Does CBD Oil show in a drug test in Australia? CBD Drug Test Guide
If you’re wondering, Does CBD Oil show in a drug test in Australia, then the simple answer is no, if you’re taking the right type of CBD Oil. Here’s what you should know.
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Does CBD oil show in a drug test in Australia?
Whether you’re already using CBD or just getting into it, you might be worried about how it will show up on a roadside drug test. We understand – after all CBD oil is a cannabis-derived product.
The simple answer to the question of whether or not it will show up on a drug test is “no”. Let’s dive into the details.
How long does CBD oil stay in the blood system?
CBD can be detected in the bloodstream for up to five hours. In fact, most medicines are only detectable in the blood for short durations1. The same applies to drugs; blood testing is preferred when it is suspected that the individual is actively under the influence of drugs, after which other methods of testing are more effective.
But first, let’s talk about how the body processes CBD. CBD absorption refers to “the transportation of the unmetabolized drug from the site of administration to the body circulation system”2. When CBD reaches the blood, it is transported to different parts of the body and interacts with both CBD receptors within the endocannabinoid system3 and non-cannabinoid receptors such as serotonin receptors4.
It is these interactions that allow CBD to have the beneficial effects we are now familiar with, on both the body and the brain. The potency of CBD oil depends highly on the method of administration. When it is ingested, CBD travels through our digestive system to the stomach. From there, it is transported to the liver, where the metabolization process begins5. A lot of CBD is lost during this process before the rest of it enters the bloodstream, which is why CBD edibles and CBD oil administered orally are not the most effective methods of taking CBD.
The same cannot be said about taking CBD oil sublingually. If you allow the mucus membrane under your tongue to absorb the CBD oil, it can bypass the digestive system and enter your bloodstream directly. This increases the amount of CBD present in your body and thus, its potency. For this reason, sublingual CBD drops are much more effective than other methods of administration.
How long does it take for CBD to leave your system?
The noticeable effects of CBD occur within 15 minutes to one hour after taking it, depending on the dosage and method of administration, and they can last anywhere between four to six hours.
As we said above, drugs are quickly metabolized and eliminated from the bloodstream. It does not take more than 5 hours for CBD to leave your circulatory system, but it can be found in your urine for longer periods of time, usually between one to several days.
Like most other substances, CBD can also be found in your hair follicles. These are tube-shaped formations found in the first two layers of the scalp. Hair follicle tests are highly effective drug test alternatives because substances can be present here for up to 90 days6.
How to get CBD out of your body fast
It is worth mentioning here that unlike the other popular compound found in cannabis, THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects and does not induce the “high” typically associated with cannabis. If, for any reason, you want to quickly eliminate CBD from your system after taking it, here are a few solutions:
- Drink lots of water to increase the frequency of urination. This will help get the CBD out of your body through your bladder.
- Try exercising for 30 minutes to one hour to promote sweating. Sweat contains toxins and other substances that your body wants to eliminate, so working up a good sweat will help lessen the amount of CBD in your body.
- Eat foods that are high in fiber. Fiber will stimulate bowel movements and more quickly eliminate external substances from your system.
Can you drive with CBD oil in your system?
Driving while under the influence of any drugs, whether they are illicit or not, is prohibited in all states and territories throughout Australia. This raises the question: can you drive with CBD oil in your system? The answer is simply yes! Unlike THC, which is a psychoactive component of cannabis that can impair cognitive abilities and motor skills, CBD does not have any psychoactive effects. Therefore, it will not cause any impairment to your driving abilities and is safe for you to take before operating a motor vehicle. It is also completely legal in Australia! So if you’re feeling anxious or stressed out, taking some CBD oil may be one way to help ease your mind before getting behind the wheel.
Roadside drug testing Australia
Roadside drug testing is becoming increasingly common, with police using infrared cameras to detect people who may be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The National Road Safety Council predicts that by 2020 roadside drug testing will be as common in Australia as breathalyzer tests.
In order to carry out roadside drug testing, police must first suspect a driver of being impaired by drugs or alcohol. If they do, they can administer a saliva test and if the driver tests positive for drugs, they will be arrested and taken to a police station for further medical testing7.
