The use of CBD, or cannabidiol, as a self dosing measure for pain, anxious thoughts and insomnia has become very popular. While there are many high quality producers of CBD working in the industry, users may be at risk of failing a drug test if their product is not pure.
CBD vs THC
One of the reasons that CBD has faced so much scrutiny is that THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, remains illegal in many states. However, THC and CBD are very different compounds and cause unique reactions.
Both THC and CBD plug into the cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system. However, while CBD creates a sense of calm in small doses and sleepiness in bigger ones, THC creates a sense of disconnection and euphoria, or a a feeling of being high.
Using pure CBD will not get you high. The process of creating CBD may use heat. Any THC in the product at the time of heating can create cannabinol, or CBN. CBN can also be created over time due to the oxidative processing of THC.
Hemp Vs. Marijuana
Both hemp and marijuana are plants in the cannabis family. The key to passing a drug test by only using legal CBD is to avoid CBN, or cannabinol. Cannabinol will trigger a drug test while CBD will not.
Most CBD producers use hemp products instead of marijuana. Hemp naturally stays far under the legal THC threshold, and the stalks and leaves are nearly always THC free. Quality CBD producers will still check their product to make sure that any THC in the product will be under the legal .3 percent.
Indica Vs. Sativa
There are marijuana producers who sell both CBD and THC. Most CBD products come from the indica marijuana strain because it naturally contains less THC than the sativa strain.
If you are buying CBD products from a quality cannabis producer, carefully review third party testing to make sure that the CBD that you are using is within the safety threshold. You need to be sure that your CBD does not contain enough THC to trigger a positive drug test, nor that the product contains a readable level of CBN.
Look for Certifications
Third part testing is key when looking for CBD products. Third party testing is an additional step that select producers take to confirm that what is on the label is actually what is in the bottle. You need to know that your CBD purchase will not create a sense of disconnection or put you at risk of failing a drug test in the future.
While it is no guarantee, it is generally assumed that CBN can only be harvested from plants that also contain THC. However, it is possible to find trace amounts of CBN in some hemp hybrids. If you are looking for CBD products to aid you in
- fighting insomnia and sleeplessness
- reducing anxious thoughts
- lowering your pain level
do not risk failing a drug test and dealing with the legal repercussions. Buy organic products from a producer that offers third party testing. If you cannot see the testing data, find another producer.