Understanding the difference between cannabidiol (CBD) and THC can be confusing, especially since both come from the same plant. The biggest difference, of course, is that CBD doesn’t have the same psychoactive effects as THC. That means it may deliver many of the same benefits in relieving pain, seizures, anxiety, nausea, and other symptoms related to common medical conditions without making you feel “high.”
# Will CBD Show Up in a Drug Test?
In one of our previous blogs posts, we discussed CBD and whether it was likely to show up on a drug test. This may be a concern for you, especially if your workplace performs mandatory drug screenings or have strict employment rules regarding usage.
CBD is an all-natural product that has been deemed a “safe and well tolerated” substance by the World Health Organization, but there is still a possibility that taking it can mean a false positive result. CBD oil, no matter how pure or high quality, can contain trace amounts of THC. Therefore, THC metabolites may still be detectable in a drug test even if you’ve only ever taken CBD.
# How Long Does CBD Oil Stay in Your System?
After ingestion, it usually takes 20-30 minutes for CBD oil to take effect. How long it takes to leave your system afterward can depend on several factors, including:
-Your serving size
-How you administered the CBD oil (vaping, edibles, oil or tincture, etc.)
-Whether you’d eaten beforehand
-Even your weight
At this time, there aren’t many reliable or reputable studies regarding CBD available yet, so determining how long it can take for CBD to leave your system isn’t an exact science. Based on available studies, it could be between 1-2 days or, at the outside, 4-25 days.
Without very much hard data to lean on, you may want to be on the safe side before taking a drug test and assume that CBD leaves your body at the same rate as THC. According to the Mayo Clinic, a urine test (the most common type used for workplace testing) can detect THC metabolites for 10-15 days in the case of daily usage. Depending on the serving and frequency of use, the numbers can vary.
If you’re concerned about any professional consequences due to using CBD oil, it may help to discuss the issue with an HR representative or consult your state’s specific CBD laws. Many employers don’t consider CBD to be in the same league as marijuana, since it doesn’t result in any psychoactive effects that could impair your work.
