Does CBD Oil Affect Drug Tests?

Posted: March 26, 2019

You may have seen information about Cannabidiol (CBD) oil in the news recently, and it can get a little bit confusing with all of the different information that is out there on this product. Info Cubic, LLC is here to help with providing some information about CBD oil and its potential effect on drug tests. Our intent is to broaden the information circulating in our industry and not to sway your company drug test policy enforcement. 

The federal government places every controlled substance in a schedule depending on its potential for abuse and medicinal value. Late last year, President Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill officially legalized industrial hemp nationally and removed hemp-derived products (including CBD) from Schedule I. The bill federally authorized the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp. 

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD), is one of many compounds derived from the cannabis plant. It’s a naturally occurring substance that’s used in products like oils, topicals and edibles to impart a feeling of relaxation and calm. Unlike its cousin Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not ‘psychoactive’.

What is CBD Oil used for?

Some people often use CBD oil product to lessen the degree of:

• Anxiety
• Seizures
• Epileptic Seizures
• Inflammation
• Sleeplessness
• Pain

Most CBD products are advertised to contain very small levels of THC. If someone were to consume large amounts of CBD, they could potentially run into a risk of a positive drug result. Large amounts would fall in the range of 1,000 to 2,000 mg. 

What is the difference between hemp and CBD products?

You’ve probably read about cannabis, marijuana, and hemp in relation to CBD. Here’s what the differences are and how they all come together:

Cannabis sativa has two primary species: hemp and marijuana. Both contain CBD, but there’s a much higher percentage of CBD in hemp, which has very low (less than 0.3%) levels of THC compared to marijuana.

Hemp oil is from seeds and is used as a protein supplement, which can be found in lotions and soaps. CBD oil is from plant flowers and leaves, and is primarily used for medicinal purposes.

Why did my employee test positive when they thought they were taking a low dosage of CBD Oil?

If CBD products are consumed in large amounts, there is a risk that someone may test positive for a drug test looking for THC. If an individual is taking the recommended dosage, but still testing positive, that could mean the following:

• The product that is being consumed is not showing the correct contents.
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found several products where the levels of CBD advertised were not accurate.
• The individual is unsure what exactly is in the CBD product they are taking. 
• The person took a larger dose than what they admitted to. 

Is there an FDA-approved CBD product on the market?

In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex. The main ingredient is CBD, and it is an oral solution to lessen the degree of:

• Seizures
• Epilepsy
• Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
• Dravet Syndrome

The FDA transmits its medical and scientific analysis of substances to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It also provides recommendations to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). From there, the DEA is required to make a scheduling determination.

In September of 2018, the DEA published a final statement indicating that “FDA-approved drugs containing CBD derived from cannabis and no more than 0.1 percent tetrahydrocannabinols, are to be rescheduled to Schedule V.” This means the FDA approved the medical use of CBD via the drug Epidiolex.

Your company’s substance abuse policy language must clearly state what your position is on marijuana. If you still have questions or uncertainty of CBD along with the risks, Info Cubic is here to help guide your organization to find the best type of program(s) that fits your organization’s drug-free workplace policy. Contact our Drug Screening Business Coordinator at 877-360-4636 or click here to get the conversation started.