Broad Spectrum vs Isolate: Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

Buying CBD can be a confusing experience if you aren’t already familiar with it. That’s partially because there are many different types of CBD to choose from. Although the differences might seem minor, they can have a major impact.

For instance, broad spectrum CBD could cause you to fail a drug test while CBD isolate isn’t likely to. If you need to undergo frequent drug testing for work, this difference could be the difference between keeping your job or getting fired.

As such, understanding the differences between broad spectrum CBD and CBD isolate is very important. We’ll cover everything you need to know about each type and offer some tips to help you pass your drug test.

Does CBD Oil Contain THC?

Many people automatically associate CBD with THC. The latter is a compound found in marijuana that gives you the feeling of being high. Although CBD is also found in marijuana, the legal CBD products you see in stores actually come from the industrial hemp plant. This is noteworthy because the industrial hemp plant produces 0.3 percent or less of THC.

So, the answer to this question is—possibly. Your CBD oil may or may not contain THC depending on what type it is. If it is a broad spectrum CBD oil, this means it contains more compounds from the hemp plant. This may result in a CBD oil that contains detectable levels of THC. By contrast, CBD isolate does not contain THC because it is removed during the production process.

Reputable CBD sellers offer lab testing results for each of their products. Along with determining the type of CBD you’re buying, looking at these results can tell you whether a product contains THC or not.

What is Broad Spectrum CBD?

Although the industrial hemp plant has risen to fame because it produces CBD, that isn’t all the plant produces. It also creates a variety of other cannabinoids. Research regarding these compounds is fairly scarce, however, many CBD users claim that they may make CBD more effective.

For this reason, many people prefer broad spectrum CBD products over isolates. Broad spectrum products include a variety of other cannabinoids and compounds along with CBD. It’s worth noting that THC is removed from broad spectrum products. This makes them different from full spectrum products, which include THC.

What is Isolate CBD?

As the name suggests, isolated CBD doesn’t contain compounds from the industrial hemp plant other than CBD. During the extraction process, growers isolate the CBD and get rid of the rest of the compounds.

This results in a product that contains CBD and no other cannabinoids or THC. In theory, CBD isolate shouldn’t be able to trigger a positive drug test for THC. However, it isn’t impossible. We’ll discuss that more later.

In the meantime, it’s worth noting that CBD isolate is colorless, flavorless, and odorless. This makes it a good choice for those who don’t like the taste of other CBD products and those who want to cook with it or add it to drinks.

Will Either Broad Spectrum or Isolate CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

For starters, it should be mentioned that CBD is perfectly legal in the United States. This means that drug tests aren’t actually looking for it. However, those who use CBD products may trigger a positive result on their drug test anyway. So, why does this happen?

It isn’t that CBD is actually showing up on the drug test. Rather, trace amounts of THC could be present in the CBD products that you’ve been using. Another possibility is that the drug test itself can’t differentiate CBD from THC. This is a known issue with many drug tests that are used in the U.S. and could result in a positive result even if no THC is present.

Reasons Why CBD Oil Users May Test Positive for THC

Aside from the examples above, there are many reasons why someone who uses CBD oil has a positive drug test. Most of the time, these instances are caused by some sort of contamination or a mistake.

While reliable CBD manufacturers strive to make every drop of their products perfectly, mistakes can happen. This might leave more THC than expected in a certain batch, causing an unsuspecting user to fail their drug test. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons a CBD oil user might test positive for THC.

• Some Oils Contain Trace Amounts of THC: As mentioned, most types of CBD contain little to no THC. However, certain products may contain a larger amount, such as full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD oil. Since there is THC present in these products, using them allows it to enter your bloodstream. As a result, it can trigger a positive drug test.
• Cross Contamination: Most CBD manufacturers don’t just make one type of product. This means that a batch of CBD isolate oil could contain some trace THC that was left behind by a batch of broad spectrum CBD oil that was made before it. Although this type of contamination is rare it can certainly happen.
• Mislabeled Products: Another mix-up that could cause you to fail a drug test is mislabeling. If a manufacturer accidentally puts the wrong label on a bottle, you could be taking a CBD product with more THC in it than you intended. This is very difficult to detect unless you’re a seasoned CBD user. Mislabeling can also occur when a manufacturer claims their product is THC-free when, in fact, it is not.
• Secondhand Exposure: Unlike with smoking, secondhand exposure to THC is fairly rare. However, it is possible to trigger a positive drug test due to secondhand THC exposure. For instance, if you’re frequently around someone who smokes marijuana, this could cause your THC levels to be just high enough to set off a drug test.

How the Type of Drug Test Affects Your Results

When it comes to drug testing, no two tests are alike. Companies that require their employees to be tested can specify which type of test to use based on how strict their requirements are. The type of test you must undergo can determine what result you’ll get.

For instance, THC can be detected in your system for varying amounts of time depending on what type of test you take. A urine test can detect THC for about 3-30 days after you last used it. A hair test can detect THC for up to 90 days. Hair tests also tend to be much more accurate than urine tests. That being said, a blood test can only detect THC for a few hours.

Ultimately, whether or not you’ll pass a drug test if you’ve been using CBD products may depend on what type of test you’ll need to take. If you’re using broad spectrum products, it may be best to take a break well before your test. CBD isolate may cause a positive result in a hair test but might not trigger a urine test.

The best strategy is to reach out to the lab performing the test and determine what type it is and what it will look for.

Tips to Make Sure You Pass Your Drug Test

Undergoing a drug test can be nerve-wracking if you use CBD products. However, with the right preparation, you can greatly increase your odds of passing the test. Just keep in mind that there is no perfect solution. Even the most careful CBD users could have a positive drug test due to something like contamination or a labeling issue. That being said, here are a few tips to increase your odds of passing a drug test after using CBD.

• Don’t Use Full Spectrum: If you know that you’ll need to pass a drug test, it’s probably best to avoid full spectrum CBD products. By sticking to a CBD isolate, you greatly decrease your chances of accidentally getting too much THC in your system. This is arguably the best way to increase your odds of passing a drug test aside from not taking CBD in the first place.
• Know What They Are Testing For: Although the majority of drug tests do look for THC not all of them do. If the test that you need to pass doesn’t look for THC, then you should have nothing to worry about. However, if it does then you’ll need to be more careful with your product selection.
• Read the Label: Before taking any CBD products, it’s important to always read the label. Knowing what is in the product can save you from accidentally having a positive drug test. In addition, you should always be aware of what is in the product you’re taking, including how much THC is present if any.
• Check Lab Results: When shopping for CBD products, be sure to check the lab testing results provided by the seller. This tells you how much THC is present in the product. It also provides information about what other compounds, such as cannabinoids, are present along with your CBD.

If you are looking to buy CBD online, make sure you get a quality product by knowing what to look for when buying CBD online. Browse all of our CBD products on our online shop – Puure Therapeutics!