Despite the federal legalization of hemp and the spread in popularity of hemp-based products, there is still red tape that many individuals come across on a day-to-day basis. One of the biggest concerns is whether or not using a hemp product will impact a urine test. The answer to that particular problem is a bit trickier than a simple yes or no.
Do Urine Tests Test for Hemp-Based Cannabinoids?
By now, it is well known that hemp and its more THC potent cousin, marijuana, both contain THC cannabinoids. This group of cannabinoids is what produces the psychoactive properties that marijuana is known for. Hemp contains THC cannabinoids but in much smaller quantities. This is due to hundreds of years of selective breeding for specific traits.
Urine tests test for THC. Typically, this is to identify if an individual has consumed certain substances. However, since THC is found in both hemp and marijuana, it cannot tell which type of plant the cannabinoid came from. As a result, the test will show positive for THC without distinguishing the difference on paper.
This is one of the driving factors behind brands creating THC-free and cannabinoid isolate products. By extracting select cannabinoids, brands are able to create products that can be used that lessen the risk of showing “hot” on a urine test.
Things That Impact a Urine Test
Several things can impact a urine test, the first being anything you have consumed. This includes things such as hemp-derived products, some types of food or drink, and prescription medication. For example, Banner Health notes that everyday and common items like Benadryl, Ibuprofen, poppy seeds, and even some over the counter cold medications can result in a false positive on a urine test.
The second thing that could impact your urine test is the policies held by the organization you are taking the urine test for. For example, a job may account for any THC found within a urine test, regardless of whether or not the THC was from a hemp product. This may be because of the nature of the job or for liability reasons. Even if you only consume hemp-based products off the clock, current testing capabilities cannot show whether you consumed hemp-based THC thirty minutes ago or eight hours ago
It’s important to note that although hemp is federally legal across the United States, each state has its own unique regulations regarding hemp products. What might be legal in one state could be restricted or even prohibited in another. For more specific details about hemp laws and regulations in your area, it’s best to consult the governing body responsible for overseeing the legal hemp industry in your state.
Key Takeaways
There are several things to keep in mind when preparing for a urine test. Consuming a hemp-derived Delta 9 product prior to a test will result in a positive outcome. However, how that result is interpreted can depend on various factors, including job policies, testing procedures, and state laws.
If you’ve consumed hemp-derived Delta 9 and need to take a urine test, it’s recommended to gather information ahead of time. Since each situation is unique, doing some research specific to your case can help prevent unexpected results or unwanted consequences.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. For specific legal or medical concerns, please consult the appropriate professionals.