The legalization of hemp and hemp-derived products like CBD (cannabidiol) at the federal level has prompted many to explore its therapeutic potential and benefits. However, the hazy and illicit federal status of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) makes this naturally derived cannabis compound still illegal and unregulated in many states.

Because of this, many specific industries and work corporations will often screen drug tests on their employees to detect any consumption of illegal substances, such as THC.

While many who get drug tested are clear on the consequences of a test coming back positive, many users are unclear on whether or not their CBD consumption will show up on these tests.

We’re here to cut out the noise and decipher the differences between CBD and THC showing up on a drug test, plus how to enjoy the known therapeutics of THC-free CBD.

What to Know About Cannabis and CBD Drug Testing

Drug testing protocols and regulations are often dependent on the state and industry. For testing THC and cannabis consumption, these drug tests are typically done by blood, urine, or hair analysis. Urine tests are the most frequently used type of testing due to their cost-effectiveness and convenience. Blood or hair tests are used for other specific, certain situations.

Some jobs and companies may still require drug testing for cannabis due to the illegal nature of cannabis on a federal level. Positions that may require a drug screening for cannabis include:

• Federal or government roles
• Commercial driving operators
• Positions in public safety (such as firemen or police officers)
• Safety-sensitive occupations such as construction or other blue-collar professions
• Counselors and social workers

These positions and professions will typically request drug testing and a drug-free workplace to prevent employees from posing a risk to others or themselves.

Is CBD Legal Federally?

Thanks to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp plants and hemp-based products are federally legal within the U.S. However, harvested hemp used for consumption must contain less than 0.3% of THC. This regulates hemp to remain under the limit for intoxicating effects, which is the primary effect of the cannabis’ main compound THC.

While there has been discussions of changing THC’s classification from a Schedule 1 controlled substance to Schedule 3, nothing has been decided yet. CBD wellness products containing minimal amounts of THC (0.3% or less, as stated above) are technically legal, but the lines are blurred when it comes to drug testing. We’ll break down the details so you have a better understanding of how it all works.

Can You Fail a Drug Test Because of CBD?

The short answer: it depends on the product you’re using.

Yes, wellness CBD products containing 0.3% THC or less are federally legal. But unfortunately, even legal amounts of THC could be enough to yield a positive test result. Further, some products that are marketed as “THC-free” may still contain trace amounts of the cannabinoid. If you expect to be drug tested in the future, it’s important to be as knowledgeable about the products you’re purchasing as possible.

Products to avoid: low-quality isolates, full-spectrum* tinctures

Products to seek out: high-quality, broad-spectrum CBD isolates, 100% THC-free products, like those available through Drops of Life

*Full-spectrum CBD products contain a range of compounds that naturally occur in the cannabis plant, such as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids — meaning they often contain various amounts of other cannabinoids in addition to CBD, like THC.

With that being said, it’s crucial to be aware you are choosing high-quality and reputable CBD wellness products that are THC-free, to ensure safety and accuracy for testing.

What are CBD isolates, anyway?

If you’re seeking the purest form of CBD for balance, look no further than isolates. Isolates contain the CBD compound (or another cannabinoid like CBG or CBN, depending on what you’re looking for) and nothing else. CBD is extracted using one of several methods, including carbon dioxide extraction, steam distillation, solvent extraction, or lipid extraction. The product is then refined through additional processing to remove any impurities.

At Drops of Life, we use cutting-edge, non-toxic CO2 extraction to produce 100% THC-free CBD oil used in our products. This FDA-approved process, which is considered the gold standard for cannabis extraction, ensures that the products we sell are safe, reliable, and truly contain 100% CBD — so you know you can trust the quality of your purchase!

How long does THC/CBD stay in your system?

How long THC stays in your system is dependent on various factors – this can include the actual product, method of consumption and level of THC content, one’s metabolism or the last time they ate, tolerance to cannabis, and the type of drug test screening being performed.

CBD works the same way, there are varying factors such as how and when you use it that depend on how long it is in your system.

Overall, if you have consumed CBD wellness products that contains no traces of THC, the drug test cannot test positive.

What CBD Products Do Not Contain THC?

Some companies offer products with therapeutic and holistic benefits of CBD, but the quality and value of their products are questionable.

Reputable companies like Drops of Life are here to ensure you can have a safe, trustworthy, and clean experience with CBD wellness. All of our Drops of Life products are responsibly sourced and undergo rigorous lab testing to ensure accurate cannabinoid content and that each product is completely THC-free. 

More specifically, for those looking for relief in more ways than one, Drops of Life offers a trio tincture set of broad-spectrum CBG, CBD, and CBN. Each tincture is formulated to help you find balance, drive, or get better sleep while remaining THC-free in your everyday routine.

How can I confirm that the product I’m using is really THC-free?

One way to ensure that a cannabis product is THC-free is to review the COA, or a certificate of analysis that contains details about a product obtained through lab testing. However, not all companies provide this information. When you shop at Drops of Life, a COA is provided for each of your purchases that includes details about the lab, the product, and the amount of each cannabinoid it contains. Having access to this information shows that a brand is transparent and trustworthy and that its products have been marketed accurately (for example, if CBD products are advertised as “THC-free”). If a company does not provide a COA, that could be a red flag.

Drops of Life CBD: Enjoy Living Life THC-Free

When it comes to drug testing, whether for work or personal reasons, it’s important to understand the difference in how both THC and CBD will show up. Finding a trusted, quality source for daily CBD products that are THC-free can help you enjoy all the benefits without the worry or stress of not passing a screening test.

If you’re searching for a wellness regimen that’s THC-free, Drops of Life’s line of CBD tinctures, edibles, and topicals bring relief and alleviate various symptoms, all while staying THC-free.

Drops of Life is dedicated to providing you with top-notch, THC-free CBD wellness products. We use GMO-free hemp grown in the USA and employ cutting-edge manufacturing methods, as well as third-party testing, to ensure the highest quality. Our CBD company prioritizes exceptional customer service and reliability, so you can trust us to deliver the best.

Whether you’re looking to consume CBD for balance, focus, sleep, or relief – let Drops of Life be your trusted one-stop source for the relief you need.