain more THC than intended and meets quality standards.

When selecting a reputable CBD product, consider researching the company and checking for third-party lab testing. The lab test should confirm the quality of a CBD product by checking for the absence of harmful contaminants and ensuring that the product meets quality standards.

Workplace Drug Testing Policies and CBD Use

Workplace drug testing policies can significantly impact CBD users. Open communication with HR and gaining a clear understanding of company policies is vital. If you’re concerned about the impact of CBD use on your employment, it’s advisable to consult your HR department for guidance.

In case you’re worried about failing a drug test because of the low amount of THC in your CBD supplement, you can present your HR department with a copy of the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for your CBD supplement and communicate your concerns. If you possess a written doctor’s note detailing your requirement for full-spectrum CBD, you can request your HR department to provide written documentation acknowledging the potential for a positive drug test result due to your lawful use of CBD.

Athletes, CBD, and Drug Testing

The interplay of CBD and drug testing is particularly significant for athletes. CBD use offers advantages such as boosting exercise recovery, relieving pain, reducing inflammation, helping with anxiety and depression, and promoting better sleep. THC-free CBD products have the potential to support athletic performance and recovery by aiding fatigue recovery, reducing inflammation, providing pain relief, promoting better sleep, and helping with muscle recovery and tension.

However, drug testing is of great importance in professional sports as it serves to prevent athletes from using performance-enhancing drugs and ensure fairness and safety. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances, permitting athletes to use CBD in accordance with the regulations.

Strategies to Avoid a Positive Drug Test Result

In the realm of CBD use and drug testing, knowledge is power. Understanding how to time your CBD use can minimize the risk of failing a drug test. Timing your CBD use is important because it usually takes one to four weeks for CBD to completely exit your system.

If a CBD drug test shows a test positive result after using CBD, you can request a secondary analysis. This may involve specialists reviewing the chain of custody, storage conditions, and test chemicals used to verify the accuracy of the initial result.

To further ease your mind, you might want to monitor your THC levels using at-home tests. This proactive measure ensures that you are within the thresholds commonly tested for in drug screenings.

Timing Your CBD Use

The body’s metabolic rate of CBD can vary, and the peak plasma levels typically reach around 686 ng/mL shortly after administration before rapidly decreasing. The bioavailability of CBD is approximately 11% to 45% when inhaled and around 6% when taken orally. ²

CBD can typically be detected in the body for 2 to 5 days for most users. In instances of heavy, prolonged use, it may remain present for up to 10 days. Therefore, it is recommended to abstain from using CBD for at least 30 days before the drug test to avoid detection.

Requesting a Re-Test

To prevent a false positive drug test result, requesting a re-test is an important step. You can make a verbal or written request to the Medical Review Officer within 72 hours, which will trigger the test of a split specimen. In the case of pre-employment drug screening, individuals are entitled to request a retest, but this typically involves retesting the same sample rather than taking a new one. ²

However, it’s important to be aware that refusing an employer’s drug test or disputing the results may lead to disciplinary action, as several federal requirements regulate drug-free workplace policies. The employer may record a failed drug test of an employee, but it is kept confidential.

Summary

In conclusion, Broad Spectrum CBD offers a myriad of benefits without the risk of psychoactive effects. Understanding the intricacies of CBD, its extraction process, its benefits, and its interaction with drug tests is crucial for informed use. Whether you’re an employee navigating workplace drug testing policies, an athlete subject to stringent testing norms, or a CBD enthusiast, it’s important to understand the potential implications of CBD use on drug test results. Always remember to research thoroughly, select reputable CBD products, and consult with relevant authorities when in doubt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CBD broad-spectrum show up on a drug test?

In summary, while the presence of CBD alone won’t show up on a drug test, using certain CBD products with low levels of THC could potentially result in a positive test. It’s important to carefully consider the THC content of the CBD product you’re using to minimize this risk.

How long does full-spectrum CBD oil stay in your system?

On average, when taken orally, CBD can stay in your system for 11 to 28 days, varying based on dosage and method of use. Therefore, full-spectrum CBD oil may remain detectable in your system for several weeks.

Can I take full-spectrum CBD before work?

It’s best to avoid taking full-spectrum CBD before work if your employer conducts random drug testing, as THC may be present in full-spectrum products. Consider using broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate, which contain no THC, as alternatives.

Does full-spectrum CBD show up in hair drug tests?

Full-spectrum CBD itself won’t show up on a drug test, but there is a risk of testing positive for THC if the CBD product contains low levels of it due to manufacturing contamination.

What distinguishes Broad Spectrum CBD?

Broad Spectrum CBD contains all cannabinoids except for THC, offering the benefits of cannabinoids without the risk of psychoactive effects or positive drug test results.

References

Sholler, D. J., Spindle, T. R., Cone, E. J., Goffi, E., Kuntz, D., Mitchell, J. M., Winecker, R. E., Bigelow, G. E., Flegel, R. R., & Vandrey, R. (2022). Urinary Pharmacokinetic Profile of Cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Their Metabolites following Oral and Vaporized CBD and Vaporized CBD-Dominant Cannabis Administration. Journal of analytical toxicology, 46(5), 494–503. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkab059

Everything you need to know about THC, CBD & Drug Tests: Checkr Blog. Everything You Need to Know about THC, CBD & Drug Tests | Checkr Blog. (n.d.). https://checkr.com/blog/does-cbd-show-up-on-drug-test

Written by Hunter Podell - Subject Matter Expert and Website Founder

Hunter has 8+ years of experience as a content writer and digital marketer. Earning his chops marketing in the healthcare space for over 5 years, Hunter is extremely familiar with the rules and regulations required to deliver high quality content that answers the user's needs while adhering to strict guidelines.