Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that is grown specifically for industrial purposes, such as the production of textiles, paper, and food products. Because it’s so readily available in grocery stores, online retailers, and even convenience stores, surely it couldn’t show up on a drug test, right? Does hemp show up on a drug test?
It is important to note that hemp contains only trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in marijuana that is responsible for its intoxicating effects. However, despite its low THC content, some people may still wonder whether using hemp products could lead to a positive result on a drug test. In this article, we’ll examine the science behind drug testing, the components of hemp, and what you can do to avoid failing a drug test for hemp.
Understanding Drug Testing
Drug tests are commonly used in various settings, including the workplace, sports organizations, and the criminal justice system. There are several types of drug tests, including urine tests, blood tests, saliva tests, and hair tests. These tests work by detecting the presence of drugs and their metabolites, which are the chemical compounds produced by the body after it has processed the drugs.
Typically, drug tests screen for the presence of marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opioids. However, some tests may also include additional substances, such as phencyclidine (PCP) or benzodiazepines. It is important to understand that different types of tests may detect drugs for different lengths of time after use. For example, a urine test may detect marijuana for up to 30 days after use, while a hair test may detect drugs for up to three months.
Different Types of Hemp Extracts
Whether or not a hemp contains THC depends on the type of extract consumed. There are several varieties, and any quality hemp brand will be transparent about what they use.
Hemp Flower
If you are smoking raw hemp flower in a joint or bowl, it likely contains some level of THC. It may not be much, but it will be there. Can you fail a drug test for one hit of hemp? Probably not. But if you smoke it regularly, it might be enough to build up in your system and trigger a positive result.
Full Spectrum Extract
Full spectrum is a term used to describe a type of extract that contains as much as possible from the original plant. That means terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids – including THC. A full-spectrum extract is considered the most efficacious, but it will likely contain some measurable amount of THC.
Broad Spectrum Extract
Broad spectrum extracts are one step removed from full spectrum, meaning they’ve gone through an extra step in their manufacturing process. This critical part of the extraction intentionally removes all traces of THC, while leaving behind some other minor cannabinoids and sometimes even a few terpenes.
Isolate
Isolate is exactly what it sounds like – isolated CBD. This multi-step extraction process removes all traces of fats, waxes, flavonoids, terpenes, and all other cannabinoids except for CBD. Because there is zero THC, this is the only surefire way to pass a drug without any worries about triggering the test.
Does Hemp Show Up on a Drug Test?
This depends on several factors, including the type of drug test, the sensitivity of the test, and the amount of THC in the hemp product you have used. While it is possible for hemp products to cause a false positive on a drug test, it is highly unlikely. Most drug tests have a cutoff level of 50 ng/mL of THC, which is well above the levels typically found in hemp products.
However, it is important to note that some hemp products may contain higher levels of THC, especially if they have been made with hemp grown outside of regulated agricultural systems. In addition, some people may be more sensitive to THC and may test positive for the substance even after using hemp products with low THC levels.
It’s important to consider how much you’ve been consuming. For example, if you’ve been eating 100 mg of full-spectrum CBD gummies on the daily, you might have more THC in your system than you think. The 2018 Farm Bill mandates that a final product must contain no more than 0.3% THC per total volume. So, for a 100 mg CBD gummy that weighs around 15-17 grams, there could be up to 5 mg THC in there.
How to Avoid Failing a Drug Test for Hemp
If you are concerned about a false positive on a drug test, there are several steps you can take to minimize your risk. First, choose hemp products with low THC levels, and look for products that a third-party laboratory has tested. Second, check the label of the hemp product to ensure that it contains less than 0.3% THC, which is the case for THC drinks you can buy online. Finally, if you have an upcoming drug test and are concerned about passing, the best thing to do is follow a detox program.
Using a Detox Kit or Drink
Drug tests can be stressful and nerve-wracking, especially if you have used hemp products that contain trace amounts of THC. In such situations, you might not have enough time for a natural THC detox, which makes it crucial to follow a guided detox program.
If you have a little warning before your drug test, consider using a detox kit or detox drink. If you have a week or more, detox kits are typically your best bet. A top-of-the-line detox kit like PassYourTest includes a cleansing guide and meal plan, whole food supplements, home testing kits, and customer support to help you stay on track throughout the process.
In case you only have 24 hours’ notice for a drug test, grab a detox drink. Detox drinks work by stirring up the available chemical metabolites in your body and encouraging rapid elimination. Typically, after you follow the guidelines for the detox drink, it takes effect within 90 minutes and provides up to six hours for you to take your drug test and pass.
It is essential to follow the directions precisely as outlined in the guide. If you do not stick to the protocol, you are likely to fail your drug test. To avoid this, choose a reputable company with a track record of success, plenty of customer testimonials, and easy ways to reach out for support. Find our ultimate guide to the best detox products for any timeline or type of drug test and eliminate any stress about a hemp drug test.