For drivers who are suspected of driving under the influence of illegal substances such as cannabis, methamphetamine, or cocaine, two-step roadside drug testing is used. The first step is to test the driver’s saliva using a swab. If this tests positive, then a second confirmatory blood or urine sample will be taken at a police station.
CBD does not show up in drug tests and is considered to be a non-intoxicating substance. As we said above, CBD oil does not impair your driving ability. However, as THC can also be present in hemp products, it is possible that drivers who have consumed CBD products could test positive for THC and face the consequences of roadside drug testing.
The most important step to take in avoiding this is to look for high-quality, laboratory-tested CBD products that are THC free. This will ensure that drivers remain free from the risk of accidentally driving with THC in their system.
Can CBD be found in a hair drug test?
The hair follicle test is a highly effective option when you want to find traces of drugs long after they were taken. As we mentioned above, hair follicles absorb substances that can be detected for up to 90 days.
CBD, however, will not show up in a hair follicle test unless the test is specifically designed to look for it. A specific CBd hair follicle test is highly unlikely, and will not have damaging consequences because CBD is legal and non-intoxicating. That means that even if CBD is, in some way, found in your hair follicles, you will not get in trouble for it.
Can you bring CBD oil into Australia?
Legal websites, regulations, permits, ultimately no, buy online, link to LL/CBD oil list
Transporting CBD oil into Australia is legal as long as the quantity does not exceed three months’ supply. Patients who bring CBD oil into Australia are also required to show a prescription, identification, and a note from their doctor proving the need to use CBD oil8, as well as declare the products at border control.
Getting a CBD prescription is not an easy task; fortunately, there are easier ways to gain access to CBD oil. You can find high quality, laboratory-tested CBD oil available for purchase online, without a prescription. It’s similar to over-the-counter CBD oil (which is not yet available in Australia), with the bonus of getting it delivered to your front door. Here’s a helpful list with the top CBD oils we’ve found online, tested by us for quality and effectiveness.
Related: Is CBD Vape Juice In Australia Legal?
Conclusion – Does CBD oil show in a drug test in Australia?
CBD oil is a safe and natural way to help ease anxiety before driving. However, it’s important to be aware that THC can also be present in hemp products which could potentially lead to positive results in roadside drug testing. To avoid this risk, always look for high-quality laboratory tested CBD oils that are 100% THC free. Additionally, drug tests don’t test for CBD because it is a legal substance that is safe to consume, which is why even if it is detected in your system, it won’t mean trouble. With these tips in mind, now you know how to get access to quality CBD oil safely and legally!
References
1. adl25. Everything You Need To Know About Blood Drug Testing. Breathalysers Australia. Published December 7, 2022. Accessed December 23, 2022. https://breathalysers-australia.com.au/blood-drug-test/
2. Alagga AA, Gupta V. Drug Absorption. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Accessed December 23, 2022. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557405/
3. Lu HC, Mackie K. Review of the Endocannabinoid System. Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging. 2021;6(6):607-615. doi:10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.07.016
4. de Almeida DL, Devi LA. Diversity of molecular targets and signaling pathways for CBD. Pharmacol Res Perspect. 2020;8(6):e00682. doi:10.1002/prp2.682
5. Franco V, Gershkovich P, Perucca E, Bialer M. The Interplay Between Liver First-Pass Effect and Lymphatic Absorption of Cannabidiol and Its Implications for Cannabidiol Oral Formulations. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2020;59(12):1493-1500. doi:10.1007/s40262-020-00931-w
6. Patzelt A, Lademann J. Drug delivery to hair follicles. Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2013;10(6):787-797. doi:10.1517/17425247.2013.776038
7. Towards Zero Together. Accessed December 23, 2022.
https://towardszerotogether.sa.gov.au/Safer_behaviours/Drug_driving2
8. Administration (TGA) TG. Medicinal cannabis: importation and the traveller’s exemption. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Published June 21, 2022. Accessed December 23, 2022. https://www.tga.gov.au/medicinal-cannabis-importation-and-travellers-exemption
Written by Rodney Guthrie
Rodney is a co-founder of CBD Oil Australia. He works as a cannabis rights activist, and has been working for years to bring awareness to the health benefits of cannabis and how it can help people suffering from various conditions who aren’t able to find relief with traditional medications.
