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
Finally, despite hemp being federally legal in all 50 states, each state has its own rules and regulations surrounding hemp. What may be legal in one state may be heavily restricted or not legal in another. For more specific information about hemp laws and regulations, it is advised to reach out to the regulatory program that oversees the legal hemp industry in your state.
The Bottom Line
There are multiple factors to consider when taking a urine test. If you consume a hemp-derived Delta 9 product before taking a urine test, it will show positive. However, whether or not it is taken into account within the results can depend on varying factors. Job type and policies, as well as state laws, can all play a part in the testing outcome.
If you consume hemp-derived Delta 9 and have to take a urine test, it is advisable to get this information beforehand. Each situation can be different based on the factors discussed above. However, doing the homework and finding the answer to your specific situation can help avoid any unwanted surprises or negative outcomes.
This article is not intended to be taken as legal or medical advice. Please contact the appropriate resource for any legal or medical questions pertaining to this subject.