Last updated: December 4, 2023
For those who are wondering if drug tests detect the cannabidiol (CBD) in marijuana, no, they don’t. Drug tests that contain a marijuana test panel are looking for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, CBD users shouldn’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet because they are still far from in the clear. That’s because CBD products all contain some percentage of THC whether or not the packaging professes that information.
CBD is taken as an extract, a vaporized liquid, an oil, or in capsule form. The industry sprang into overdrive as state after state began passing medical marijuana laws, however, there is no regulation of these products whatsoever. With no guidelines in place, manufacturers are not obligated to gauge the levels of THC that escape during the extraction process.
That’s posing a problem because some products, unbeknownst to consumers, contain enough THC to trigger a positive drug test result.
Regulation in the beginning stages
In January 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to work with Congress on developing a “regulatory pathway” for CBD manufacturers to follow.
Rules and regulations mandated by the federal government will bring a sense of organization to the industry. For instance, rather than “guesstimating” how much is too much CBD to ingest, manufacturers will be responsible for including specific dosing information on packaging.
They will also be required to test the levels of THC that escape during the extraction process. In fact, the entire extraction process may be overhauled before things are said and done.
Dangerous or docile?
Overall, there are still a lot of unknowns about cannabidiol.
It’s already illegal to market as dietary supplements and that won’t be changing according to Dr. Janet Woodcock, FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner. In a statement released by the FDA, she wrote, “We have not found adequate evidence to determine how much CBD can be consumed, and for how long, before causing harm. Therefore, we do not intend to pursue rulemaking allowing the use of CBD in dietary supplements or conventional foods.”
The FDA has expressed other concerns about the safety of CBD products. For instance, one study showed evidence that women who ingest either CBD or THC while pregnant are five times more likely to have children who have increased fat mass and higher blood sugar levels by the time they are five years old. Some studies are said to show connections between CBD and THC use during pregnancy and low-birth weight in babies. Lastly, children may suffer from behavioral problems later on which can stem from aggression and anxiety.
Side effects exist
In addition to the lasting effects it may have on the unborn, CBD use can cause side effects.
They include:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
It’s important to note that CBD can negatively interact with other medications, such as blood thinners. Moreover, studies should be conducted regarding the amount of cannabidiol retained in the system when absorbed through the skin. There are a plethora of CBD-infused beauty products, lotions, oils, and salves on the market.
Could CBD wind up on a panel?
Rather than sending employers searching for CBD drug testing near me, it’s more likely that cannabidiol regulation will be industry focused. Once appropriate drug content levels are set and the extraction process mapped out, the THC issue will get resolved. Until then, though, CBD users need to realize that if they take a company drug test, it’s possible that they will test positive for marijuana.
Explaining the situation isn’t going to change the outcome either. Employers who drug test are required to follow policies and procedures in place to the letter. Most state that a positive drug test is a due cause for termination.
No ifs, and’s, or buts allowed.
