Does CBD Oil Show Up In a Drug Test in the UK?

Cannabidiol is the most common compound derived from hemp seed oil and is known for its wellness properties. Suppose you’re an athlete or a regular person considering CBD supplements. In that case, you may be nervous about it showing up on a drug test. Although this is unlikely, this article explains how CBD and most drug tests work. Find out more below! 

What is Drug Testing?  

Drug testing or substance abuse testing evaluates a biological specimen to check for any traces of drugs or their metabolites. The drug test aims to find out signs of drug use or misuse. Most drug tests use a urine sample, but some tests may ask for blood, saliva, spit or sweat.  

In sports, many professional athletes must take drug tests to check for performance-enhancing drugs like steroids or other substances. Some workplaces also conduct occasional drug tests to check for on-the-job drug use or misuse. A positive drug test means that you’ve failed a threshold of the compound produced from the substance intake.  

Does CBD Oil Show Up on a Drug Police Test in the UK?  

Drug tests, in general, do not check for CBD in your system. Studies show that CBD is a natural cannabinoid compound that helps to stimulate the ECS system without causing any intoxicating effects. As such, it doesn’t fall into the category of an “enhancement” drug that alters the system to boost performance.  

In addition, CBD is not on the substances list and is added as a novel food in the UK. Hence, it is not comparable to prescription drugs or illegal drugs. UK regulations provide that CBD is a legal and safe food supplement where it contains 0.2% or fewer THC concentrations. This means that CBD products with higher THC levels may appear on your drug test.  

If you’re getting a police drug test, a positive result could put you in a sticky situation. Hence, there’s a reason to be alarmed. Different methods exist to test for CBD use, but most tests screen for THC. However, the test does not look for THC itself but checks the body’s reaction to the drug.  

Cannabis drug tests look for a compound that the body releases after ingesting THC. This compound signals that someone has recently taken THC. So if your CBD oil contains THC, this compound will be present, and the test result will be positive. In addition, most positive urine test results show the THC concentration in the body is higher than 50ng/mL.  

What To Do if you Fail a Drug Test Because of CBD Oil?  

The main reason you may fail a drug test due to CBD oil is if you’re taking a product with higher THC levels. Some CBD Oil vendors may try to scam consumers into taking products with more THC levels than they claim. Some studies also believe that exposure to second-hand can result in detectable levels of THC in your system.  

In addition, longtime use of CBD can cause a build of THC over time which could result in a positive test result. Unfortunately, even using CBD for medicinal purposes, you may also get a positive result. The best move is to contact your healthcare provider or CBD dispensary to confirm that you’re authorized to use CBD Oil.  

How To Be Sure CBD Won’t Show Up On A Drug Test?  

First, we can’t guarantee that you won’t test positive for THC if you regularly use CBD products. However, this is highly unlikely with CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD extracts. Still, you should beware of any brand claiming their product will not result in a positive test result. This is false and can signify that the company has a poor production process. 

In addition, it’s safer to purchase your CBD products from an authorized vendor that offers a ‘Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a third-party lab. You can also check that the product comes from legal industrial hemp plants farmed outside the UK. If you shop with a reputable brand, you can be certain that the CBD concentration is correct.  

Conclusion  

Ultimately, it’s normal to feel nervous about failing a drug test if you’re a regular CBD consumer. A positive test result is mostly due to a high THC concentration but doesn’t mean that you’re breaking the law. However, you can prepare for a drug test by taking all the necessary precautions to avoid a positive result.  

Moreover, you can find the best CBD oils in the UK here.

See also: Articles, CBD, Laws, United-Kingdom

Enny Soyinka

PharmacologistExpertise : Research on cannabinoids, Brand Reviewer

Enny Soyinka stands at the forefront of hemp research, blending a deep-rooted passion for holistic health with a robust scientific background. As an accomplished pharmacologist, Enny's extensive research into hemp has made them a pivotal figure in demystifying its health benefits. Their expertise shines a light on the nuanced relationship between cannabinoids and wellness, offering well-informed insights in the dynamic world of cannabinoids.