Does CBD Show Up On a Drug Test?

Editor’s note: Nothing in Checkr’s Blog should be construed as legal advice, guidance, or counsel. Companies should consult their own legal counsel about their compliance responsibilities under the FCRA and applicable state and local laws. Checkr expressly disclaims any warranties or responsibility or damages associated with or arising out of information provided.

Many people use CBD products to alleviate everyday problems. Common examples include regulating sleep patterns, controlling seizures, managing pain, and relieving appetite loss. So, unsurprisingly, whether CBD shows up on a drug test is a common question among job applicants and employers alike—especially for safety-sensitive roles.

CBD stands for cannabidiol, a chemical in the Cannabis Sativa plant. There are over 80 biologically active cannabinoid chemicals in total. The one that causes a ‘high’ is tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC.

“CBD drug tests” screen for THC, not CBD. However, many CBD products contain trace elements of THC. In many cases, users may be unaware they are ingesting it, and it can possibly be flagged in a workplace drug test.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at CBD and THC, review different types of CBD, and determine the THC level required to register a positive result. We'll also delve deeper into how screening works to answer the most common questions.

Many job applicants want to know: can you “fail” a drug test from CBD? The presence of CBD itself won’t show up on a drug test. However, the use of certain CBD products could, in theory, result in a positive test if there are low levels of THC present.

THC sometimes finds its way into CBD products due to contamination in the manufacturing process. Harvesting and refinement techniques also play a role in determining which compounds are present. However, because there are very few CBD products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), products are not always third-party tested, meaning relevant information could be omitted from manufacturers' labels.

CBD oils, in particular, are popular remedies for various ailments and can be made from either hemp or cannabis plants (which are close relatives of the Cannabis Sativa plant). The CBD is simply extracted and diluted into a carrier, such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil.

CBD oils are available for individual purchase, but are also found within everyday household goods, including bath salts, shampoo, cosmetics, topical creams, dietary supplements, and food and drinks. Again, if a product has not been FDA approved, it can be difficult to know exactly if and how much CBD oil is present in any such products.

Does CBD oil show up on a drug test if it’s in the household products you use? Unfortunately, the answer is not black and white. Technically, using products containing hemp derivatives or CBD oil in the form of toiletries, cosmetics, or topical creams should not show up on a drug test because the compound never enters the bloodstream or becomes stored in our body’s fat cells.

For food and beverage products, the answer is more complex. While regular dietary supplements and drinks are less likely to contain THC, it’s still possible. What about things like edibles and tinctures? How often does CBD oil “fail” drug tests? Certainly, in the case of CBD consumables like gummies and oils, the presence of THC is more likely due to the gaps in formal oversight.

So, does CBD show on drug screenings? The answer is: it depends. The distinguishing factor is whether THC is present. To answer this question more clearly, it helps to have more in-depth knowledge of the differences between CBD and THC and an overview of the different types of CBD.

While both are cannabinoids, CBD and THC interact with receptors in the user’s brain differently. The main difference is that THC produces a ‘high’ or ‘buzz,’ whereas CBD does not. So those who consume products with zero or minimal quantities of THC should not experience any psychoactive effects.

It’s also important to note that while marijuana and hemp CBD both derive from cannabis plants, they may contain very different levels of THC. In general, hemp-derived CBD products are less likely to contain THC—and therefore are less likely to show up on a CBD drug test  rather than marijuana-derived CBD. Will hemp come up on a drug test? While unlikely, it’s not impossible.

To better understand the answer to “Does CBD show on drug tests?,” a closer look at the CBD classification system is needed. It makes it easier to select CBD products based on their likelihood of containing THC.

Full-spectrum CBD products include oils, edibles, topical creams, and serums. As the name suggests, full-spectrum products contain all of the compounds that naturally occur in the plant the CBD was extracted from. This includes cannabinoids, flavonoids, essential oils, terpenes, and THC.

While full-spectrum CBD oil can be extracted from hemp, it is more likely to be harvested from marijuana subspecies. In turn, it is more than likely to contain THC and may result in a positive CBD drug test. The problem for users is that not all manufacturers disclose which plants they extract their CBD oils from, so it’s often impossible to determine how much THC may be in any given product.

CBD isolate products sometimes come in the form of oils and tinctures. More often, however, they are sold in small blocks or slabs that can be easily broken apart and consumed. CBD isolate products contain pure CBD. All other plant compounds such as other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes are removed in the manufacturing process. In theory, that means there should be no chance of a THC-induced psychoactive effect. With all of the THC removed in CBD isolate, the risk of testing positive for THC on a drug test is virtually eliminated—but never guaranteed.

