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CBD use and drug testing – what do you need to know?
We often hear about drug testing in the context of elite sports or maybe as part of investigations by the police for drug driving.
However, drug testing isn’t just confined to elite sports or policing. It is not unusual for workplaces to test their staff routinely for illegal drug use as part of their duty of care to their staff and their customers. This is especially common in jobs that involve public safety.
Your workplace may have a policy like this and you may be wondering whether use of CBD will be identified on drug tests and what that means for you. Read on to find out more about CBD use and testing so that you can make informed decisions.
What is the difference between CBD and THC?
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) are both cannabinoids found in cannabis. THC is the component which is detected during drug testing. This is due to THC being predominantly associated with impairment due to its psychoactive nature. Cannabis products containing THC are used recreationally, whereas cannabis products containing CBD typically are not.
Many people use CBD products for medical or supplementation reasons. These products, usually in the form of an oil, edible or vape cartridge, are legally available without prescription. To comply with current UK laws around cannabis, CBD products are required to contain less than 1mg of THC per preparation.
For some people, CBD alone isn't enough to alleviate their symptoms. Many of these patients find further relief through medical cannabis prescriptions, which are legal forms of cannabis medication that often contain THC or a combination of both THC and CBD. The added compound, along with the synergy between the chemicals in cannabis, is sometimes considered more effective for certain conditions due to the entourage effect.
How do drug tests work?
Drugs are metabolised (broken down) in the body by the liver and kidneys. These substances can be absorbed by our body, released into the bloodstream as well as being excreted (for example in our breath, saliva and urine). Traces of these substances can be present in our bodies and bodily fluids (for example our hair, nails, blood, urine and saliva) for various lengths of time after consumption and can be detected through collection and analysis of samples.
The length of time after consumption that these items can be detected can also dependent on the extent of use. For example, a one off consumption will not be detected as easily as regular and extensive use. However, this also largely depends on the type of drug as well as the kind of sample being collected.
Saliva tests can detect presence of a drug up to 48 hours after use. They are popular in workplace settings as they are easy to administer, deliver fast results and can deal with issues of employees who are considered to be intoxicated or unfit to work.
Urine tests can detect presence up to 4 days after use. Urine sampling is considered more accurate and it can detect less recent consumption.
On the other hand, hair and finger or toenail samples can detect drug use over the previous 12 months.
What are the different types of CBD and how is this relevant to drug testing?
Full spectrum CBD (which can be in the form of oils, creams and edibles) – containing all of the naturally occurring elements of cannabis such as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids offer users further potential benefits. It is a UK legal requirement that full spectrum CBD should only contain low levels of THC – less than 1mg per bottle or container. It may be detected by a drugs test due to the presence of THC.
Broad spectrum CBD – is similar to full spectrum CBD in that it contains all the naturally occurring elements however the THC has been completely removed. Broad spectrum CBD is unlikely to be detected by a drugs test because any THC should be present at trace levels only.
CBD isolate – as you may have been able to guess from the name, an isolate indicates an individual component. CBD isolate is CBD only so it does not contain other elements from the cannabis plant including THC. CBD isolate should not therefore be detected by a drugs test.
Is CBD legal in the UK?
Yes, CBD is legally available to purchase even from the supermarket and is also included as a food supplement in many different products such as soft drinks.
Medical cannabis which contains THC or a combination of both THC and CBD is legally available only on prescription from licensed clinics for certain conditions.
How do you avoid failing a drug test due to CBD?
If you are purchasing CBD, it is important to check the source of the product, ensuring that it is from a reputable UK-based supplier. You should also check that the product contains less than 1mg THC per bottle or container so that you know what you are taking and are compliant with UK law.
The purchase and use of non-prescribed CBD products containing levels of THC higher than 1mg is illegal in the UK and, depending on the levels, could result in a failed drug test. To be as clear as possible about the facts, you should know that two micrograms of THC detected per millilitre of blood would fail a UK drug test.
It is important to note that drug tests aren’t always entirely accurate and there may be risks of cross-contamination when testing is not conducted in situ. Some tests may be less accurate than others, depending on the type of test and the producer.
Medical cannabis, obtained legally via prescription, would almost certainly be detected on a drug test as it usually contains THC.
If you have been legally prescribed medical cannabis for a medical condition and you are working, it is important to know your rights so that you are not treated unfavourably and, where appropriate, reasonable adjustments can be made. The Cannabis Industry Council and Drug Science have published guidance on medical cannabis and employment.
If you are nervous about disclosing your medical cannabis prescription to your employer, we would recommend reaching out to us at Alternaleaf. We will be able to offer you guidance and additional support, such as further documentation to verify your status as a legal, prescribed patient in the UK.
Summary
When deciding on the right treatment for your symptoms, it is important to consider how effective any form or type of medication may be as well as being informed about CBD and drug testing so that you can make the right choice for your own situation.
It is important to be aware that drug testing is targeted at detecting the presence of THC as this is a controlled drug in the UK.
If you would like to find out more about how medical cannabis could help you manage your symptoms, contact Alternaleaf to make an appointment with a specialist doctor.