Will CBD Edibles Show on a Drug Test?

We wish we could answer this question with a firm ‘no.’ After all, drug screenings check for THC-COOH metabolites and are more concerned about finding evidence of marijuana use than any other cannabinoid. CBD is non-intoxicating, so users are theoretically in no danger of being stoned at work.

Unfortunately, the unregulated nature of the CBD industry means there is no guarantee that the CBD edibles you use won’t lead to a failed drug test.

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp. The main caveat is that the hemp must not contain more than 0.3% THC. While the legislation didn’t legalize CBD, it was an admission of sorts. The FDA hasn’t legalized the CBD cannabinoid, though it does permit the sale of Epidiolex, a Big Pharma drug containing CBD that’s used to treat epilepsy.

However, CBD is widely available in most states. The trouble is, a lack of federal oversight means each state is responsible for CBD industry rules within its borders. States such as Florida take their duty seriously, others are less conscientious. In such locations, it becomes easier for brands to sneak low-grade edible CBD products through the net. If there are no lab reports available, there is no telling what is inside those CBD edibles you just bought.

What Does a Drug Test Generally Look for?

Certain employers, especially the federal government, perform random employee drug screenings. Some companies also make it a condition of employment. There are numerous types of test, including:

• Urine
• Blood
• Saliva
• Hair

The vast majority of companies utilize urine screening. It is an immunoassay test, which involves the use of antibodies to latch on to certain drugs or their metabolites. As far as cannabis or hemp is concerned, the urinalysis focuses on THC and its metabolites. If the antibodies identify the presence of a drug, they produce a signal that gives a ‘positive’ test.

At the time of writing, the threshold for a positive test is 50ng/ml. If you are a heavy marijuana user and decide to abstain, it could take up to 11 weeks for your system to be clean enough to pass a test! If you are an infrequent user, you may need three days before you can pass a urine screening.

As these tests look specifically for THC, you should have no issues if you enjoy edible CBD, right? If only it were that simple! In reality, you are relying on the brand in question providing you with what it promises on the label.

How Could I Fail a Drug Test After Eating CBD Edibles?

Assuming the edible CBD you buy has a maximum of 0.3% THC, your primary concern is if you use at least 2,000mg of CBD a day. That level of usage is potentially enough to trigger a positive urine test. On the plus side, it is a rate of consumption that hardly anyone comes near.

The vast majority of CBD users stick to a maximum of 100mg a day. Individuals with epilepsy sometimes use 300mg+ a day in a bid to reduce seizures. Yet even this substantial level of consumption should keep you clear of any positive readings for THC.

Alas, all of this assumes that your CBD edibles contain minimal THC. Sadly, there are many cases where CBD products contain significantly more THC than advertised. A report published in F1000 Research in February 2020 analyzed 67 CBD products in Germany. It found that an incredible 25% of samples contain more than a daily dose of 2.5mg THC, a level associated with intoxication.

Manufacturers may claim that there is minuscule THC, but if they don’t submit the products for lab testing, how can they tell? It is also possible to receive a false-positive result for THC-COOH on a urinalysis if you use certain drugs. Examples include:

• Efavirenz
• Pantoprazole
• Dronabinol
• NSAIDs such as naproxen and ibuprofen

You could also fail a drug test if you are exposed to a significant degree of passive cannabis smoke. However, the study in question, published in the Journal of Toxicology in October 2004, involved a saliva test. It is far less likely to occur in a urine test. Therefore, individuals who claim they inhaled passive smoke after testing positive for THC in a urinalysis are seldom believed.

What Edible CBD Products Should I Buy?

Stick to a reputable brand such as PureKana. It has a range of innovative CBD edibles, such as honey sticks, beverage enhancers, and peppermint-flavored oral spray. PureKana ensures that third-party labs test all of its products. You can view this information for each product on the official PureKana website.

On these reports, you can see that all of the brand’s CBD edibles and other products contain minimal amounts of THC. That said, no company can guarantee that you will pass any type of drug test when you use their products.