Broad-spectrum CBD products are the least widely available, usually come in oil form, and represent the middle ground between full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolates. Broad-spectrum manufacturing removes most of the cannabis plant compounds, while other chemical compounds, including CBD, remain. Because broad-spectrum CBD is typically harvested from hemp plants, the chance of THC presence is decreased to trace amounts so the risk of testing positive is significantly reduced.

Urine testing is most common among employers that screen for THC because it’s the least invasive approach and is the approved testing methodology for federally mandated drug screening. Other methodologies include collecting samples of hair, blood, or oral fluid (saliva).

Urine testing is also preferred because it can detect higher concentrations of THC over significant periods of time. This leads us on to our next round of commonly asked questions:

How long after use does CBD show up on a drug test with a urine sample?

If THC is present in the CBD products consumed, it can show up in your urine for a month or more.

How long after use does CBD show up on a drug test with a hair sample?

If THC is present in the CBD products consumed, it can show up in your hair for up to 90 days.

How long after use does CBD show up on a drug test with a blood sample?

If THC is present in the CBD products consumed, THC can show up in your blood for up to 36 hours.

How long after use does CBD show up on a drug test with a saliva sample?

If THC is present in the CBD products consumed, THC can show up in your saliva for up to 48 hours.

Every individual will test differently depending on age, gender, and general health history. Even repetitive tests on the same person will deliver varied results based on the level of THC, frequency of use, metabolic rate, and hydration. Frequency of use, in particular, is especially relevant to urine testing timelines. (Keep in mind, not all CBD contains THC. The time periods listed below are based on CBD usage that contains THC.)

A positive result is determined by a minimum baseline presence of THC, known as the cut-off level. Urine tests are usually considered positive if more than 50 nanograms per milliliter of THC is detected in the urine.

A positive result caused by passive exposure to secondhand smoke is unlikely, yet not impossible. Cannabis smokers exhale minimal amounts of THC. So a testee would need to be in an unventilated area with smokers for a considerable amount of time to witness any significant effect. Yet even then, THC would be more likely to show up in a saliva sample than in a urine test, and would be unlikely to reach the cut-off threshold for a positive result.

Cut-off levels are set by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and are usually relatively high to account for false positives. However, it is possible for some medications to trigger positive results. In such cases, tests can be declared negative provided the medication is taken at the recommended dosage and under the direction of a licensed physician.

If the initial screening returns a positive result for THC, job-seekers should inquire if a second analysis may be conducted. In some cases, a specialist doctor reviews the results to verify the chain of custody, checks storage specifications, and confirms the appropriate use of the correct chemicals during testing, etc. The individual may also be contacted directly to ensure there can be no other reason for a positive THC result before a positive outcome is declared.

Need help with pre-employment drug testing for your organization? Checkr provides reliable and timely results on time, every time. Checkr’s nationwide network of over 600 labs can customize pre-employment drug screenings that are tailor-made for your hiring needs.

Contact our team today to learn more and discover how to attract and retain the best employees to maintain a healthy work environment.

Employers don't screen for CBD; they test for THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. However, this distinction doesn't eliminate risk for CBD users. Many CBD products contain enough THC to register a positive result on standard workplace drug tests, especially if you use full-spectrum products or consume CBD frequently.

This chance is compounded by inconsistent labeling and the lack of FDA oversight in the CBD industry. Full-spectrum CBD products, which contain all compounds that naturally occur in the cannabis plant, are particularly likely to include THC. Even hemp-derived products, which legally must contain less than 0.3% THC, can accumulate in your system with regular use. If you're subject to drug testing, it's important to understand that the THC in your CBD products can still affect your test results, even when employers aren’t specifically testing for CBD.

CBD itself won't show up on a drug test, but many CBD products contain trace amounts of THC that can trigger a positive result. The challenge lies in the largely unregulated nature of the CBD industry, where manufacturers aren't always required to conduct third-party testing, and product labels may not accurately reflect THC content. Even products marketed as "THC-free" can contain detectable amounts due to contamination during manufacturing or harvesting processes. Using THC-free CBD isolate products minimizes this risk, although even products that are marketed as THC-free may still contain trace amounts.

If you're subject to workplace drug testing, it's important to research products carefully and request certificates of analysis from manufacturers. Also understand that any CBD product carries at least some level of risk for triggering a positive THC result.

THC from CBD products remains detectable in urine for varying periods (usually up to 30 days), depending on the frequency of usage and individual factors, such as age, gender, metabolic rate, hydration levels, and overall health. Hair samples can detect THC for up to 90 days, blood samples for up to 36 hours, and saliva samples for up to 48 hours. It's important to note that these detection windows apply only to CBD products that contain THC; pure CBD isolate products without THC shouldn't trigger positive results.

