CBD is an all-natural therapy that’s easy to incorporate into almost any lifestyle. Depending on your state and work environment, however, using it freely may be less simple. While marijuana (or THC) for medical and recreational use is legal in many states, it’s still often a terminable offense at companies that require drug testing. CBD is not technically legal in every state, so it can be a more ambiguous topic to navigate, but you’ll find a lot of useful knowledge in our CBD Information Guide.
How is CBD Different from THC?
There are a few misconceptions about CBD, but the primary one is that it’s exactly the same as THC. While they are both present in the cannabis plant and are almost identical chemically, CBD is structurally different from THC, enough so that it doesn’t produce the same psychoactive effect that is common with marijuana use.
CBD is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill when derived from hemp. This means that the CBD extract comes from a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% of THC.
Essentially, CBD can provide the same therapeutic results for a wide variety of conditions that THC does without the feeling of being “high.” That’s what makes it so effective for treating the symptoms of anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, epilepsy, depression, and other conditions.
Does CBD Show Up on Drug Tests?
Short answer: CBD does not show up on drug tests, but THC can. Current drug tests aren’t designed to detect CBD, however, they can still show a false positive for metabolized THC.
Both are extracted from the same source, the cannabis Sativa plant, and your body may metabolize it the same way, therefore producing the protein THC test detects. Many growers focus on breeding and extracting from low-THC plant strains, but the concentration of THC to CBD it isn’t always exact. Therefore some CBD products will naturally still contain trace amounts of THC.
The more CBD you take, the more likely THC will be detected in a drug test. Ingesting somewhere in the area of 1,000 to 2,000 mg could potentially glean a false positive, but that’s much higher than most people will need daily.
Although CBD may be fully legal in your state, it does not render it free of ill consequences. As with the alcohol contained in a cider, you are allowed to consume it. However, caution is preferable when operating heavy machinery.
Should I Still Take CBD?
Whether you choose to begin or continue taking CBD, is up to you. Additionally, CBD isolate products may be the best option for you. You could buy THC-specific drug testing kits online and try to figure out the threshold for detection in your body. You may be able to adjust your serving to a level that works for you and is undetectable. Although it might also be a risk you’re unwilling to take.
Some companies don’t care if you take CBD, only that you’re not high or impaired while at work. Your best bet is to learn about your state’s laws regarding CBD and your company’s policies (or consult with HR to find out for sure), then make your decision. CBD could help drastically improve the quality of your life and overall wellness, so it’s worth finding out.
We can help you find products that work best to suit your needs at CBD Direct Online. Shop our extensive selection of edibles, oils, tinctures, and more today!
This article was originally published on Aug 15, 2018 but has since been updated.
