Does CBD Show Up on a UK Drug Test?
Even with all of the recent developments in cannabidiol research across the globe, there are still a lot of questions about this compound out there. Many people are asking the question 'does CBD show up on a UK drug test?'. The short answer to this is "NO". However, this post will indicate exceptions and how to stay safe.
CBD is an active ingredient in the hemp plant but unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects. That doesn't stop some people wondering if it would show up on a standard UK drug test though. Fortunately, the only cannabis component that will show up on this type of drug test is THC. Here's everything you need to understand.
What is a drug test?
A drug test is an exam that is used to examine your urine and blood for drugs and other illegal substances. The variations of drugs that can be detected in a drug test depends on how long ago you took them and the type of the drug it is.
These drug tests can measure a plethora of various drugs, from marijuana to cocaine for example. Some drug tests can also detect the number in the body. If you've undergone drug tests in the past, you'll realise they often feature in your blood and urine. Urine tests measures non-metabolised drugs that are in the bloodstream at the time of testing. A blood test reveals drugs that have been used in the past. There are other tests that may involve:
- Saliva
- Hair
- And perspiration
Will CBD cause a false positive during a drug test?
It is a common misconception with people that are interested in taking CBD that CBD will show up during a drug test. However, CBD is not one of the substances that the drug screens are looking for. CBD is legal in the UK. As a result, it does not show up on a typical drug test, and will not cause a false positive in a drug test.
Drug tests measure the levels of THC in your system, not CBD. If you are taking good quality CBD products, then you shouldn't worry; it won't show up on the test as THC.
But not all CBD products are equal
When you're researching the various CBD products that are on the market, you'll want to know exactly what you're getting. Not every CBD product you see on shelves or online stores have equal measurements.
- Full-spectrum CBD includes the full profile of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds present in the hemp plant. But for full-spectrum CBD to be legal in the UK, it has to contain 0.03% of THC or less. If you take larger quantities of full-spectrum CBD before going for a drug test, there might be a false positive that occurs.
- Broad-spectrum CBD includes other cannabinoids like cannabigerol and terpenes except for THC. Many people choose CBD product containing broad spectrum CBD as it almost the same experience as full spectrum CBD but does not contain THC.
- Isolate CBD does not contain terpenes or any other cannabinoids aside from CBD, which makes it safe to take before drug tests.
Why is third party CBD testing important
Third-party CBD testing is crucual as it can rule out a lot of potential problems. Third party testing services do a lot of great work because it ensures that the product you are consuming is safe and only contains what's advertised on the label. Third-party lab tests indicate lurking toxins or illegal substances in a CBD product that may be featured accidentally or even intentionally.
Secondly, these lab tests determine the strength of the contents available in a particular CBD product. This helps you, the buyer as well as the seller to be sure of the quality of what they are involved with.
Do other substances show up when taken with CBD on a UK drug test?
If you are taking a controlled or even illegal substance alongside CBD, the other substance will show during a drug test not the CBD itself. One way is if the person has consumed marijuana and has taken CBD too. These would test positive for THC as taking more than 0.3% is illegal. If someone tests positive for a controlled substance, they may be subject to a number of consequences, such as being banned from applying for certain jobs, losing some employment benefits, as well as being fined. So avoid doing this.
How long does CBD stay in your system?
How long does CBD stay in your system? That’s one of the most common questions we have seen across various CBD forums. There are actually lots of things that can affect how long CBD can stay in your system, including your weight, liver function, how much CBD you’re using, among many others, so it’s difficult to say definitively. This time will also depend on how you take your CBD. If you vape CBD, or consume sweets for instance, it won't last long compared to a person that ingests it.
Should you take full-spectrum CBD, you should avoid taking too much of it or refrain for a short period just before a drug test.
What if you fail a drug test because of CBD oil?
Your chances of failing a drug test due to CBD is incredibly low, but it can happen on occasion. If you do fail due to CBD, then whatever you have been taking is not CBD or is poor quality CBD. This happens especially in situations where third party tests are not done correctly or at all. You should always know what it is you’re taking so you’re not exposing yourself to the risk of failing the test.
Here are the probable reasons you'd fail a drug test after taking a CBD product:
- Extra THC in a CBD product may cause a positive result during a drug test. CBD oil has higher than recommended THC amounts (0.03%). Any CBD product that exceeds this percentage shouldn't be in the UK market in the first place.
- THC contamination during production may lead to a false positive during a drug test. Some people produce CBD at home and end up contaminating the final product. This could be with THC or any other illegal substance. You should always buy products from reliable sellers with monitored production processes and thorough testing procedures to avoid costly positive drug test results.
- Whenever you take a product that contains THC, it is important to keep in mind that there is a possibility that it could potentially be misspelled. Some people believe that if they take a mislabeled product, it won’t show up on their drug test. But, what they don’t understand is that if you take a mislabeled product and it contains THC, you’ll test positive for it, even if it’s not something that you took intentionally
The first question you need to ask yourself is how high of a dose of CBD you’ve been taking. If it’s a low dose of CBD as part of a natural regiment of supplements, then the chances of THC appearing in a drug test are slim. Even if THC does appear in a drug test, it may not have been from the CBD. But instead may have been from a different item that had some THC in it.
Does CBD show up on a UK drug test? Final thought
We hop this article has answered all the questions about CBD showing up on a UK drug test. If you still have concerns, we reiterate that CBD can't show up on a UK drug test. That's due to it not being one of the illegal products and it's not an outlawed substance in this country.