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 therapeutic potential for inflammation, arthritis, neuropathy, and more.
What is Topical CBD?
Topical CBD is CBD that you apply topically, or to your skin. It’s used to apply CBD to specific places, rather than consuming it and having it circulate throughout your body (such as with CBD gummies, CBD oil, and CBD capsules).
Topical CBD products are commonly used by people 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 effects CBD provides.
Is CBD Targeted on Drug Tests?
The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids, including CBD, legal on the federal level. Hemp is a variant of the cannabis sativa plant containing less than 0.3% THC.
Because of this, and because CBD is not psychoactive, it’s generally not a target analyte on drug tests (i.e. something tests look for).
However, full-spectrum CBD products contain small amounts of THC. Just as with CBD, THC is federally legal when hemp-derived. But if it’s derived from marijuana, which is cannabis sativa containing more than 0.3% THC by dry weight, THC is federally illegal.
Drug testing technology can’t tell whether THC is derived from hemp or marijuana (it’s the same thing), so you may fail a drug test if full-spectrum CBD is in your bloodstream.
Types of CBD That Contain THC
Some types of CBD contain THC. Here are the main types of CBD and what each is comprised of:
- 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 and really is free of THC).
- CBD isolate: Just CBD, with no other cannabinoids or terpenes. CBD isolate will not cause you to fail a drug test.
Does Topical CBD Show On Drug Tests?
CBD topicals won’t show up on drug tests because their ingredients don’t enter your bloodstream and aren’t stored in your body’s fat cells. Even if THC were present (as in full-spectrum topicals), you won’t fail a drug test as a result of using a topical CBD product.
However, transdermal CBD patches are an exception to this rule, as they work differently to deliver CBD and other ingredients into the bloodstream.
How CBD topicals work
CBD topicals are applied to the skin, and the CBD then soaks down and reaches the CB2 endocannabinoid receptors near the surface of your skin.
By interacting with the CB2 receptors, CBD is able to promote physical comfort and mobility.
But because CBD never reaches the bloodstream, CBD topicals don’t pose a drug testing risk, even if they contain THC.
A 2017 study looking at the impact of THC topicals on drug test findings found that using these products didn’t produce a drug test failure [1].
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.
Does CBD lotion show on drug tests?
No, CBD lotion will not show up on a drug test.
CBD lotion provides moisturizing and physically relaxing benefits for the skin and the muscles and joints that lay underneath.
Does CBD cream show on drug tests?
No, CBD cream will not show up on a drug test.
CBD cream provides physical relaxation to target areas on the body.
Does CBD massage oil show on drug tests?
No, CBD massage oil will not show up on a drug test.
CBD massage oil is an alternative to regular massage oil. It promotes physical relaxation while also enhancing the massage experience.
Does CBD salve show on drug tests?
No, CBD salves will not show up on a drug test.
CBD salve is a thicker form of CBD topical that melts and absorbs into the skin when applied.
Do CBD patches show on drug tests?
Yes, CBD patches may show up on a drug test if they also contain THC (i.e. if the product contains full-spectrum CBD as opposed to broad spectrum or isolate).
CBD transdermal patches are a topical product designed to deliver ingredients into the bloodstream. They allow for high rates of absorption, but they come with a potential drug testing drawback if they contain THC.
Benefits of CBD Topicals
Research and anecdotal evidence suggest CBD topicals have therapeutic potential in several different areas:
CBD topicals may promote physical comfort
CBD topicals may promote physical comfort and provide muscle and joint support.
One study found that CBD topicals have the potential to address arthritis pain [2].
A study done on a group of patients with a nerve condition concluded that topical CBD significantly reduced “intense pain, sharp pain, [and] cold and itchy sensations” [3].
While CBD topicals aren’t a treatment for pain and pain-related conditions, research suggests it has potential in this area.
Anecdotally, our customers have found CBD useful for muscular tension and post-workout recovery.
CBD topicals may be used for TMD
Research indicates that topical CBD may help with the jaw pain that results from temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD, also sometimes called TMJ) [4].
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull. If you have TMD, you may feel pain and experience compromised movement of the jaw.
CBD topicals aren’t a treatment for TMD, which is caused by excessive strain on the jaw joints. However, many people find it useful for promoting comfort while they seek a permanent solution.
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.
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 though they don’t deliver CBD to the bloodstream.
Still, we recommend you 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.
If you’re still exploring your options, check out our product comparisons of CBD oil vs. gummies and CBD capsules vs. oil.
Topicals deliver the benefits of CBD just in the places you need it. Discover our collection of lab-tested, high-strength CBD topicals.
Topical CBD on Drug Tests: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about whether topical CBD shows on drug tests.
Is topical CBD legal in all 50 states?
No. While topical products made with hemp-derived CBD are legal in 47 US states, Kansas, Washington D.C., and Idaho all place various restrictions on CBD products, even topicals, that could render them illegal.
Does topical CBD show up in urine?
No, topical CBD will not show up in urine because topical products don’t deliver CBD to the bloodstream. Since the CBD never enters your system, it won’t show up on a urine test.
Does topical CBD get you high?
No, topical CBD won’t get you high. CBD itself is non-psychoactive, and even if a CBD topical contains THC, this THC won’t be delivered to the bloodstream, so it won’t cause a high.
How long does topical CBD cream stay in your system?
The CBD in topicals won’t reach the bloodstream, so therefore, it won’t stay in your system as the CBD from gummies or oil might. That being said, the effects of topical CBD last for 4-6 hours after application.
Does topical CBD get absorbed?
While topical CBD will absorb deep enough into the skin to reach your surface endocannabinoid receptors, it won’t absorb into the bloodstream.
Sources
[1] Hess, C et al. “Topical application of THC containing products is not able to cause positive cannabinoid finding in blood or urine.” Forensic science international vol. 272 (2017): 68-71. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.01.008
[2] Hammell, D C et al. “Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.” European journal of pain (London, England) vol. 20,6 (2016): 936-48. doi:10.1002/ejp.818
[3] Xu, Dixon H et al. “The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities.” Current pharmaceutical biotechnology vol. 21,5 (2020): 390-402. doi:10.2174/1389201020666191202111534
[4] Nitecka-Buchta, Aleksandra et al. “Myorelaxant Effect of Transdermal Cannabidiol Application in Patients with TMD: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.” Journal of clinical medicine vol. 8,11 1886. 6 Nov. 2019, doi:10.3390/jcm8111886
