Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of approximately 400 compounds found in cannabis, the same plant that produces the psychoactive compound, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While CBD is a cannabinoid and shares some structural similarities with THC, it does not produce a “high.”
Research surrounding CBD is still in its early phases, but preliminary studies indicate that CBD may benefit medical and therapeutic issues such as seizures, neurological diseases, pain, cancer, inflammation, and mood disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sara Jane Ward, an assistant professor of pharmacology at the Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, tells U.S. News Health that the Drug Enforcement Administration considers CBD, like all cannabinoids, a Schedule I substance. She adds, “…hemp – a variety of the cannabis plant regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – is legal , so long as its THC content is negligibly low. But because the agriculture department doesn’t test for CBD – only THC, more companies are getting away with selling products they say contain CBD.”[i]
In some medical marijuana states, CBD products are allowed to have residual levels of THC up to 5%, dependent on the state. Because of these low to non-existent levels of THC, more companies have started carrying CBD products, even in states where marijuana is not permitted for either medicinal or recreational use. However, it is worth noting that CBD is not legal[ii], at the state level, in all 50 states.
Unlike THC-rich products that do create a high, CBD is perceived as less harmful and comes in several different forms:
Oil (most popular)
Beauty and health products
Vapors
Infused edibles such as lattes, chocolates, and gummies
Despite the reputation CBD has of being less harmful than products[iii] containing THC, CBD may still cause adverse reactions in some people. Reported side effects from human and/or animal studies include:
Maybe. CBD itself would not report positive on a drug test for marijuana or marijuana metabolite. In some states, CBD may contain up to 5% THC. If the CBD product contains THC at a sufficiently high concentration, it is possible that the use of these products could cause a positive urine drug test result.
It is important to remember that for federally-mandated drug tests, the use of CBD or “medical marijuana” would not be considered an alternative medical explanation for the positive test result. Moreover, as a Schedule I substance, CBD remains illegal at the Federal level. While there are some states that permit the sale of CBD, many of these states only permit relatively low levels of THC in the CBD product.
CBD and drug tests
Employers need to stay informed about the ever-changing landscape of marijuana and its derivatives because situations like this may arise. Additionally, employers need to ensure their company’s substance abuse policy language clearly reflects their position on marijuana and the use of CBD products.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of approximately 400 compounds found in cannabis, the same plant that produces the psychoactive compound, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While CBD is a cannabinoid and shares some structural similarities with THC, it does not produce a “high.”
Research surrounding CBD is still in its early phases, but preliminary studies indicate that CBD may benefit medical and therapeutic issues such as seizures, neurological diseases, pain, cancer, inflammation, and mood disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sara Jane Ward, an assistant professor of pharmacology at the Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, tells U.S. News Health that the Drug Enforcement Administration considers CBD, like all cannabinoids, a Schedule I substance. She adds, “…hemp – a variety of the cannabis plant regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – is legal , so long as its THC content is negligibly low. But because the agriculture department doesn’t test for CBD – only THC, more companies are getting away with selling products they say contain CBD.”[i]
In some medical marijuana states, CBD products are allowed to have residual levels of THC up to 5%, dependent on the state. Because of these low to non-existent levels of THC, more companies have started carrying CBD products, even in states where marijuana is not permitted for either medicinal or recreational use. However, it is worth noting that CBD is not legal[ii], at the state level, in all 50 states.
Unlike THC-rich products that do create a high, CBD is perceived as less harmful and comes in several different forms:
Despite the reputation CBD has of being less harmful than products[iii] containing THC, CBD may still cause adverse reactions in some people. Reported side effects from human and/or animal studies include:
View our marijuana white paper for employers: The new age of marijuana
Will I pass a drug test?
Maybe. CBD itself would not report positive on a drug test for marijuana or marijuana metabolite. In some states, CBD may contain up to 5% THC. If the CBD product contains THC at a sufficiently high concentration, it is possible that the use of these products could cause a positive urine drug test result.
It is important to remember that for federally-mandated drug tests, the use of CBD or “medical marijuana” would not be considered an alternative medical explanation for the positive test result. Moreover, as a Schedule I substance, CBD remains illegal at the Federal level. While there are some states that permit the sale of CBD, many of these states only permit relatively low levels of THC in the CBD product.
CBD and drug tests
Employers need to stay informed about the ever-changing landscape of marijuana and its derivatives because situations like this may arise. Additionally, employers need to ensure their company’s substance abuse policy language clearly reflects their position on marijuana and the use of CBD products.
Read the USA Today article called “Weed? CBD? New products, new laws are causing confusion in the workplace” featuring an interview with Dr. Barry Sample, Senior Director of Science and Technology, Quest Diagnostics, and data about marijuana positivity.
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Resources
[i] Miller, Anna Medaris. 2018, March 1. What Is CBD Oil – and Should You Use It? https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2018-03-01/what-is-cbd-oil-and-should-you-use-it
[ii] Zhang, Mona. 2018, April 5. No, CBD Is Not ‘Legal In All 50 States’ https://www.forbes.com/sites/monazhang/2018/04/05/no-cbd-is-not-legal-in-all-50-states/#4f5e81b3762c
[iii] Consumer Health Digest. What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Cannabidiol (CBD)? https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/cbd-hemp-center/side-effects-of-cannabidiol.html
Photo by Patricia St. Martin
Updated January 21, 2020