When we experience chronic pain or other recurring health issues, we’re prepared to try just about anything that will help us feel better! Most of us use over-the-counter medications to treat minor colds or allergies, and it’s crucial to notify your doctor of any ongoing symptoms you’re experiencing. An increasing number of individuals are now also using Cannabidiol (CBD oil) products to treat insomnia, chronic pain, or digestive issues. But will using CBD oils or other products cause you to fail a drug test?

First Choice is Arkansas’ most trusted third-party administrator, and we offer every conceivable lab test at our convenient southwest Little Rock location. We keep a Medical Review Officer (MRO) on staff to verify the accuracy of all test results, and we’re always a phone call away if you have any questions about drug and alcohol testing in Little Rock. CBD products are legal to use and readily available for purchase at drugstores, convenience stores, and other retailers. There’s currently a paucity of medical research available, but a 2019 Gallup Poll reported that 14% of its respondents had used or were using CBD products.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate most CBD products, which means that you’ll be using them at your own risk. The FDA has currently only approved one CBD product, Epidiolex, to treat two types of seizures, and recommends that it only be used under direct medical supervision. It’s always a good idea to seek professional medical advice before using CBD products, particularly if you’re already taking blood thinners or other prescription medications. There’s also no way to determine the purity of over-the-counter CBD products, which may contain additives or contaminants.

The risk of a false positive due to CBD use appears to be very low, but we also can’t say it’s nonexistent. Legal CBD products contain less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient found in recreational marijuana, and we’re obligated to report positive results if the sample’s THC content is 15 ng/ml or higher. Most individuals who claim false positives have THC levels significantly higher than 20 ng/ml, but we’re unable to pinpoint the source of THC during testing.

Contact us online or at 501-661-9992 if you have questions about drug testing services or if you’d like to schedule an appointment.