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CBD oil is one of the fastest-growing health and wellness products in the country but carries a notorious association – it comes from cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an entirely different compound than its psychoactive cousin THC, but that doesn’t mean CBD oil is THC free. If CBD comes with THC, won’t it cause you to fail a drug test

To find out about CBD oil and drug tests, let’s learn more about what CBD oil is, how it’s manufactured, and the relationship between CBD, THC, and drug testing.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is a mixture of the cannabinoid CBD and a carrier oil like avocado or jojoba seed oil. CBD is believed to work with our body’s own endocannabinoid system by binding to different receptors throughout our body. When a cannabinoid like CBD binds to our body’s receptors, it causes a natural release of our own cannabinoids, which might have several therapeutic benefits. 

Where Does CBD Oil Come From?

The confusion between CBD, THC, and drug tests starts at the literal root of the issue – the cannabis plant. Most CBD oil across the country is sourced from the industrial hemp variety of the cannabis Sativa plant due to its legal status and naturally low THC content. 

Though industrial hemp contains very little THC – it’s not free of THC. CBD oil manufactured from industrial hemp is legally allowed to contain 0.3% or less THC per federal 2018 Farm Bill standards. Though 0.3% THC is nowhere close enough to cause psychoactive effects, it can accumulate in your body’s fat cells and cause a positive drug test for THC. You can test positive for marijuana only using CBD. 

How to Avoid Failing Drug Tests on CBD Oil 

You don’t have to choose between employment and CBD oil if you do some homework. There are still options for CBD oil that won’t make you fail drug tests like: 

  • Broad Spectrum CBD Oil: Broad spectrum CBD oil is sourced from the entire cannabis plant, but all traces of THC are removed.
  • CBD Isolate: CBD isolate is CBD that’s been sourced from cannabis plants then isolated from all other substances. The result is pure CBD. Unlike CBD oil, CBD isolate is most often smoked. 

You should also speak with your company’s human resources director about any planned CBD oil use and the company’s policy to avoid any confusion. 

Verifying THC Content 

If your livelihood is at risk, you want to be sure your CBD oil contains no THC. Though CBD is largely unregulated, there is some self-policing in the form of certificates of analysis (COA.) COAs are test results from accredited and third-party CBD oil testing services. The COA confirms amounts of CBD, THC, and any other compounds. Verify 0% THC before you purchase CBD oil. 

CBD and Drug Testing 

CBD oil can cause a false positive on a drug test for marijuana, but there are some actions you can take to reduce risks. Talk to your company’s HR rep and verify the CBD oil you’re using contains no THC with a COA. If you follow those steps, you can enjoy employment and CBD oil.