What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a key ingredient in medicinal cannabis products. The naturally occurring chemical compound is one of the two major active cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
A crucial part of what makes CBD popular is its non-psychoactive nature. This means the substance will not have an intoxicating effect on its users, and there is no risk of getting “high”.
In recent times, CBD has been used as a treatment option to provide relief for symptoms associated with chronic conditions. None of the existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of the treatment can be seen as conclusive, as research has been largely limited.
The promising signs, however, have driven the medicinal cannabis market to rapid expansion. As the legal status of medical marijuana differs across the globe, some users may be concerned about how long CBD stays detectable in the system.
Does CBD show in a drug test?
In Australia, roadside drug tests are unconcerned with CBD as a substance. The non-intoxicating nature of the compound means that it poses little to no risk in the eyes of the law.
CBD may not be detectable in drug tests, but it stays in your system for an extended period.
The length of time that cannabidiol stays in your system is dependent on a number of different factors, such as:
The concentration of CBD
The strength of the dosage has a direct impact on how long the compound will stay present in your system. Large doses are likely to stick around for longer than low-dose products.
The frequency of use
The more you take CBD, the longer it’s going to stay in your system. The compound will build up over time, as it is highly soluble in fat.
What you choose to eat
The amount that you eat as well as what you eat will play a role in how long CBD stays present in the system. If you consume CBD on an empty stomach, it’s likely to leave the system earlier. High-fat foods can have the exact opposite effect.
The product type
The way you choose to use CBD will affect how long it stays in your system. Fast-acting methods such as vaping will enter the bloodstream faster but exit the system earlier. Slow-releasing products such as edibles will take longer to leave the body.
Types of CBD products
Not all CBD products are entirely free of THC. This means there may be a chance that some products trigger a positive drug test, so it’s important to distinguish between them.
The three main types of CBD-based products are:
Full-spectrum CBD
A full-spectrum product uses every element of the plant. This includes all of the cannabinoids and terpenes, including THC (usually at no more than 0.3%).
Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum products go through a special process to remove all traces of THC, but other cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant are included in the final product.
CBD-isolate
Isolate products contain only cannabidiol and none of the other cannabinoids or terpenes found in cannabis plants.
Can you buy CBD oil online?
The only way to legally access CBD in Australia is with a valid prescription from a qualified medical practitioner. These products are not available for purchase in stores, and can only be accessed via a doctor.
Some people have been tricked into buying CBD online under the impression that what they’re doing is legal. These black-market products are not only unlawful but may contain damaging contaminants.
Legal CBD products are subject to strict manufacturing requirements and go through processes of third-party testing to ensure a consistent standard of quality.
For those looking to legally access CBD, the first step is to consult with an authorised health practitioner. As cannabidiol should never be used as a first line of treatment, mainstream medicine must have so far failed to work.
If there is evidence to suggest that the plant-based medicine may prove effective for the patient’s condition and the doctor deems it clinically appropriate, he may prescribe medicinal cannabis.
Summary
As CBD is non-psychoactive, most roadside and workplace drug tests are not concerned with it as a substance. The non-intoxicating nature makes it a non-issue, and drug tests are thus not designed to look for it.
Despite not being detectable in drug tests, CBD does still linger in your system for a while. Exactly how long CBD stays in your body is dependent on a number of factors. The frequency of use, product type, body composition, and concentration of cannabidiol all play a role.
Some CBD products also contain trace amounts of THC. In these cases, there is a slight chance that the THC gets detected in roadside and workplace drug tests. Those looking to be extra cautious should thus avoid using full-spectrum CBD products.
The only way to legally access CBD in Australia is with a valid prescription from a qualified medical practitioner. Purchasing medical marijuana from an unauthorised source is illegal and may even contain harmful contaminants.
Legal CBD products have to meet strict manufacturing requirements and are often subject to third-party testing. A reliable standard of quality and safety can thus be maintained across the board.
For more information on CBD and drug tests in Australia, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experts are ready and willing to assist.