Topical CBD products like creams, lotions, and balms are highly unlikely to cause a positive drug test because they don't enter the bloodstream when applied to the skin. The compounds remain on the surface and aren't absorbed into fat cells where THC is typically stored.

However, if you're using topical products in combination with consumable CBD products that contain THC, those consumables could still trigger a positive result. It's also worth noting that if a topical product is applied to broken skin or mucous membranes, there's a slightly higher chance of absorption, though this is uncommon. For maximum safety in drug testing scenarios, choose topical products that are clearly labeled as THC-free or made from CBD isolate.

CBD isolate products are the least likely to trigger a positive drug test because they contain pure CBD with all other plant compounds, including THC, removed during the manufacturing process. These products often come as crystalline solids or powders that can be consumed directly or added to foods and beverages. Broad-spectrum CBD from hemp plants is the next safest option, as it contains multiple beneficial cannabinoids but has THC removed or reduced to trace amounts.

In contrast, full-spectrum CBD products contain all naturally-occurring compounds from the cannabis plant, including THC, making them the most likely to cause positive test results. When you’re selecting CBD products with future drug testing in mind:

If you receive a positive THC result after using CBD products, immediately request a confirmatory test or secondary analysis. Many employers allow for a medical review officer to examine the results and verify the chain of custody, storage specifications, and testing procedures. Be prepared to provide documentation of the CBD products you've been using, including labels, certificates of analysis, and purchase receipts. If you're taking CBD under a physician's direction for a medical condition, obtain documentation from your healthcare provider.

It's important to communicate openly with your employer or the testing facility about your CBD use before the test if possible. Keep in mind that while some employers may be understanding about legal CBD use, other businesses, particularly in safety-sensitive industries, may maintain strict zero-tolerance policies regardless of the source of THC.

Hemp-derived CBD products are generally safer for drug testing purposes because hemp legally contains no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight, while marijuana plants can contain significantly higher concentrations. This lower THC threshold means hemp-based products are less likely to accumulate enough THC in your system to trigger a positive test result. However, "safer" doesn't mean risk-free. Even hemp-derived products can contain trace amounts of THC that may accumulate with frequent use, potentially reaching detectable levels.

The manufacturing process, quality of products, and third-party testing all play crucial roles in determining actual THC content. Some hemp-derived products may also be mislabeled or contaminated during production. For the lowest risk, choose hemp-derived CBD isolate products from reputable manufacturers who provide certificates of analysis from independent laboratories that confirm the product’s THC content.

Failing a drug test from secondhand marijuana smoke exposure is highly unlikely, although not entirely impossible. Cannabis smokers exhale minimal amounts of THC, so you would need prolonged exposure in an enclosed, unventilated space with multiple smokers to absorb enough THC to register on a test. Even in these extreme circumstances, THC levels would typically remain well below the standard cut-off threshold of 50 nanograms per milliliter used in most workplace urine tests. Secondhand exposure is more likely to show up in saliva tests than urine tests, though still rarely at actionable levels.

If you're concerned about upcoming background checks and potential drug testing, it's best to avoid environments where marijuana is being smoked. Most testing protocols and cut-off levels are specifically designed to distinguish between active use and passive environmental exposure, so legitimate secondhand exposure claims are generally recognized by medical review officers.

CBD product labels can be unreliable when it comes to THC content because the industry remains largely unregulated by the FDA. Studies have found that many CBD products contain more or less THC than their labels indicate: some products that are labeled as "THC-free" do contain measurable amounts. This inconsistency stems from several factors: lack of standardized testing requirements, contamination during manufacturing, variations in plant material, and inadequate quality control measures. Some manufacturers may not conduct third-party testing at all, while others may test only select batches rather than every production run.

For the greatest accuracy, look for products that provide certificates of analysis (COAs) from independent, accredited laboratories. These certificates should include specific THC measurements and should be readily available on the manufacturer's website or upon request. Reputable brands typically test each batch and make results publicly accessible. When in doubt, choose products from established companies with transparent testing practices, especially if you're subject to compliance requirements.

A screening test is the initial drug test that provides a preliminary positive or negative result for THC, typically using immunoassay technology. Using immunoassays is fast and cost-effective but can sometimes produce false positives. These tests are designed to be highly sensitive to catch potential drug use, which means they may react to substances other than THC or detect very low levels that don't necessarily indicate impairment. If a screening test comes back positive, a confirmatory test, usually gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), is performed on the same sample.

Confirmatory tests are much more specific and accurate, capable of identifying the exact amount of THC present and distinguishing it from other substances. This two-step process helps prevent false positives from affecting employment decisions. For individuals who use CBD products and receive a positive screening result, the confirmatory test is crucial because it can determine whether THC levels actually exceed the cut-off threshold or if the initial result was a false positive.