Introduction
CBD is an incredibly popular natural remedy for a myriad of health and wellness issues. It’s also one of the fastest-growing industries in the world of hemp. But there are still many people who don’t know much about CBD, including how it interacts with blood tests or drug tests. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about taking CBD before your next doctor’s appointment or drugs test.
Let’s start with the basics: CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that is legal in many countries around the world.
Let’s start with the basics: CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that is legal in many countries around the world. It does not cause intoxication, and it has been shown to be useful for a variety of benefits as a food supplement. You can find out more about the benefits of CBD and how they can improve your lifestyle in one of our recent articles.
CBD was first isolated by Raphael Mechoulam and colleagues at Hebrew University in Israel in 1964. Since then, researchers have learned more about how this compound works within our bodies and what effects it may have on health.
Because of its legality and relative safety compared to other drugs like opioids or stimulants, many people have started using CBD as an alternative supplement for overall wellness and relaxation. However, concerns have been raised regarding how CBD affects blood tests. Blood tests are an important diagnostic tool used to detect and monitor a wide range of health conditions.
CBD does not show up on drug tests, but THC does.
CBD is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it does not produce the “high” associated with marijuana use. CBD is commonly used for its potential therapeutic effects, including the promotion of relaxation and calmness, improving sleep quality, and as a dietary supplement, there are many benefits to taking CBD.
CBD is derived from hemp, a type of cannabis that can contain low levels of THC. While it may not show up on drug tests, someone with high levels of CBD in their system could possibly fail one if they’re being screened specifically for the presence of THC. It is therefore possible for CBD oil to cause a positive test result if the product you consume contains THC. While there are no tests specific to CBD, traces of THC can be found in most products containing hemp extracts.
If you are frequently drug tested, it is recommended to use a CBD oil that can guarantee no traces of THC in the product, such as our Broad-Spectrum CBD products, which have had THC removed.
CBD and Blood Tests
Blood tests are commonly used to measure various substances in the body, such as blood glucose, cholesterol, and liver enzymes. Blood tests can also be used to detect the presence of drugs, including THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana.
Many people who use CBD may wonder if it will affect the results of their blood tests. Research on this topic is still limited, but several studies have investigated the potential effects of CBD on blood test results.
A 2021 study evaluated the effects of CBD on liver function tests. The study found that daily CBD use for six weeks did not significantly alter liver function tests in healthy adults. it is important to note that these studies have limitations and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on blood tests. Additionally, the results of these studies may not apply to all individuals and may depend on factors such as the dose and form of CBD used.
There’s no conclusive evidence that CBD can affect a Blood Test
There is no conclusive evidence that suggests CBD causes problems with blood tests, some people have had negative experiences with blood tests while using CBD. If you are planning on taking a drug test and want to be sure that your results will be accurate, it’s best not to use CBD at all.
If you are taking a blood test for any other reason and want to ensure an accurate result, it’s best to avoid using hemp-based products (including hemp-based products like CBD) for several days before the test.
If you’re interested in using CBD for its potential benefits, it’s important to understand how long it stays in your system. CBD’s effects can vary depending on factors such as the dosage, method of consumption, and individual metabolism. While the effects of CBD typically last for a few hours, the compound can stay in your system for much longer. Most research suggests that CBD can stay in your system for up to five days, but this can vary based on a variety of factors. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD, especially if you’re subject to drug testing or taking other medications. By understanding how long CBD stays in your system, you can make informed decisions about dosage and timing of use to optimize its potential benefits.
if in doubt, you can contact us to discuss your concerns. One of our CBD expert team will gladly assist you!
What is better for Blood Tests? Broad Spectrum or Full-Spectrum CBD
There are three main types of CBD, and each has its own unique concentration of THC. While some contain trace elements of THC, others are completely THC free.
This contains all of the naturally occurring components in cannabis, including CBD and other cannabinoids like THC. Full-Spectrum CBD is considered to be much more beneficial as a health food supplement, due to the “Entourage Effect”, whereby each cannabinoid works together in a synergistic manner. Due to containing trace elements of THC, it can sometimes cause a positive on a drug test, and therefore users should consider this when purchasing.
- Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-Spectrum CBD can contain different terpenes and flavonoids from the hemp plant, these give the oil similar characteristics as full-spectrum CBD oils, however, they do not contain any elements of THC. This makes Broad-Spectrum CBD products the perfect choice for those who are sensitive to THC or those looking to avoid potential false positives on tests.
- Isolate CBD
This contains nothing but pure CBD. It comes from the hemp plant and is heavily processed within a laboratory setting. Often mass-produced overseas utilising cheaper outdoor crops. Isolate CBD is often used in cosmetics due to its increased potency per weight. It is often seen as less effective and cheaper than its “spectrum” counterparts, and should generally be avoided if looking for a more effective product.
Is CBD safe for Sports?
In 2018, WADA removed CBD from its banned substances list. This means that it’s no longer considered a performance-enhancing drug like amphetamines or illegal drugs. CBD is a legal food supplement in the UK—so long as retailers don’t make any medical claims about its effects.
To ensure that athletes are playing fair, they must undergo urine tests for performance-enhancing drugs. The substances screened include androgens (growth hormones), stimulants, diuretics—and cannabinoids like THC. There is a small chance that the CBD oil you’re taking might show up on drug tests if it contains contaminants.
If you’re required to undergo a drug test, you will most likely need to provide either a urine or blood sample—or both. The procedure may vary from country to country but usually involves these steps:
- Drug testing is immediate, so athletes are told before they can leave the site that a drug test will be administered.
- Athletes are required to provide a sample and remain with the collector until it has been sealed and sent off for testing.
- Once the sample has been collected, it is sent to an independent laboratory for analysis. The tests used will depend on whether or not the athlete is competing and what substances are prohibited in his or her sport.
The results of laboratory analyses are reported by the sport governing body or competition event organiser to the appropriate authority, which is usually (but not always) a governmental agency. If a test does not detect any prohibited substances or methods, the athlete is informed and their results are placed on public record. The time period for which these records are kept varies from sport to sport.
If a sample contains prohibited substances, the athlete is notified and must provide another sample for testing within 10 days.
Violations of the rules may lead to disqualification or ineligibility, depending on their seriousness. If a competitor’s actions affect other athletes’ performance as well as their own at an event, If an athlete is found guilty of doping, he or she may be disqualified from that competition and serve a period of ineligibility (a ban on competing) afterwards.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is limited scientific evidence on the effects of CBD on blood tests, some studies suggest that CBD may not significantly alter liver function tests or the levels of certain medications. However, CBD use may lead to false positive results on some drug tests, so individuals who use CBD should be aware of this possibility.
It is also important to note that CBD products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or MHRA, so the quality and purity of these products may vary. To reduce the risk of positive results on drug tests, individuals should only use CBD products from reputable sources. Overall, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on blood tests. Individuals who use CBD should be aware of the potential risks and should discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.
