CBD topicals allow you to deliver targeted relaxation to your body. But can topical CBD cause you to fail a drug test… and cost you your job?
The short answer is no, you most likely have nothing to worry about. In this article, we’re going to explain why.
Takeaways:
- Because the CBD in topicals doesn’t reach your bloodstream, topical CBD products have no impact on drug tests.
- CBD won’t show up on a drug test, but THC, which is present in some types of CBD, will.
- Research has shown CBD topicals to have benefits for inflammation, arthritis, neuropathy, and more.
What is Topical CBD?
Topical CBD is simply CBD that you apply topically, or to specific places on your skin. Contrast that to CBD products such as gummies, oil, and capsules, which are ingested and provide full-body effects.
Topical CBD products are a common choice among those who are only taking CBD for the physical benefits (e.g. those dealing with inflammation or pain), and who aren’t looking for the mental relaxation CBD provides.
Is CBD Targeted on Drug Tests?
This is where it can get confusing.
As of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived cannabinoids (those with less than 0.3% THC content) are federally legal.
Therefore, CBD is not targeted on drug tests, and will never cause you to fail a drug test. Instead, it’s the THC that’s present in some CBD products that is the problem.
Unfortunately, drug tests can’t distinguish between legal, hemp-derived THC, and illegal THC from marijuana. It’s the same thing, but in different amounts.
Types of CBD That Contain THC
Some types of CBD contain THC. Here are the main types of CBD:
- Full-spectrum CBD — consists of CBD, secondary cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, CBC, up to 0.3% THC, and terpenes. Because it contains so many of the components of the cannabis plant together, full-spectrum CBD renders the “entourage” effect — the amplified benefits you receive from using CBD in its natural form. When ingested, full-spectrum CBD will cause you to fail a drug test.
- Broad-spectrum CBD — consists of CBD, secondary cannabinoids, and terpenes, without THC. Broad-spectrum CBD won’t cause you to fail a drug test (presuming it’s high-quality).
- CBD isolate — just CBD, with no other cannabinoids or terpenes. CBD isolate will not cause a failed drug test.
How CBD Topicals Work & Why They Won’t Cause You to Fail a Drug Test
CBD topicals are applied directly to the skin, and the CBD then soaks down through your skin and renders benefits. Various topical products are designed to deliver the CBD to different depths of your skin — some target the surface, while others can target joints.
Because the CBD In Topicals Doesn’t Reach Your Bloodstream, CBD Topicals Won’t Cause You to Fail a Drug Test
In order for a drug test to pick up a drug in your system, it has to have reached your bloodstream and circulated around your body.
The chance of even full-spectrum CBD in a gummy or oil causing you to fail a drug test is already pretty low, because the amount of THC it contains is so small. But it still does happen.
However, with topicals, this risk is reduced to zero; and there’s scientific research to back this up.
In a sense, the CBD in topicals (which may include THC) never enters your system, so it doesn’t pose a drug test risk!
DISCLAIMER: Although research and anecdotal evidence suggest topical products don’t cause cannabinoids to reach the bloodstream, we recommend erring on the side of caution when using any product containing THC if you have to undergo regular drug testing. The research on how CBD and THC topicals work is still preliminary, and there may still be things we don’t know.
Benefits of CBD Topicals
As you’ve learned, CBD topicals do not pose a drug test risk.
CBD topicals have another upside: they have unique benefits that other CBD products either don’t offer or don’t provide to as great an extent.
Here’s how topicals can help you.
CBD Topicals Support Muscle and Joint Relaxation and Bone Recovery
Research has shown that CBD topicals have the potential to address arthritis pain.
Anecdotally, our customers have found CBD useful for muscular tension, pain and inflammation, post-workout soreness, and bone recovery.
CBD Topicals May Provide Relief for Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord.
A study done on a group of patients dealing with this condition found that topical CBD significantly reduced “intense pain, sharp pain, [and] cold and itchy sensations.”
CBD Topicals Promote Healthy Skin
The American Academy of Dermatology says that topical CBD has the potential to improve acne, psoriasis, and eczema by reducing inflammation.
Many of our customers have used CBD topicals for skin care, and have experienced similar benefits.
Topicals deliver the benefits of CBD just in the places you need it. Discover our collection of lab-tested, high-strength CBD topicals.
Types of CBD Topicals
If you’re interested in trying a CBD topical, here are the main types of products you have to choose from:
- Lotion & skin cream — CBD creams and lotions provide moisturizing benefits, as well as the relaxing effects of CBD.
- Roll-on — CBD roll-on products provide quick application and dry quickly once you put them on your skin. As a result, they’re commonly used for post-workout recovery.
- Salve — CBD salve is thick when you first apply it, but it quickly melts and absorbs into the skin. Salves are the best choice if you’re looking for long-lasting effects from a topical.
- Balm — much like lotion, CBD skin balms provide moisturizing and protective benefits for the skin, while also delivering the relaxing effects of CBD.
- Massage oil — CBD-infused massage oil offers a way to get the benefits of CBD with your next massage.
Conclusion: Topical CBD Won’t Cause a Positive Drug Test Result
Whether you use a topical containing THC or one without, you likely have nothing to worry about when it comes to drug testing. And CBD topicals still offer immense benefits, even if they don’t enter the bloodstream!
Still, err on the side of caution and consider using broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate (which contain no THC) if you need to undergo drug testing on a regular basis.
However, you might also find that you need a CBD product that renders full-body benefits.
In this case, feel free to read our product comparisons of CBD oil vs. gummies and CBD capsules vs. oil!
