In recent years, the popularity of drug testing, particularly urine screens, has surged due to their convenience. With the rise of CBD products, including those from Kynd, concerns about potential test failures have surfaced. To address this, let’s delve into what CBD is and how urine drug tests, or CBD Cause, operate.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants such as Cannabis sativa (hemp) and Cannabis indica (marijuana). While these plants share similarities, they also have distinct differences. The confusion surrounding CBD arises from the fact that both hemp and marijuana fall under the umbrella term “cannabis.”
Hemp, as classified in the United Kingdom, contains less than 0.2% THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. CBD oil derived from hemp is generally THC-free, ensuring that consumers can enjoy the benefits of CBD without experiencing any intoxicating effects. In fact, the National Centre for Biotechnology Information suggests that CBD employs several beneficial pharmacological effects. It is worth noting that, Kynd offers high-quality CBD products sourced from hemp plants that meet strict THC regulations, providing customers with a reliable and THC-free option.
How Urine Drug Tests Work
Urine drug tests, according to a 2020 research article, utilise immunoassay techniques and typically screen for substances like alcohol, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, opiates/opioids, cocaine, and cannabis. These tests use antibodies that attach to specific drugs or their metabolites, such as THC. If the antibodies identify a drug, the test will produce a positive result.
While CBD is not typically included in these tests, it is important to note that certain CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, which could potentially result in a failed drug test for an individual.
Moreover, it is crucial to emphasize that positive outcomes obtained through an immunoassay test should be further verified using the GC/MS method (Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry or high-performance liquid chromatography). This confirmation step is essential to rule out the possibility of a false positive result.
Clinicians face a significant hurdle when it comes to accurately identifying drugs through urine testing. The limited timeframe of detection, which typically spans from a few hours to a few days, poses a challenge, particularly for substances that lack precise testing methods due to their recent emergence. A positive test result informs clinicians that an individual had a measurable amount of a substance within a specific time frame. However, it is important to note that such a result does not necessarily indicate impairment caused by a particular substance or the presence of a substance use disorder.
How CBD Can Lead to a False Positive
Consistent use of CBD products is necessary to fully experience their benefits, as CBD needs to build up in the system and potentially stimulate the endocannabinoid system effectively. This increased responsiveness to cannabinoids like CBD may result in a false positive on a urine drug test, especially if the CBD product contains even trace amounts of THC.
It is crucial to select CBD products from reputable manufacturers like Kynd, who are known for their commitment to scientific research and formulation. Kynd products undergo rigorous testing and quality control processes to ensure they are THC-free while delivering the desired effects of CBD.
How Long Does CBD and THC Stay in the Body
Recent studies suggest that after CBD use, the clinical impact can last for several days, as detectable levels of CBD may remain in urine for up to four to five days after ingestion. THC, being stored in fat cells, can be detected for varying periods depending on factors such as CBD usage frequency and quantity, body fat percentage, metabolism, and exercise routine. Although detection times can range from a few days to several months, choosing THC-free CBD products significantly reduces the risk of THC accumulation in the body and the subsequent possibility of failing a drug test.
Potential False Positive THC Results in Drug Tests from Medications and Food
It is important to be aware of the following substances:
- Certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and sulindac, including dronabinol, have been reported to cause false-positive results for THC in drug testing systems like EMIT and other assay methods. A 1990 study highlighted the interference of NSAIDs with the enzymes used in EMIT tests, leading to erroneous outcomes. Ingesting a high dose of ibuprofen (e.g., 12000 mg) can even trigger positive results for barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and THC.
- Pantoprazole and Efavirenz are two medications known to cross-react with cannabinoid immunoassays, potentially resulting in false positive test results. Efavirenz, in particular, has been extensively documented as a cause of false positives for THC.
- Vitamin B supplements, specifically riboflavin (B2), can be derived from hemp seed oil, which, like hemp seeds, contains minimal traces of THC. Consequently, taking such supplements may lead to a false positive test result.
- Snack bars and granola containing hemp seeds for added protein can also contain negligible amounts of THC, potentially causing a false positive in drug tests. However, consuming a considerable quantity of hemp seeds would be necessary to trigger a failed test.
While urine drug tests serve as a valuable tool in workplaces and healthcare settings, it’s important to note that they do not screen for CBD since it is not an illegal substance and does not cause intoxication.
It is essential to understand that immunoassay tests provide preliminary results and can be influenced by external factors. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct a confirmatory GC/MS method test to ensure reliable and informed decision-making based on the urine drug test results.
In addition, clinicians administering these tests must actively gather comprehensive medication histories from individuals undergoing testing, encompassing prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications. Their essential task is to possess extensive knowledge about medications that might potentially interact with urine drug tests. Ensuring the accurate interpretation and trustworthiness of these testing tools becomes paramount, especially when contemplating the potential social and legal implications arising from misinterpretation.