Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test? A UK Guide

Whether you’re subject to regular drug tests in your place of work, or a professional athlete who gets tested for performance-enhancing drugs, there are several reasons why you might not want to risk a positive drug test. 

Although Cannabidiol (CBD) is legal in the UK, its association with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does pose the question of whether it is safe to consume ahead of a drug test. 

The short answer is yes, CBD may cause a positive result on a drug test. However, it might not be for the reasons you think.

Drug tests don’t tend to screen for Cannabidiol (CBD), but it is possible for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to show up — the psychoactive compound found in the same plant that is associated with a high. Therefore, if you consume a CBD product that contains traces of THC, it is possible for you to fail a drug test. 

That said, THC shouldn’t show up on a drug test if you have purchased your CBD from a regulated seller as this will contain low amounts of THC — CBD should contain less than 0.02% THC in order to be legal in the UK — which has a low chance of causing a positive drug test. 

On the other hand, CBD can lead to a positive drug test result if the product consumed is unregulated and contains higher levels of THC than the label indicates which, according to Forbes, is a ‘discrepancy that’s not as uncommon than you might think.’ Indeed, a Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) investigation into 43 commercial CBD products available in the UK found sixteen (37%) contained more than 5mg of THC.

That’s why it’s important to check that the seller has third-party lab reports which detail the product’s cannabinoid content and any other ingredients that it might contain. You should make sure it contains no more than 0.2% THC, and no additional nasties, such as pesticides, herbicides and mycotoxins. You should also look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA), which details the compounds found in a CBD product. 

To go the extra mile, as we have at Purity Hemp, you could purchase products that are certified by the Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG), guaranteeing a 100% THC-free product.

Do CBD Topicals Show Up on a Drug Test?

CBD topicals are products applied directly to the skin, such as creams, lotions, salves, or balms. Topicals won’t show up on a drug test because the CBD will not reach your bloodstream. Instead, topicals are designed to penetrate your skin and muscles to offer relief from pain, inflammation and other skin conditions. 

This is different to CBD oils and edibles which are ingested and can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System?

How long CBD stays in your system depends on several factors, such as how often you take CBD, how much you take, the method of consumption, your diet and your metabolism. Generally speaking though, CBD can stay in your system for anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.

It is thought that CBD stays in your system for a shorter period of time after a single use, while regular or high-dose use can result in longer detection times.

What CBD Does Not Show Up on a Drug Test?

As we’ve established above, it is possible that CBD can lead to a positive drug test. In order to avoid this, make sure to purchase your CBD from a reputable UK brand with third-party lab tests and reports that show exactly what it contains.

Broad-spectrum CBD contains all occurring compounds found in the hemp plant, but does not contain THC. This means that it produces the desired effects of CBD, while eliminating the risk of a positive for THC in a drug test.

Full-spectrum products, on the other hand, contain all of the cannabinoids including THC, and are therefore more likely to result in a positive drug test.

You can also speak to your workplace or the drug test organiser to get more information about the specific drug test being used, and any potential risks associated with CBD use. Additionally, it is always a good idea to inform your employer that you are taking CBD products to avoid any confusion or issues that might arise from a positive drug test.

Please note that people who unexpectedly test positive on a urine drug screen should speak with their doctor. Medical News Today also remind us that people can also receive a false-positive result for cannabis or THC on a urine drug screen if they use other drugs, such as dronabinol, nonsteroidal, pantoprazole, efavirenz and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and sulindac, pantoprazole

Can CBD Affect a Pregnancy Test?

No, it is not thought that CBD can affect a pregnancy test result. This is because pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine, and there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that CBD can affect the production or presence of hCG.

That said, the Food & Drink Administration (FDA) ‘strongly advises against the use of cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, and marijuana in any form’ when you are pregnant.

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