Does CBD Come Out in Hair Follicle Drug Test? Understanding Test Results

What does a hair follicle drug test detect?

A hair follicle drug test detects the presence of drug metabolites deposited in hair shafts after drug use. The test primarily targets THC-COOH, the metabolite of THC found in marijuana, along with other substances such as cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. CBD itself is not included in the standard drug panels used by national labs because it is non-intoxicating and not classified as a controlled substance.

AMH Nationwide routes hair drug tests through five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Results are reviewed by certified Medical Review Officers to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Does CBD come out in hair follicle drug test?

CBD itself does not come out in hair follicle drug tests because these tests do not screen for cannabidiol. However, some CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, which can metabolize and be detected in hair. The likelihood of THC detection depends on the amount and frequency of THC exposure through the CBD product. Most standard hair tests cannot differentiate between THC from cannabis use versus trace THC in CBD products.

If a hair follicle drug test is required for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions, only federally certified urine testing is accepted; hair tests are used for non-DOT roles. For any concerns about CBD use and hair testing, contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362.

What is the detection window for hair follicle drug tests?

Hair follicle drug testing typically detects drug metabolites deposited in hair over approximately 90 days. Hair grows about half an inch per month, and the standard 1.5-inch hair sample represents about three months of drug exposure. This detection window applies to THC metabolites and other substances tested. CBD use is not detected because it is not screened for in hair tests.

Because hair testing reflects long-term use, occasional or one-time exposure to THC through CBD products is less likely to appear unless the THC content is significant or use is frequent.

How does AMH Nationwide process hair follicle drug tests?

AMH Nationwide coordinates hair follicle drug testing by providing lab orders and directing individuals to one of over 20,000 nationwide collection sites. Samples are collected following strict chain-of-custody procedures and sent to one of five national labs for analysis. Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to confirm findings and interpret results according to regulatory guidelines.

Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to schedule a hair follicle drug test or for further questions about the testing process.

Can CBD use cause false positives on hair follicle drug tests?

CBD use alone does not cause false positives because hair follicle drug tests do not target CBD. However, CBD products with low levels of THC could produce positive results for THC metabolites if used frequently or in large amounts. Labs use sensitive and specific testing methods to differentiate substances, and all positive results undergo review by a Medical Review Officer to rule out false positives or alternative explanations.

For accurate interpretation of hair follicle drug test results related to CBD use, contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362.

Are hair follicle drug tests accepted for DOT-regulated testing?

Hair follicle drug tests are not accepted for Department of Transportation (DOT) regulated safety-sensitive testing. DOT requires federally certified urine drug testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair testing is primarily used for non-DOT employment, court, probation, or personal testing purposes. CBD use and hair test results should be discussed with the test administrator to understand testing requirements.

Call (877) 731-6362 to learn more about DOT testing protocols and hair follicle drug testing options through AMH Nationwide.

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