Does cbd cream show in a drug test?

CBD (cannabidiol) products have seen increasing interest due to their therapeutic potential. Many individuals turn to topical CBD creams to relieve ailments like pain and inflammation. However, one common question about using these products is if they will test positive in drug tests. We will explore the intricacies surrounding how they interact with drug tests so you can make an informed decision.

What is CBD Cream?

Before delving deeper into drug tests, let’s first establish what CBD cream is. CBD cream is a topical product containing cannabidiol – a nonpsychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. It is designed to relieve localized symptoms caused by arthritis, muscle soreness, and skin issues. It may provide temporary solutions in such instances.

CBD vs THC

To understand how CBD cream could impact drug tests, it is necessary to distinguish between CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for producing its signature “high”; in contrast. CBD does not cause intoxicating effects.

Cannabis hemp contains over one hundred chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. THC and CBD are two major cannabinoids; thus the name “major cannabinoids.” As discussed above, marijuana typically has higher THC concentration while hemp often boasts greater CBD levels.

Delta-9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychotropic compound, found in marijuana that gives users the high. THC tests typically cover alcohol and other substances as well, with CBD providing many health and wellness benefits through interaction with the endocannabinoid system.

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) helps your body achieve equilibrium or homeostasis. CBD interacts with receptors in this system to increase performance – producing numerous health and wellness benefits which explains why so many adults turn to cannabidiol as a dietary supplement.

Full-Spectrum CBD vs Broad-Spectrum CBD vs CBD Isolate

CBD (cannabidiol) is just one of over a hundred different compounds found in the cannabis plant. While CBD has gained significant attention for its potential health benefits, it’s crucial to understand the different forms in which CBD is available. The three primary categories are Full-Spectrum CBD, Broad-Spectrum CBD, and CBD Isolate. Each has distinct characteristics and applications.

Full-spectrum CBD refers to CBD oil taken directly from hemp plants. It includes all cannabinoids (including trace amounts of THC), terpenes, flavonoids, and healthy fatty acids from cannabis hemp. Broad-spectrum CBD uses the same hemp oil but with any detectable THC levels removed using filters. Finally, CBD isolate contains nothing other than pure CBD content derived solely from cannabis plant sources.

Different Types of Drug Tests

Drug tests can vary in terms of sensitivity and the substances they detect. The most common types of drug tests include

Urine Tests: These tests look for metabolites of drugs in your urine and are often used for employment and sports-related testing.

Blood Tests: Blood tests are more invasive and are typically used in situations like accidents or DUI investigations.

Hair Follicle Tests: Hair tests can detect drug use over an extended period and are often used in pre-employment screenings.

Saliva Tests: These tests are less invasive and are commonly used for roadside drug testing.

CBD Cream and Drug Tests

THC Content: Most reputable CBD products, including CBD creams, are derived from hemp plants with low THC content (less than 0.3%). While this amount is not enough to produce a high, it might still trigger a positive drug test result, particularly with sensitive testing methods.

Cross-Contamination: CBD products can sometimes be contaminated with trace amounts of THC during the manufacturing process. This risk is higher with unregulated or low-quality brands.

Topical Application: When you apply CBD cream topically, it is primarily absorbed through the skin and doesn’t enter your bloodstream in significant quantities. This minimizes the chances of it showing up on a drug test.

Minimizing the Risk

To reduce the risk of a positive drug test while using CBD cream, consider the following tips:

Choose Reputable Brands: Opt for CBD creams from well-known, reputable brands that provide lab-tested products with Certificates of Analysis (CoA) available for public scrutiny.

Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate: CBD isolates products contain pure CBD with no THC, while full-spectrum products contain a range of cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC. If you’re concerned about drug tests, CBD isolate products may be a safer choice.

Check for THC Content: Review the product’s lab reports to ensure it contains less than 0.3% THC.

Consult with Your Employer: If you are subject to workplace drug testing, consider discussing your CBD use with your employer or HR department. Some employers may have policies that accommodate CBD use.

Conclusion

While it’s rare for CBD cream to cause a positive drug test result, it’s essential to be cautious when selecting your products. Always choose high-quality, low-THC CBD creams from reputable brands. Consider discussing your CBD use with your employer if you have concerns about drug testing. With responsible choices, you can enjoy the potential benefits of CBD cream without undue worry about drug tests.