CBD is an active cannabinoid found in cannabis plants known to have various therapeutic benefits. Cannabis plants also contain many other cannabinoids including THC, CBDA, CBG, CBN, and more. The compound THC offers various medicinal benefits but also causes a high in the users and cannabis drug tests specifically screen for THC.
CBD in one’s system is not going to lead to a failed drug test in any way. But there are some cases in which taking CBD might result in a positive drug result for THC.
Why Do CBD Products Lead To A Positive Drug Result In Some Cases?
All CBD products are not all about CBD. They may contain other cannabinoids as well. A cannabidiol product may belong to any of the three spectrum options; full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate CBD. Full spectrum CBD products have THC (less than 0.3%) while broad spectrum CBD and CBD isolate do not contain THC at all. Having full spectrum CBD products might lead to a positive drug result.
Here are some other reasons that cause a positive drug result for THC while taking CBD.
Cross-Contamination
There are chances for cross-contamination during the CBD manufacturing process and it may be more likely for manufacturers that make products containing CBD only, THC only or a combination of both.
Cross-contamination may occur at home as well. If you keep CBD oil around substances containing THC, there is a chance for cross-contamination.
Product Mislabeling
There isn’t enough regulation in the sale of CBD products and this implies an increased chance of mislabeling of cannabidiol products. In a 2017 study from the Netherlands, the accuracy of the labels of 84 CBD products bought online was checked and THC was detected in 18 of them.
Mislabeling is a common fraudulent practice in the CBD industry and more research would be required to conclude if it is true for all products you get in the market.
Secondhand Exposure To CBD
Although the chances are very less for testing positive in a drug test after being exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke, it is still possible.
According to studies, the percentage of THC that you absorb from secondhand smoke depends on how potent the marijuana is. The ventilation and size of the area also matter.
Minute amounts of THC cannot cause a high in the users and considering this truth, federal workplace drug-testing cut-off values have been set.