For athletes, it's important to be mindful of what goes into their bodies. Many are reluctant to try CBD products because they fear that it will show up on blood tests, but there are several options available that won't trigger a positive result. Here's some information about the different kinds of CBD products along with what will and won't show on a drug test.
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
Full spectrum CBD oil is made using the whole plant, meaning it contains trace (yet federally legal) amounts of THC. While the THC levels are low enough that they might not cause a positive drug test, it's important to be aware of the possibility. If you're an athlete or high performer who can't risk even trace amounts of THC, full spectrum oil may not be the best choice for you. Stick with CBD isolate and/or broad spectrum products.
Cannabidiol Isolates
CBD isolates are exactly what they sound like—pure, isolated CBD that has been extracted from the plant and purified. Because there are no other compounds present, CBD isolates are a great option for those who want to avoid THC entirely. However, isolates aren't as effective as full spectrum oils because they don't contain the other beneficial compounds found in cannabis plants. This means that you may need to take higher doses to experience the same effects.
Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad spectrum products are the "middle child" of full-spectrum and CBD isolate. These offer the benefits of the full plant but with the trace amounts of THC fully removed. A great choice for drug-tested athletes.
Cannabidiol Edibles
CBD edibles are another popular option, and there are many drug-tested athletes who swear by them. That's because the CBD is metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream, which means there's very little chance of it showing up on a drug test. The downside of edibles is that they can take longer to take effect—anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours—so they're not ideal if you need quick relief.
Topical CBD Creams and Lotions
Topical CBD products, like Absolute Aid's transdermal pain cream, are applied directly to the skin and don't enter the bloodstream, so there's no risk of them showing up on a drug test. They're a great choice for those who want localized relief from pain or inflammation without worrying about THC. The downside is that topical CBD products don't provide the same full-body effects as oils or edibles.
Athletes need to find which method works for them
When it comes to CBD and drug-tested athletes (or employees for that matter) it's best to stay away from full-spectrum products since the trace amounts of legal THC found in full-spectrum products can technically pop a drug test. Instead stick with the THC-free CBD Isolate and broad-spectrum CBD products so you can feel confident about using them without fear of consequences. Choose a product based on your needs and preferences, and you'll be able to enjoy all the benefits that CBD has to offer without any worries.
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